The Maze

The Maze is the perfect attraction for cats because it feeds their need for adventure, security, exercise, privacy, and sense of property ownership...their own space. I know, I know, this sounds like I think cats are almost human and have many qualities like us...well, they do. Our cats exhibit all these qualities and more.

The CatHouseMaze can be built to fit any footprint within any apartment, condominium, patio, porch, recreational vehicle (RV), sailboat, motor yacht, or what have you. You specify the footprint and plans can be created to fit your needs.

The basic design of the CatHouseMaze provides an entrance on the bottom and an exit on the top. Observation windows can be installed, but most cats seem to prefer enclosed spaces without windows. I built a prototype of the maze to see how our cats would respond to it. They went into it as soon as it was presented and have totally owned it ever since. I thought our cats would like looking out the windows, but they avoided that area of the maze in the prototype. So, in the finished product, there are no windows.

Many of the products that you see on the market today for cats to play on have boxes, loops, various shapes for cats to lounge upon...and they are all designed with the human spectator in mind. These can be seen on a number of web sites such as:

www.petco.com

www.drsfosterandsmith.com

The CatHouseMaze is designed and built exclusively for the privacy, security, and enjoyment of your cat.

The footprint of the first maze was 18"W x 24"D x 72"H. A removable door is placed on the front for the purpose of being able to clean the inside. Although the cats definitely do not like being disturbed, it is necessary to clean out the fur every once in awhile. A simple vacuum job once a week or so seems to do the trick. Now, doesn't this sound easier and much more convenient than following the cat around with a vacuum?

Of course, it is.

There are six different levels in the maze that allows the cat to climb up and down to his or her hearts' content. Since we know cats like to climb and hangout, they can choose any one of the six levels to preen and cat nap. The sixth level is the top and can be any height you like. Because our maze is 6' tall under an 8' ceiling, the cats get to look down at us (they love that superior feeling of watching over their kingdom).

A litter box is a necessary item to provide for cats who don't have just-in-time access to the outside world of unlimited litter box opportunities provided by yards, gardens, planter boxes, sand boxes, dirt piles...and any number of other choice locations. The CatHouseMaze also accommodates a litter box in the basement (so to speak) and, utilizes the exact same footprint. This means you don't have to use additional space for the maze and the litter box if you are limited in your living space.

Now, obviously, cats have their own opinion about where a litter box should be located. They prefer a clean box everyday, but with the location underneath the maze, there is a separation between the litter box and their "living quarters." It's almost like indoor plumbing for the CatHouseMaze...and it's easy to access and has a partial cover for it. It can, of course, be totally covered and there are a number of options available on the market today which fit nicely underneath the maze.

You can check them at:

www.drsfosterandsmith.com

But remember, there is nothing like the CatHouseMaze. It is a one-of-a- kind idea that can be designed to fit any space horizontally or vertically that will accommodate your cat........and cover your litter box too.

Well now, what size do you think works best for you? You need to consider your own space needs, the size of your cat(s), and how large of a CatHouseMaze you would like to provide for your cat(s). Obviously, the more cats you have, the large you may wish to make the maze.

The maximum height of your CatHouseMaze will depend upon the size of the footprint. In general, a minimum footprint of 12" x 18" will allow you a maximum height of 72" or six feet. This is quite roomy for our two cats and will probably accommodate your needs too.

The E-plans show you the basic size and format, but you can modify the footprint anyway you would like and you can build it as high as you would like...given the need for stability and safety.

Please send me a picture of what you have built and I will add it to the web site to show others in the possibilities.