Cat playground in closet
Losing a loved one leaves an irreplaceable void. For Koko, her late husband Rod’s empty closet was a poignant reminder of his absence. Seeking to bring light into a difficult time, Koko and her daughter embarked on a heartwarming project: transforming Rod’s closet into a vibrant Cat Playground for their beloved feline companions. This touching endeavor not only repurposed a space filled with memories but also created a joyful haven for their cats to explore and thrive.
From Empty Closet to Cat Paradise
Walk-in closet
Before: An empty closet
The journey began with a virtual brainstorming session. During a pandemic-era Zoom call, Koko and her daughter shared a video tour of the closet, sparking ideas for its transformation. This unique project, a first of its kind, resonated deeply, presenting an exciting challenge and the honor of creating something truly special and meaningful within a space holding cherished memories.
Envisioning the Ultimate Cat Playground
Koko’s cats were more than just pets; they were sources of comfort and happiness. Her vision was to create an enriching environment where her feline friends could indulge their natural instincts to climb, explore, and play. To bring this vision to life, a close family friend joined the project, and together, they embarked on a labor of love, dedicated to remembrance and feline joy.
Step 1: Laying the Foundation for Feline Fun
Recognizing cats’ inherent love for climbing and heights, the design concept centered around a whimsical treehouse forest. To set the scene, a striking birch tree wallpaper was chosen. This wallpaper not only provided a visually appealing backdrop for both cats and humans but also established a calming and natural aesthetic, perfect for a feline retreat.
Birch Forest WallpaperStep 2: Designing a Cat Playground: Understanding Feline Needs
Even without prior experience in cat playground design, a deep understanding of feline behavior guided the creative process. Drawing inspiration from cats’ natural inclinations, a multi-level cat playground was conceived, incorporating elements that cater to their instincts and desires:
- Wall-Mounted Cat Shelves: Custom-made birchwood shelves were strategically installed at varying heights. These cat shelves serve as platforms for leaping and climbing, allowing cats to navigate their vertical space with ease. Arranged in an organic, flowing pattern, the shelves mimic the branches of a forest canopy, enhancing the naturalistic theme of the cat playground.
- Cozy Cat Hideaway Box: A charming wooden cubby was integrated into the design, providing a secluded and secure space for cats to retreat for napping or simply enjoying moments of quiet solitude. This cat hideaway blends seamlessly with the overall natural aesthetic, offering a functional and visually appealing element.
- Durable Sisal Scratching Posts: Recognizing the essential need for cats to scratch, sisal-wrapped posts were securely mounted on one side of the cat playground. These scratching posts offer ample opportunities for cats to indulge in scratching and stretching, promoting healthy nail maintenance and satisfying their natural instincts.
- Interactive Cat Hammock: A custom-designed suspended fabric cat hammock was added to introduce an interactive and comfortable lounging feature. This cat hammock provides a gentle swinging motion and a cozy resting spot, adding an element of playful relaxation to the cat playground.
Cat hammock for playground
- Accessible Cat Climbing Ramp: Curved canvas ramps were incorporated to connect the lower levels of the cat playground to higher platforms. These cat climbing ramps offer easy access for cats of all ages and abilities, while also adding an extra layer of visual interest and encouraging exploration within the space.
Step 3: Creating an Aesthetically Pleasing and Joyful Cat Space
To ensure the design was both functional and visually appealing, SketchUp was utilized to create a 3D model of the cat playground. Rendered images allowed for visualization and confirmation that all elements worked harmoniously within the space. The design philosophy extended beyond mere functionality; the aim was to craft a space that radiated happiness and tranquility. A palette of calming neutrals, complemented by natural wood tones and the whimsical wallpaper, fostered a cohesive and inviting environment. Every detail, from the selection of sturdy materials to the application of cat-safe finishes, was carefully considered to prioritize both feline well-being and aesthetic appeal.
Cat Playground Design Rendering
Step 4: A Heartfelt Team Collaboration
This project held profound personal significance for Koko, who wished to honor her late husband’s memory through its creation. Working alongside a supportive family friend, Koko actively participated in building the designed elements. This collaborative effort transformed the project into a deeply meaningful and heartfelt endeavor. Their shared dedication, combined with her daughter’s initial inspiration, imbued the cat playground with an even richer layer of love and remembrance.
The Purr-fectly Playful Result
Black cat enjoying playground
One of the cats “hanging out”
Cat playground in closet
The transformation was a resounding success. The cats wholeheartedly embraced their new kingdom, reveling in the opportunity to explore, climb, and play within their dedicated cat playground. Koko, in turn, found immense joy in witnessing her cats’ happiness, even enjoying the sounds of their playful antics from downstairs. The finished space transcends the concept of a mere cat playground; it stands as a poignant testament to the power of reimagining spaces and their potential to contribute to healing and finding joy amidst grief.
Whether you are a cat owner seeking inspiration for enriching your feline companion’s life or a designer in search of creative project ideas, this story serves as a heartwarming reminder that every space holds the potential to be transformed into something beautiful, meaningful, and deeply cherished.
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