Creative Cat Center

This Creative Primitive Cat Center fits into décor and gives Kitties a place “to go”….

13 years ago, we rescued 2 small kittens from a parking lot.  Then my son added 2 non- cat friendly dogs followed by my husband adding another.  Needless to say, the cats were stressed and so was I.  It was nervous breakdown level chaos.

In addition to the dogs chasing the cats, they visited the litter box frequently and came out with kitty litter plus stuck to their noses.  They also gobbled up the cat food which is so high in protein that it is like sugar to a dog.  I tried putting the litter box and food dish on the dryer, but it really got in the way.

They needed something high and closed that was their turf.  I built my first “cat center” out of a white melamine cabinet from Target.  You put it together yourself and all I did was cut a hole in the side. It served its purpose well and assured me that the cats would actually use it before investing in a fancier one.

The one pictured was recently made from old porch boards, painted and distressed.  I wanted to create something that looked like it had been stored in a barn or shed for a long time. As this primitive style fits into the decor of my  Master Bedroom. 

The aluminum trays and feeding bowls were an awesome thrift store find.  The trays make a great back splash for messy eaters.

Here’s a view of the inside, displaying Fluffy and Zippy’s favorite things all in one place.

  I got some great advice from a friend with multiple pets. “Each pet needs their own special space in the home.”  She was right, and the dogs learned that this was the cats special “off limits” place.

Cat Centers are not only essential for keeping other pets out of litter boxes but they are excellent for keeping young curious infants and toddlers out as well. My daughter has 3 cats and has benefited from her toy chest cat center for years.

Centers can be made with old dressers, toy boxes, cabinets, or anything that has the depth to fit a litter box.

Inside view of the entrance and exit.   You can make an opening on both sides if your cat really doesn’t like that closed in feeling. The feet were cut from larger table legs found a salvage store.

The original color of the boards was gray. Actually, there were many layers and different colors of gray, which really added to the overall look.

I added Benjamin Moore’s Venezuelan Sea, distressed by sanding and then stained with water based Minwax in Walnut.

The bright shiny hinges got an extra dose to look aged and rusty.

The opening was created by adjusting the length of the boards.A piece of wood scalloped (imperfectly) with a jig saw was added to the bottom of the doors.  After being sanded, it has the appearance of being cut by hand.

Fluffy and Zippy survived their remodel and mom is happy because the dirty white cabinet is now in the basement.

We would love to hear your tips on fitting pet equipment into design…

Photos and Article By Denise Aka Mom