We’ve been busy, busy here installing our new “cat kitchen” the past few weeks. Like many DIY projects, it took a little longer than we first predicted but I’m SO pleased with the results.
Why did we build a cat kitchen? Since we’re all cat lovers, I can share here…but don’t laugh. We previously fed our cats up on the bar that’s over our kitchen counter. It worked great to keep the food away from the dogs, and the cats enjoyed eating up there.
Well, since Lucky’s bladder surgery last year, he has minor incontinence. He drips. It’s not enough to require diapers but he does leave sprinkles and often urine paw prints when he walks.
And Lucky LOVES the bar countertop. I hated to keep him from accessing that area for something he just can’t help…but, on the other hand, I really couldn’t have him walking so close to our food preparation area.
That’s when the idea of the cat kitchen arose. Our home is an open concept living area with a kitchen that overlooks the living room. In one corner, we had a large sideboard, a family heirloom. Well, we decided that the sideboard could move to the bedroom and that the empty corner would be just perfect for a dedicated cat kitchen. Its countertop still overlooks the kitchen so Lucky can sit there and keep me company as I cook.
I think Lucky knew from the start that this project was for him–he was in on every moment of the construction:
He’s now decided that the measuring tape is the BEST cat toy in the house:
We selected cabinets at The Home Depot; they’re similar in style to our existing ones:
Installation was a big job; the base cabinets went in pretty easily but the wall units were difficult due to their weight. We spent a day installing each then headed to IKEA for a butcher block countertop:
John cut the butcher block then sanded it; I then treated it with food grade mineral oil (to protect it from those wet paws!)
I’m loving the new cat kitchen! We have a drawer just for cat medications, and it’s so nice to put Lucky on the countertop for his daily doses (and much easier on my back than bending over him on the floor). Other drawers hold dog medications, pet foods, pet bowls, shampoos, toys and more. The cats now eat on the butcher block and everyone’s happy!
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