Cat Antics

Those of you know are on Etsy teams with me, and a few others will know that since we found the kittens and have started feeding the feral cats, that Pepito has started some bad behaviour.  He began spraying, and although it was limited was a major issue.  One day he outright peed on a cat bed.  Thus began a journey of vet visits, hormone diffusers and natural remedies.

One thing that came out of my research was the fact that cats consider vertical space as territory too.  I told Mr. Bird we should do some kind of "shelving thing" for the cats.  HE decided the stairwell would be a great place!?!  I wasn't on board at first, but I went along with it and now I think it's pretty neat.  Here is what he did!

Cleo taking a closer look.  (Can you believe how big she is?)

Ta da! She made it.  This also gives you a better idea of the wall in full.

This past weekend the boys gave it a try.  Pepito took his time.

AND, he's up!

Loki couldn't be left out of the fun.

Yay. Total cat immersion!

We did have some difficulty with the bottom shelf being bouncy and we thought about moving it to the wall to the right (the one Pito's tail is touching, two photos up) but Mr. Bird was able to get it sturdy.  The black table was there to offer another way up but we've removed it now.  The last thing to do is some decorative trim on the brackets.

Now for the details.  We got a 10ft long board from the hardware store.  I can't remember as I type this if it is 6 or 8inches deep.  I think it's 6 inches. Mr. Bird cut the board in 2 foot pieces.  He drilled the brackets into the wall and then drilled the shelf into the bracket.  The shelves are roughly 19 inches apart vertically. 

We still need to spend more time in the stairwell just hanging out so they will try to use it more, but Mr. Bird confirmed it's super cool to be outside and see a little face up in that window!!

Hope you are all doing well!
Cheers!
this little bird