The old and the new

A while ago I started a project to replace the well loved but worn out cat tower on the right.

The fabric cubby hole is ridden with holes and tears, the sisal rope is shedding fibre and strands are falling off, and everything is wobbly, and rickety from the force of a fired up small Jasper hitting it at speed.

Sadly there is no way of strengthening the hollow plastic tubes or redrilling holes into cheap fibre board.

Rather than buy another rubbish quality cat tower destined for landfill a year later, or spend ridiculous amounts of money on something solidly built from the other end of the country, I decided to design my own cat tower.

After all, if I have to have a cat tower in the house it may as well look like reasonable furniture. On the left is Jasper's new bespoke cat tower, with its mid-century lines and good looks ;-)

In keeping with the idea that it should look reasonably attractive I asked the local MenzShed to build my design, rather than me have a go.

I think they've done a fabulous job. They've added one extra length of wood to brace it front to back. I like that it looks light and doesn't block light or my view of the garden. That's exactly what I wanted.

I bought recycled native rimu wood of various sizes to suit the design. All that's left for me to do is add padded cushions covered with polar fleece to each perch.

The first thing this evening was to dismantle the old tower. I've played with Jasper around and on the new obe so he gets used to it. Until I get the padded bits on the perches he's inclined to slip on the smooth wood.

I have plenty to puzzle over and figure out at work, and I'm enjoying it. Hopefully I'll complete what I need to in the morning, so I can meet tomorrow's deadline.

Today's gratitude: For the smell of spring grass.