This IKEA bookcase into a catio is something your cats will really love!
When I graduated from college, I got married right away. That’s why most of our furniture during our early years was from our college dorms. We didn’t have much money, so we had to make do with what we had. But we were happy together and that’s all that mattered.
A few years later, when we had good-paying jobs, one of the first things that we bought was IKEA bookcases. As voracious readers, we had a lot of books. The bookcases were needed not only for storage but also for displaying our favourite titles. Over the years, we’ve added more and more IKEA bookcases to our homes, and they’ve become one of our most cherished possessions.
As the years went by, we learned how to simplify and de-clutter our lives. The books were donated to our local bookshop but we held onto the bookcases for sentimental reasons. They have become outdated and we wanted to upcycle them into something new and creative.
We came across an impressive catio ( a patio for cats!) project and it was made using IKEA bookcases. Perfect, right? We figured it would be great for our pet cat, too so we decided to convert the bookcases into a catio.
A catio is an enclosed outdoor space that provides a safe haven for your feline friend to enjoy the great outdoors. This type of enclosure is also known as a cat porch or cat patio. It can be as simple as a screened-in porch or as elaborate as a multi-level structure with climbing features, perches, and hiding spots. A catio is a purr-fect way to let your cat enjoy some fresh air and exercise while keeping them safe from predators, cars, and other hazards.
First, we removed the doors from the bookcases and sanded them down so that our cat wouldn’t scratch them up. Then, we attached the bookcases together to create a solid structure. Next, we added a door to the catio so our cat could easily get in and out. We also added a few shelves inside for her to lounge on. We even painted the whole thing to match our house – she loves it!
The results of my little bookcase makeover project were amazing! I was really pleased with how it turned out – it looked modern and stylish, and my pet cat loved it! If you have any old bookcases that are looking a bit tired, I highly recommend that you give this project a try. It’s really easy to do, and you’ll be amazed at the transformation.
Do you know anyone who would love this Catio project?
Materials:
- Two IKEA bookcases
- Two 1x3s
- Chicken wire or galvanized steel hardware cloth
- Two-door hinges
- Two-door bolts
- Doorknob
- Wood screws
- Siding screws
Tools:
- Staple gun
- Heavy-duty wire cutter
- Power drill
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Want to give your old bookcases a new lease on life? Turn them into a catio! Watch the video below to learn how to easily convert bookcases into a fun and safe space for your feline friend to enjoy the outdoors.
Your cat will love having a safe outdoor space to explore, and you’ll love knowing they’re safely contained. Plus, it’s a great way to upcycle an old piece of furniture! So what are you waiting for? Gather all the materials and tools needed for this project, watch the video and get started on your own catio today.
