Friday, May 30, 2014

Celestial Skyway?

When we made the decision to adopt Cashmere and Glitter we decided to make some adjustments to make the girls more comfortable. Chrystal told us that Cashmere tended to like to be up high. We have Leo's short cat tree in the front window and his nearly destroyed blue tree up to the cabinet shelf. Star uses them on occasion, but she's not much of a high percher so we tend to call these things Leo's because he loves them.

Two high places, one not that high at all, was not going to be enough for four kitties. So I talked to my cousin P, who just recently became a cat person and who's husband T likes to do wood work and he agreed to make us some shelves for the kitties.

I've seen some amazing shelves all over the internet, but I really like the ones with shadow cats on the wall behind them. So that's what we went with. The shadow cats are not done yet, but he rushed and got us the shelves up just in time for us to leave to get the girls!

 
 I'm not sure I'm keeping the pictures on the sides after the shadow cats go up, probably not. The heat vent is covered now, didn't want anyone going for a stroll in the duct work!
The 2 bottom paintings were done by my aunt, the mom of the cousin P.

Leo checked out the paintings, but has yet to traverse the shelves.

Hmm, there's something familiar about the grey tabby in the middle.. If I could only remember from where..
(was this foreshadowing? I hadn't noticed before! cue intense music!)

Long time readers might recall that shortly after we got Leo, three years ago, we started redoing the living room, (That redo not being finished being the reason we still don't have window trim, curtains or closet doors..) Back then we had intended a kitty super highway around the room. Plans for that were forestalled when we (by 'we' I mean 'I' because Greg kinda figured it might not work but I was insistent..) realized that the ceilings were too low and even Star, a tiny cat, could not stand on a shelf over the window..

A shelf/walk on this wall was always going to be in the mix, but we couldn't figure how to get them to it from other walls due to the odd configuration of our house. I think this turned out even better than I imagined it would be!

No one has been up there yet, much to my disappointment. I've seen Star looking at it, but she doesn't seem to have any interest, just like she didn't with Leo's cat trees when we first got them, took her months to decide to use them. Leo would have gone up after he was done sniffing that picture, but I inadvertently made the noise I use to tell Star to stop it when she gets growly and hissy at him so I think he thinks it's off limits.. We'll work on changing his mind soon. Cashmere is still getting used to things, still hiding a lot, but I know she'll enjoy it in time. And Glitter has been eyeing it up pretty good so here's hoping!



On to the girls! Here's Cashmere doing just a touch of exploring..

I'm not so sure about this place yet.. But I'm giving it a chance. My sister says the people are nice anyway..
 
 

Glitter loves loves loves to be petted! Here she's showing off an excellent elevator butt pose as she gets some scritches!

Oh that's the spot! I'll have you trained where to pet me before too long!



And lest you think I'm neglecting Star, here she is playing princess and the pea on the bed cover I am using to keep kitties off the material while I make the brides maid dresses for twin 2. Please note the smug expression..

I sleep where I want to sleep, Lady, and nothing you put down is gonna stop me!


Hope everyone has a nice restful, peaceful, weekend!

20 comments:

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

Oh, knowing the RIGHT spot ta scratch is priceless. Sometimes we think we would skip a meal fer that. But then again, nah, not really. But almost though.

Fur Everywhere said...

The shelves are great! Hopefully, they will start to explore them soon. How are Leo and Star adjusting to the new family members?

Hannah and Lucy said...

We think the shelves will soon be full of zooming kitties. Glitter is enjoying her scritches so you've hit the right spot there.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

Eastside Cats said...

We used treats to encourage kitties up on their shelves/cat climb. Also placed toys there to encourage curiousity. They'll get the hang of it in no time!

Rene said...

That is a great shelf set up! And elevator butts always crack me up.

LP said...

You two are the best pawrents! What about putting a little bit of catnip up on the shelves to peak their interest? Have a great weekend!

the critters in the cottage xo

Random Felines said...

those are great shelves.... we can't wait to see them put to use

Jacqueline said...

Great shelves=we know the girls will love them once they lay claim to the house as their own and start exploring everything they can!...We are so happy for your expanding family=we love your big hearts!...Happy Friday and fun weekend, sweet friends...xoxo...Calle, Halle, Sukki, Mommy Cat, Daddy Cat

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

Those shelves are going to be so much fun once they get used to them. Love the elevator butt.

Sparkle said...

I am sure those shelves will be well traveled in time.

Cats Herd You said...

That looks like some fun catification. That will be a cat superhighway before you know it!

Gigi said...

OMC OMC OMC OMC OMC!I'm outta action for like a week and there's a regular tsunami of change going on at your house! INVADERS, Star, darling, INVADER kitties. . . but. . . they do look kind of cute....and maybe they'll be fun to have around . . . and you'll always be Top Kitty. Plus, maybe they'll distract the Barbarian? After all, they're his sisfurs, right? As long as YOU get the good spots (as if there's any question about THAT!)maybe it'll be okay. And you can always come chill over here, darling. XOXOXOX

Katnip Lounge said...

Maybe a little nip on the shelves will entice Leo (and company) up there! We're so happy that G & C are settling in, and maybe Star will end up happier now that Leo can divert his...ah..."attentions" somewhere else.

Anonymous said...

Dat be wunnewful. Glad deys enjoyin' dem selves. Meez so happy deys found yous.

LLuv and Hugs and Kitty kisses ♥♥♥

Dezi

Marty the Manx said...

The shelves look great! Glad that the girls are starting to come out and explore. Star does look quite smug :)

Katie Isabella said...

OH Mom and I wish we could have shelves too..and a super highway would be the stuff of dreams.

A Tonl said...

superhighways are the BESTEST!! Four paws WAY up!

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

Happy Birthday Star!!!! Those shelves look super neat.

Congrats on your new siblings. We bet they were just what you wanted for your birthday right?

Fuzzy Tales said...

Probably someone already has suggested this re: the shelves, but a few strategically placed favourite treats might help. And/or some nip. :-)

Jans Funny Farm said...

Have you tried sprinkling a little catnip on the shelves to attract the older cats? They'd sure know they were invited then. :)

What a neat idea.