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Cat Itecture: Better Cat Window Boxes (2023)

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Re: Cat Itecture: Better Cat Window Boxes (2023)

#11

Post by drakonka »

Sharlin wrote: post #9
drakonka wrote: post #7

I'm still reading, but as I go through the sight vs sound section I am reminded of how weird my cats seem to be (especially the male). He seems to have none of these risk assessment/survival instincts at all unless we are at the vet's office. At home, whether inside or on the balcony, he simply behaves like there is no danger from anything, ever. If he hears a new sound he will likely go toward it rather than away, a…

Many housecats are like that, simply absolutely confident that their own territory is totally safe because that’s all they have ever experienced.

It makes me so happy every time I think about that - how my cats have never had to know anything other than utter love and safety.

In actuality he's been through some really rough times at vet hospitals as a kitten (and that's why he reacts differently with vets), so it is an extra relief that he came out of that so well-adjusted at home.

Re: Cat Itecture: Better Cat Window Boxes (2023)

#12

Post by BLKNSLVR »

I'd left the lawnmower outside for a few days, with the grass-catcher detached, sitting on it's side held stable and upright between the mower and the wall.

The cats would often sniff at, and stick their heads in, then move on for the rest of their property-security-tour. The other day one of them decided to get right in and sat happily in there for a while. Looking out at the world through the grass-catching hole.

Just another box, but safe from attack from all angles other than one they're looking at.

Re: Cat Itecture: Better Cat Window Boxes (2023)

#15

Post by subscribed »

mzi wrote: post #2

There's a book about the sibling construction: the cat ladder. It's called "Arcatecture"[0]. 0: https://brigitteschuster.com/swiss-cat-ladders

That's amazing. I need to add several smaller ladders for my elderly cat, and a couple of the ideas will fit the limited space I have.

Thank you!

Re: Cat Itecture: Better Cat Window Boxes (2023)

#16

Post by MrSkelter »

yowayb wrote: post #3

I've personally found that the most comfortable human spaces incorporate layers of exposure as described in the article. I also find our cats' preferences to mirror ours (even when we're not around), with the added depth of how they fit into cabinets and other small spaces. I feel as tho our failure to architect for cats properly is more a symptom of laymen approaching architecture. Aside: on a much larger scale, I'v…

This is why floor to ceiling windows in living spaces don’t feel quite right. It’s much more comfortable to have a low barrier and then a window because there’s something involved into us which makes being on a platform feel precarious.

People are confused by this because generally, they see the options as full height window or conventional window. Everyone knows that more light is better. But the ideal is either a full height window, which is blocked at the bottom by seating or a sofa or plants or something, or a window that comes within 30cm or so of the floor. It also means that people outside on the ground have a much more obscured view in and people in the room can continue their visibility by moving back-and-forth very easily.

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