Pet of the Week: Brother Cats Inspire a Climbing Space
Los Angeles homeowners give 2 cats their own ‘stairs’ during a home remodel
When it came time to remodel their home, a cat-loving couple knew they had to find a way to include their cats in the design. Today the cats have their own climbing “stairs” and access to front-yard views thanks to their thoughtful owners.
Meet Tibbers: Tibbers likes to lounge on the furniture during the cooler months to avoid the chilly floor. During summertime naps, Jenn says, he blends right into the marble floors throughout the home.
Project for the cats: The couple love the bay window in their home and wanted to create a way for the cats to enjoy it. They teamed up with a cat-loving contractor, Robert Knox of Rock Construction, to make these stairs and extend the ledge above the window.
To create the stairs, Jenn suggested they use scraps of wood left over from bookshelves installed across the room. Exposed brackets hold up the repurposed wood, matching the industrial style of the rest of the space.
Jenn designed the stairs so that her felines could easily climb from shelf to shelf. The stairs are situated between the fireplace and the wall near the bay window. Once Sammy and Tibbers reach the top shelf, they can make their way over to the ledge above the window.
For traction, Jenn picked up light gray carpet at Home Depot and cut it to size. She attached it with heavy-duty double-sided tape.
Not only do the cats love climbing up the stairs, but they often nap on them and use the carpet for scratching, Jenn says.
To create the stairs, Jenn suggested they use scraps of wood left over from bookshelves installed across the room. Exposed brackets hold up the repurposed wood, matching the industrial style of the rest of the space.
Jenn designed the stairs so that her felines could easily climb from shelf to shelf. The stairs are situated between the fireplace and the wall near the bay window. Once Sammy and Tibbers reach the top shelf, they can make their way over to the ledge above the window.
For traction, Jenn picked up light gray carpet at Home Depot and cut it to size. She attached it with heavy-duty double-sided tape.
Not only do the cats love climbing up the stairs, but they often nap on them and use the carpet for scratching, Jenn says.
Bay window views: Often, Jenn says, one cat climbs to the top while the other naps in the bed below. She calls the space their bunk beds. When they’re awake, the cats enjoy watching the birds in the trees or the mail carrier dropping off the mail in the afternoon.
From the owners: “Our kitties are cuddlers. Every evening they snuggle up on our laps to watch TV and then end up in our bed and snuggle down with us for the night. They make our house a home.”
Could your pet be a Pet of the Week? We’re looking for pets that join their owner on the job, pets that may have a space built just for them or simply a fantastic photo of your pet in an interesting home setting. Post your best photo in the Comments, and tell us your pet’s story.
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From the owners: “Our kitties are cuddlers. Every evening they snuggle up on our laps to watch TV and then end up in our bed and snuggle down with us for the night. They make our house a home.”
Could your pet be a Pet of the Week? We’re looking for pets that join their owner on the job, pets that may have a space built just for them or simply a fantastic photo of your pet in an interesting home setting. Post your best photo in the Comments, and tell us your pet’s story.
More
Read more about pets at home
10 Tips for Keeping Indoor Cats Healthy and Happy
Pets at a Glance
Pets: Sammy and Tibbers, two Persian cats
Age: 5 years and 4 years, respectively
Location: Los Angeles
Owners: Jenn and Glenn Gers
Meet Sammy: This orange cat is one of two rescue cats owned by Jenn and Glenn Gers of Los Angeles. They adopted him from Helping Persian Cats, a rescue group with which Jenn volunteers. He’s the older brother at home.