One of the perfect issues about Catification is that it may be completely personalized to suit any fashion. You can provide your cats the indoor enrichment they want with out worrying about how your property seems. In truth, with somewhat creativity, you may make one thing that’s completely distinctive and certain to be a dialog piece when company go to.
Go for industrial stylish with pipe décor
©Photography by Kate Benjamin
For this challenge, we used pipe décor, a method of dwelling décor that includes black iron pipes and fittings, giving it an industrial-chic look. Pipe décor is usually used to make furnishings like tables, cabinets, lamps and extra, however right here we’re repurposing it to create a singular cat climbing wall.
The pipes and fittings are all interchangeable, permitting you to construct nearly something you may think about, type of like an Erector Set. Iron pipe is obtainable in numerous lengths, starting from 1 inch to 72 inches lengthy, and ½ inch, ¾ inch and 1 inch diameter. We used ½ inch diameter pipe and fittings for this challenge.
You can select from plenty of completely different fittings, relying on the way you wish to join the pipes. Elbows, tees, four-way, five-way and six-way connectors are all out there, and flanges are used to attach pipes to partitions or different surfaces, like cabinets. When correctly assembled, pipe décor could be very sturdy and engaging — excellent for Catification.
Pipes and connectors can be found at dwelling enchancment shops within the plumbing part, however for a challenge like this you’ll in all probability wish to look on-line for components which might be made for dwelling décor. The plumbing {hardware} is often rather more costly, and it has writing stamped on the facet. Parts made particularly for dwelling décor are inexpensive and able to use, though they might require somewhat cleansing to take away any grease that’s left over from the manufacturing course of. If they aren’t already, it’s a good suggestion to seal pipes and fittings to stop rusting. Follow the producer’s instructions for cleansing and sealing.
Design the climbing wall
©Photography by Kate Benjamin
This is the half the place you will get actually inventive and design one thing that’s excellent on your dwelling and your cats. The pipes and fittings help you construct particular person cabinets or extra elaborate frames that join a number of cabinets. Make certain to create a pathway that’s straightforward for cats to navigate, conserving the gap between cabinets round 10 to 12 inches and making an attempt to keep away from creating any lifeless ends. In this design, cats can go up or down on both facet.
For this design, I used a number of single cabinets and a few linked shelf units for selection and visible enchantment. I additionally added a wall-mounted scratcher, a hammock beneath one of many decrease cabinets and a delegated spot on the ground for 2 automated feeders.
For this challenge, we used the next ½ inch diameter components:
- 1 1/2-inch, 4-inch, 5-inch and 12-inch pipes
- 90-degree elbow connectors
- Tee connectors
- Flanges
Be cautious when buying pipe and pipe fittings from completely different producers. In idea, they need to all match collectively if they’re all the identical diameter (½ inch, ¾ inch or 1 inch), however I’ve discovered that some items usually are not appropriate with others. Make certain you may return the items in the event that they don’t all work collectively.
TIP: Use blue painters’ tape to mark the scale and placement of cabinets on the wall, serving to you visualize the design.
