Here are a couple of my own DIY projects that I just completed. Above are photos of an installation I did at my vet’s office (Dreamy Draw Cat Hospital in Phoenix – hi, Dr. Oyan!) I used FLOR carpet tiles to cover the front of the check-in desk, creating a vertical scratching surface. Office cat Blackie is modeling.
I used the same Lane Change striped carpet tiles to cover a shelf on my new catio. I installed the shelf to cover the litter area and plan to make a curtain to hide everything. There’s also a sisal wrapped climbing pole that goes all the way to the ceiling. Ando is demonstrating. More catio details will be posted soon over at Catio Showcase.
TIPS
On both projects I cut the carpet tiles in half to create a better looking pattern, since both areas required one full tile plus another half. Another big lesson: FLOR carpet tiles DO NOT stick to carpet tape! I tried to install the tiles on the wall using the stickiest carpet tape I could find, and they all fell down that night. The carpet tiles have a plastic backing that won’t stick to the tape. I went to buy adhesive glue and found that almost all of the super-strength adhesives that work on plastic or rubber are EXTREMELY toxic and have warnings about eye and respiratory irritation — not good for use around cats! I kept searching and found a non-toxic adhesive that worked really well. It is an all-purpose adhesive from Ace Hardware
February 23rd, 2009 at 2:20 am
Waoh… that is one stylish scratching wall…
February 23rd, 2009 at 8:46 am
I love what you did with the carpet tiles. I am looking all over my house to find a surface I could do that too. It’s a great idea for the catio too. Thanks for sharing.
February 23rd, 2009 at 10:17 am
Great job! it really looks very cool/modern and welcoming, i like the space of the kitty hotel! too bad Luna my cat get’s mad with others cats smell!!
February 23rd, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Echoing Loora’s and Diana’s comments and adding my own admiration to those. Beautiful! and so cat-friendly! and thanks so much for researching safe adhesives for us.
February 23rd, 2009 at 3:05 pm
gorgeous DIY; thanks for the heads up regarding the adhesive!
February 23rd, 2009 at 5:20 pm
What a great idea and pattern. I think you’re onto something!
February 25th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Awesome! Thanks for the idea!
February 25th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
What a WONDERFUL idea! I have the puuurrrrfect spot for it! I especially like the fact that you cut the carpet tiles…the pattern does look much better than the original tiles. I have already ordered some to do this DIY. Gosh I love this site!