Independence for a Cat
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381956)
Rockingham, Australia
December 28, 2016 3:25am CST
While staying with our son in Melbourne, Australia, over Christmas we helped out with a few small projects that he wanted done. One was to provide a way for his new cat, Snooky, to get from inside the house through the bathroom window to the outside and vice versa without needing 'human' help.
Our son rents a very old, shabby house but he can afford the rent and it is close to the city so he is happy enough. We wanted to put in two steps or stages so Snooky could jump her way up or down from one platform to the next. One major hurdle was that the walls are asbestos and we couldn't find any timber to attach the 'steps' to.
A bit of brainstorming and we came with attaching two steps to a wooden post near the window. The top step is long enough to reach under the window and the lower step is actually a cutting board which we bought in a $2 shop.
We were pretty pleased with our effort although I don't think Snooky has been persuaded that it's safe yet. The funny thing in the top right-hand corner is an owl ornament.
21 people like this
23 responses
@Morleyhunt (21741)
• Canada
28 Dec 16
I'm sure once the cat tries it out he/she will use it regularly.
3 people like this
This material has been banned here. It had to be removed from every single house, apartment and public places.
@JudyEv (381956)
• Rockingham, Australia
28 Dec 16
While you don't touch the asbestos you don't have to remove it. If you were to demolish the house, you would have to call in guys with suits, etc to get rid of the asbestos. It is banned here too but they don't make you remove any that is already in place.
2 people like this
@41CombedaleRoad (5966)
• Greece
28 Dec 16
There's a cat that is going to enjoy the New Year as he comes and goes as he pleases. He is bound to be suspicious of something new in his territory but curious will soon get the better of him.
1 person likes this
@41CombedaleRoad (5966)
• Greece
30 Dec 16
I wish I could do the same favour for my cats - and myself and my husband. They have to be either in or out, no way of making cat flaps in the doors here but they do have a little storeroom under the steps and beds, food and water in case they choose to stay out all night. If they stay in one of them wakes us up at 5.0 sharp(!) to let her out....
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381956)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Jan 17
@41CombedaleRoad Some have very set habits, don't they? :)
@JudyEv (381956)
• Rockingham, Australia
28 Dec 16
As you say, I'm sure she'll get used to it and it will be much more convenient for everyone.
@Happy2BeMe (99353)
• Canada
28 Dec 16
I seen that owl. I couldn't figure out what it was at first lol Great job. I am sure the cat will use it once she gives it a try. Cats like to do things on their own time. lol
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381956)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Jan 17
@Happy2BeMe I haven't heard yet. I'll email him shortly and find out. :)
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (208805)
• United States
28 Dec 16
Yikes, asbestos, he needs to get rid of that!! I hope the cat is happy with his new found independence though.
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45628)
• Philippines
28 Dec 16
like the owl and the pussycat nursery rhyme.
so he leaves that window open all the time? can someone climb in?
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
28 Dec 16
so did Snooky end up using the path? and yeah, the owl made me giggle!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381956)
• Rockingham, Australia
28 Dec 16
I can understand the mix-up. The owl used to hoot when you went near it or something but thankfully the batteries eventually went flat. :)
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
28 Dec 16
Maybe Snooky is spooked by the owl.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (153544)
• India
28 Dec 16
By now the cat must have discovered this route. Has you son talked about it yet?
@PatZAnthony (14749)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
28 Dec 16
This is so funny-just wrote about one of the cats we have!
