The Cats' House in Oly Reads

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Mar 09, 2010 jess rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2010, interiors

I don't know what it says about me that I patiently waited for this book to become available through the library hold system. And it took a while, but I waited because I really wanted to see the pictures of this house. Go ahead, judge me. Call me a crazy cat lady. Your words can't touch me. My personal strength has been forged by claws, layers of cat hair on my work clothes and bath towels, midnight meow wake-ups, and endless scoops of litter. Bob Walker writes, "Our cats think all cats live thi I don't know what it says about me that I patiently waited for this book to become available through the library hold system. And it took a while, but I waited because I really wanted to see the pictures of this house. Go ahead, judge me. Call me a crazy cat lady. Your words can't touch me. My personal strength has been forged by claws, layers of cat hair on my work clothes and bath towels, midnight meow wake-ups, and endless scoops of litter. Bob Walker writes, "Our cats think all cats live this way. We think all cats should." He does an excellent job following that sentiment through this small book.

I really like this book because the owners of the house exemplify the best of humanity. They have a few, focused interests - each other, mexican folk art, and cats - and they move through life with real dedication. Their house is brightly painted and decorated mostly with dia de los muertos art, and hundreds of feet of walkways, staircases, sleeping platforms, doorways, climbing posts, and ramps build especially for their nine cats (all rescued cats). Since I spend a lot of time stumbling over cats underfeet, the concept of moving them overhead seems like perfection. The work on the cat house looks professional and sharp, even though it was all done by the owners. They have step-by-step photos to prove it. Their creativity and consideration for the feline condition is heartwarming. Everything is designed for the oldest, fattest cat to have reasonable access. <3

This book has a through tour of the house with commentary on each interesting feature and construction detail. It's inspirational enough that you find yourself discussing over dinner the possibility of a cat stairway in a hidden hallway, or maybe an elevated sleeping platform to gaze over the dogs. But it's not all self-absorbed. There is also a local cat rescue facility that has reaped the benefits of this cat house - annual tours of the cat house raise funds for the rescue facility, and when they moved to a new location, Bob helped design their "retirement home" in the same spirit as the cat house - elevated walkways, wide sleeping platforms, and tons of engaging opportunities.

Even if you hate cats, this book is a great testament to the creativity, dedication, love and admiration that pets can inspire in us. It's a good example of two people living an unconventional life in a way that's true to their own spirit, and this book captures that energy. I hope they write a sequel with more of their charity work and their screened outdoor cat facility. I'll wait in line to read that, too. ...more

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Apr 20, 2010 Elaine Nelson rated it liked it

Shelves: home-improvement, art, cats

Adorable little book by a pair of artists about how they've modified their home to be a fun place for their nine (!!!!) cats. Inspiring photos for things I might want to try later.

Two things that I want to note/remember for later: 30 degree incline with carpet for traction, and walkways spaced slightly away from the walls to make it easier for the cats to turn around. ...more

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