sisal cat runs Archives - Fundamentally Feline

Before catification.

When I met Jocelyn she had one cat and had just adopted a second kitty and was having trouble introducing the two. We worked through that together and they became friends. Then, after moving to her new home, Jocelyn decided she had room for more and adopted a pair of kittens (always recommended to adopt a pair of litter mates!) Soon after that she decided she needed some vertical space. Good thing because then #5 came along, as it often happens...:)

Before catification.

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After catification.

Precious pirate, Hannah!

These few pics give you a close up view of how the corner was configured. Notice the cute "mouse hole" at the top of the pole. A feature reserved for custom installations.

I personally love this series of Hannah exploring the window perch for the first time.

On to the living space downstairs!

Before!

After! Now that is more like it.

Java Cats is Atlanta’s first cat café and it is right here in Fundamentally Feline’s neighborhood, historic Grant Park, Atlanta, Ga. We were excited to have the cafe open right here in our backyard and we are proud to have been a part of it.

Our goal for Java Cats was to create a feline wonderland for homeless cats awaiting adoption. Life in the café can be stressful with a constant influx of new humans, funny scents and cats constantly being introduced and then later adopted and leaving. An ever rotating dynamic can make it difficult for most cats to settle in and get comfortable. After all, cats like consistency and routine and life in this environment is everything but consistent!

Like what you see? Want your own?

Shop vertical space DIY here

Want to see more from behind the scenes?

Java Cats Facebook album

Before pic of wall that cat lounge shares with cafe.

Patrons can sit at bar and look into cat lounge.

Jake is to the right sketching out plans.

Starting to take shape.

A view of the work in progress from above.

Here patrons can sit and view the cats through the window.

Height provides comfort for cats and can help establish hierarchy of a particular space at a particular time. We created many areas where the cats could get up and away from petting hands, young children and of course other cats that they may not get along with.

Ramps, runs, scoops and pole ready for scratchin'!

This wall all done and in use by the cats!

The Suspension Bridges

One of two suspension bridges, with peek holes.

A view of how the bridges connect the two walls.

The goal with all vertical space, even in private homes, is to not create any “dead ends” where a cat could get trapped. So flow was important to us. That is where the suspension bridges came into play. They are subtle and quite honestly a little hard to notice in some of the photos but that is exactly what we were going for! We painted them black so they would not feel so ominous and looming overhead. We cut peek holes in them so patrons would be able to play with the cats through the holes and take pics of cute faces peering down.

The ceiling before the bridges.

In place and in use.

Here you can appreciate how subtle they are.

The Front Window Piece

Corner, window to the right, pre-catification.

The piece is actually upside down here.

The window piece was tough and required a lot of thought. We had to work with the existing window which was original from when this space was an old grocery store. The window bowed out and upwards so Jake created a structure that followed these lines. He staggered all of the perching spaces and sisaled them for more scratching and maximized coziness. Escape routes and dead ends were avoided to lessen conflict.

Diligently working in the dark to finish in time!

The piece Jake built was bolted to this brick wall.

A view from below, staggered pathways.

It seems upside down until you see it in the space.

Side angle shot in the moonlight!

Ready for install!

A good look at it once installed.

Odds and Ends

At Java cats, enjoyed the moment it was set down.

This scratch easel is a one of a kind artisan piece. Inspired by the reclaimed wood within rustic modern style wall & counter area of the coffee shop, it is a unique addition to the cafe! Jake utilized many different sisal pieces to mimic the look of that wall. This piece is extremely heavy and durable.

Stylish, rustic modern scratcher and a perch!

Wouldn't be complete without one of our signature scooped scratching posts.

Our posts are well loved wherever they are!

Peering down from a high point of safety.

Let's not forget the SCOOPS!!!

And of course I donated some foraging toys!

The Full Tour

Yup, sure was!

A full body stretch can be achieved from three points: floor, & from both runs above!

The mural wall leading over to window piece.

Notice the full circle of runs around mural.

Full view of mural wall.

We are thrilled to have been a part of this awesome addition to our local community. Grant Park was already a great neighborhood, and it just got better.

Jake takes a well deserved break with a resident.

A view through the window at night.

A very cozy and warm evening vibe.

sisal cat runs

When One Cat Becomes Five, One Must Catify!