Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: mhof86 on January 12, 2015, 10:25:38 am

Title: New side project "FINISHED" this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: mhof86 on January 12, 2015, 10:25:38 am
Figured I would share my latest endeavor with you guys. My wife (love her to death) has been feeding the stray cat that comes around... It has now decided that it's new home is under the back porch. That wouldn't be so bad but it is constantly meowing (can't blame it) because of the cold weather we have been hit with.

All of that being said I started on a "log cabin" themed house for it. So far I took enough material over the weekend to get the walls complete. Need to do the floor and roof and it will be all done. It is measuring about 30" X 18" X 18".

For the floor I was thinking just split some planks out of the leftovers from the walls. Roof I really am not sure how I want to do it. Another thing I was unsure about was whether to leave the bark on the logs or to take it off. I kind of like the contrast it gives with the notches/ends. I appreciate all comments and suggestions, let me know what you think of my questionable craftsmanship  ;D
Title: Re: New side project started this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: Marks on January 12, 2015, 10:32:14 am
I think you have too much time on your hands. lol. That being said, that is awesome. I like the bark on too. Sounds like a lucky cat. I look forward to seeing the final results.
Title: Re: New side project started this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: RidgeRunner on January 12, 2015, 11:09:36 am
To make my Wife happy----I built two A-Frame cat houses about four years ago.
The cats Will Not go in them.
Cats prefer open top ( or nearly so ) boxes.
But, You might have a chance with the Large Door.

David
Title: Re: New side project started this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: JoJoDapyro on January 12, 2015, 12:57:32 pm
Having a Giant cat I made 2 Giant Litter Boxes yesterday.
Title: Re: New side project started this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: mhof86 on January 12, 2015, 01:20:04 pm
Lucky cat indeed lol

Marks, I have around 10 hours or so into it. I have access to a chain saw but choose not to use it most of the time. All this so far has been with no power tools at all. It relaxes me to work on projects like this and its hard for me to relax when I have a power tool messing up the tranquility of the shop  ;)

David, this is to remain outside with the cat. It is (should just start saying "was") a stray that just wandered in from the railroad tracks out back and now won't leave with her feeding it.

JoJo, no litter boxes for me. The cat stays outside.

I personally don't like cats but happy wife, happy life right?
Title: Re: New side project started this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: JackCrafty on January 12, 2015, 01:37:41 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: New side project started this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: missilemaster on January 12, 2015, 07:06:46 pm
So many cats.......so few recipes!
Title: Re: New side project started this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: mullet on January 12, 2015, 07:43:07 pm
You need o give the cabin to a kid when you get through, it will get used more. I started feeding a stray hanging around my shop, made a little bed for her in there and thought I had found a solution for the yearly, winter rat nest in my wood pile. Now I have to shove her off my pillow at night to go to sleep. And her name is Shop Cat.
Title: Re: New side project started this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: JoJoDapyro on January 12, 2015, 08:34:06 pm
You need o give the cabin to a kid when you get through, it will get used more. I started feeding a stray hanging around my shop, made a little bed for her in there and thought I had found a solution for the yearly, winter rat nest in my wood pile. Now I have to shove her off my pillow at night to go to sleep. And her name is Shop Cat.
I love it Eddie.
Title: Re: New side project started this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: chamookman on January 13, 2015, 04:52:38 am
I'm with Cody !  >:D, Bob.
Title: Re: New side project started this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: mhof86 on January 13, 2015, 08:25:08 am
Update:

Got the floor in yesterday after work. Since I don't have any power tools and didn't want to spend an insane amount of time on getting the flooring all matched up there are a couple gaps but I am ok with that. I notched the floor boards so they would wedge in between the first and second row of logs. Working out pretty well so far. Now onto the roof. Still don't know exactly how I am going to do it but since I stumbled this far why not push forward :)
Title: Re: New side project started this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: Del the cat on January 13, 2015, 09:11:33 am
Can I have some bedding in there please... and maybe a few beers?
Del
Title: Re: New side project started this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: mhof86 on January 13, 2015, 09:35:29 am
Sure thing Del lol. Whats your beer of choice and I will grab ya some to toss in with it.
Title: Re: New side project started this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: mhof86 on January 13, 2015, 01:21:37 pm
Got the roof framed up and some plywood on. Need to get some shingles, caulk, and a warm blanket for some bedding; weather proof it a bit more and it will be all done.
Title: Re: New side project started this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: Marks on January 13, 2015, 05:55:23 pm
After this you need to build a porta john litter box with a half moon door.  >:D

I know you listed the dimensions but its bigger than I realized.
Title: Re: New side project started this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: caveman2533 on January 13, 2015, 11:14:01 pm
If all else fails and the cat won't use it or it decide to stray off to somewhere else, you have built yourself a portable campfire., simply  lite some kindling inside (remove from under back porch first)  and Waa Laa, instant campfire.
Title: Re: New side project started this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: neuse on January 15, 2015, 07:40:30 am
That is cool.
Title: Re: New side project "FINISHED" this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: mhof86 on February 03, 2015, 10:57:08 am
Over the past weekend I put a little more time into the cabin. I found some shingles stashed up in the garage and figured I would stop procrastinating. Also caulked the gaps (most of them, ran out of caulk and need to get some more but it will do for now). The phrase when putting the caulk and shingles on was "the cat wont care" which helped remind me that my horrible roofing job will still keep the rain off of a not so stray cat anymore.
Title: Re: New side project "FINISHED" this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: DC on February 03, 2015, 01:27:25 pm
The roof looks great! A perfectly straight roofing job would look out of place on a log cabin. Let us know if the cat likes it.
Title: Re: New side project "FINISHED" this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: stickbender on February 03, 2015, 09:05:08 pm

     Looking good!  Would suggest you put it on stilts, or a platform, with a ramp.  Also a window or two in the back and sides.  cats like to be up high, and like to be able to see around them.  Just a couple of inch or so holes, would suffice.  If you brush her, put some of her hair in the cabin also, so she will feel comfortable in there.  A little catnip, would help also.  Nice cabin, and stop using the cat as an excuse to revisit your childhood. ;) :D  Good job, and a kind gesture for an abandoned pet.  You could put the cabin on a piece of plywood, and put a front porch on the cabin, and use the plywood base, as a place to put her food and water.

                                    Wayne
Title: Re: New side project "FINISHED" this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: JoJoDapyro on February 04, 2015, 08:47:17 am
My cats would love to live in there. If you put it in a tree they would never come out!
Title: Re: New side project "FINISHED" this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: stickbender on February 05, 2015, 01:24:41 pm
My cats would love to live in there. If you put it in a tree they would never come out!

Plus.....  The squirrels, would be like....... home delivery, meals on feet so to speak. ;) ;D Kitty would not have to go hunting, just sit by the door, and wait. :)
                                    Wayne
Title: Re: New side project "FINISHED" this past weekend. "log cabin" cat house
Post by: JoJoDapyro on February 09, 2015, 03:48:41 pm
That is all one of my cats does. 31 pound Maine Coon.