A giant crate had been sitting in the burn pile beside our fire pit ever since Matt and I dragged it up from the end of the driveway at the start of the summer. I kept saying, “I’m sure we can use that somewhere.” However, it was Matt that finally had the vision of where.
Slice and dice with the sawzall
He sawed it in two, filled each half with straw, placed them in a sheltered corner in the basement of the barn and, voilà, cozy cat beds.
One bed even got a canvas tarp for extra coziness.
Cross task #3–fix up some winter beds for the cats–off our fall to-do list.
Our hardy, independent barn cats are living in the lap of luxury now. Easter and Ralph have each claimed a crate and made their own nests in the straw. Although they’d probably stay warmer if they snuggled, Ralph has put her paw down at babying her kitten any more. It’s in everyone’s best interest that they each get their own bed.
Documentation of their enthusiasm for their new beds was difficult to obtain.
Pictures of Easter look like this.
“What are you doing over there? I’m going to come see you!”
Or this.
“Treats! Oh yes, please! I like treats!”
We finally got Ralph to model for us, but even she looks like she wishes she was somewhere else.
“Are you done yet? Back scratches will only get you so far.”
The crates may be a little rustic for other felines, but our pusses think they’re just purr-fect.
Sorry.
For future photo shoots, anyone have any tips for encouraging cooperation from cat models? Is there anyone else who has four legged creatures sleeping in your barn, shed or garage? For other cat owners out there, where do your kitties sleep?
Home on 129 Acres 
how cute is Ralph in these photos?? Course I have a soft spot for cats :). Our cats are indoor, so they sleep right on the bed…no keeping them off of that one, they are snugglers :).
She’s actually not a photogenic cat, but I think I found her good side finally!
I have a hard time photographing the cats. They’re outdoor kitties and have found beds for themselves somewhere in the garage – it’s open doored so they have in/out access. They’re tough little things – the coyotes around here are plentiful and they still manage to survive. Our winters don’t get that cold – around 25 degrees F typically. Some nights drop into the teens but our prior cats have never had a problem. They have awesome fur.
I’ve noticed our cats have both grown very furry over the last month or so. It’s amazing how they adapt.
I think you need to use a stop-action aperture for photos of Easter! Lol. Those beds look great. Between them and their extra-furriness, they should be in great shape.
That crate looked like it used to be a garbage can shelter. Is that what it was for?
I think that’s what it was. It was down at the end of the driveway by the mailbox.