Cat House or Small Dog House. Handmade, Unique, Indoor, Outdoor, High Quality!

Description

I’m not a carpenter, woodworker or anything similar. I just enjoy making nice things and doing them as well as I can. My cat died a few months ago and I decided to make this in her memory. I wanted this to be unique so there were no instructions or plans to follow, only my own intuition.
When I started the undertaking, I decided this home would be made of some of the finest materials available. This included fresh solid woods, quality stains and high-quality shingles for the roof. I also incorporated old wood to help create the feeling that I wanted for the interior. Furthermore, I hoped to make the interior equal to or even more striking than the exterior. This added greatly to the amount of time and effort that would be needed.
I cut all the panels with a jigsaw then primed and painted both sides for looks and durability. At least two coats of primer and three coats of paint were used on every painted surface. Paint rollers were used on larger pieces and a foam brush on the smaller ones. I also stained and varnished both sides of all the wood whether it was visible or not after the panels were installed. With the exception of fastening the roof shingles with nails, the frame and the panels are held together with deck and black screws. This makes this pet home semi-modular. While it can be broken down into smaller pieces, I do not recommend doing so unless it is absolutely necessary.
I also design the roof to be liftable and also removable. The benefits of this are many. Placing large objects, such as a thick blanket or pet mattress inside is a simpler process. An open roof should be helpful in familiarizing your pet with his/her new home. If your pet is an indoor one, you can keep the roof off until entering the home through the front is learned. Due to the weight of the shingles and solid wood boards used in its construction, the roof is heavy and not easily removed by one person. It, however, can be lifted up by one person to see the interior without much difficulty. I will include a sturdy plank for propping up the roof when it is lifted for an extended period of time. The floor can also be raised up and removed.
After staining the floor, back wall, and roof, I used high-quality oil based varnish to give those pieces more depth and an extended lifespan. The paint for the panels is an outdoor paint and one of the finest you can buy. There are sheets of tar paper beneath the shingles and under the floor for outdoor protection. While the roof, back wall, and floor received the most attention, the other three sides of the frame are all stained and varnished.
Due to the weight of this pet home I felt wheels would be appropriate. I made four wheel braces that were cut exactly to size then sanded to have round corners and stained to match the bottom planks. The wheels work so well that you can move this solidly built home with one finger.
For use indoors
, the wheels can be removed (by unscrewing their individual wood braces). Another option is to have floor-protecting disks placed under them. Keeping the wheels on is usually best for mobility.
I also considered that this pet house would seem more like a home if it had windows. I added 2 French windows to give the home more character and to give you a quick way to check on your pet. When the interior is completely dark, you can still check on your pet by using the installed light switch located on the interior side if the front panel. The last photo was taken at night.
For those animal lovers who currently do not have a pet, this home would provide an excellent shelter for feral cats or abandoned ones around your home especially during the harsher weather months. Leaving food by the entryway would attract the animal and adding an old blanket inside would protect the floor’s finish and make the home that much more cozy.
Just on looks alone, this pet house makes a beautiful backyard decoration and unique conversation piece.
Important Information
As mentioned, this pet house was not manufactured. It has a completely original design and was lovingly built by hand. Admittedly, it is not 100% perfect. For example, not all the screws are fully hidden by the corner covers but the few imperfections are hardly noticeable and are far outweighed by how well this home was done.
This home was finished Saturday,8/21/21.. It took almost 5 weeks to make and I now have it outside so the sun can bond the roof shingles to the tar and quicken the curing of the paint. Although it was constructed to have the durability of an outdoor home and  still last for years (depending on weather conditions). I also feel when used for indoor animals, it would  last beyond the lifetime of your pet.
This listing will run no more than about 2 weeks and not be re-listed here on eBay or anywhere else. If you decide to buy this home. I will give you the option of refusing the purchase once you see it in person. That way, there is no serious risk to you. The price is fairly firm and I will not be disappointed if it doesn’t sell.
Since this is a
buyer pick-up item
only, you will need the proper transportation such as a flatbed truck (this will not fit in any car) and some help help to get it safely home.
Its dimensions are approximately 4’ Wide x 3’ Deep x 2.5’ High. I will supply touch-up paint for the 3 exterior colors and extra shingles for the roof.
I offer no guarantees, warranties, or promises for this pet house. Adapting your pet to this home is entirely your responsibility. After your approval of the sale, a return will NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Thank you for your interest and for taking the time to read this very lengthy description.
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