i would LOVE to see a LOT more like this on AT. this is so superb and adorable and thoughtful....and cozy looking! great job, dang!

Absolutely excellent!

Anyone interest in cat-oriented interior design MUST check out Bob Walker's The Cats' House. I saw the book, really awesome ideas although certain elements may not fit a strict modernist diet.

Some pictures can be found at:
http://www.amazon.com/Cats-House-Bob-Walker/dp/0836221834

that is just too cute! love that idea! i wonder if i can discover an alcove somewhere in my apt to do that with?

well done!

This is wonderful! A window seat and a cat perch/hideaway. Everybody/cat wins! I wish I owned my own place to do something like this! Thanks for showing us, AT!

That window seat looks like the perfect spot to take a nap! I love it! But with my cat, I'd be a little wary of putting a perch over my bed. A cat jumping on you is no way to wake up on a Sunday morning.

I LOVE this post, thanks so much Leslie!

and JulianH, thanks for that link, I added the book to my wishlist.

and for you DIY cat folks, here's a first attempt at a scratching post, has anyone else attempted this? done it way better?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/southof290/sets/72157603822221605/

The cover of that Walker book is great - kitties running overhead in every direction.

southof290 - wow, that's very clever and fun. The cat sitting on top looks like, what, this old thing?

that kitty is living the good life!

That's wonderful. Really nice.

I hope you're taking note of the enthusiasm here, AT! This is a beautifully designed and executed thing, and it expands the concept of a home to embrace the nature of another species of resident animal. None of that ugly or cutesy carpet-covered scratching crap but a real, architectural element. John's a genius.

love it!

Re: SD: In fact, that kitty is living the high life!

this is a great space, for both humans and animals alike...really great work...

Lucky cat.

That is cat nirvana -- carpet for comfort and scratching, cut-outs for a view, lights for extra warmth, and height for feline superiority.

KarenH,

yeah high life is even better, hahaha.

Wow, very impressive. This set-up is sensational for cat and humans, both.

I am particularly interested in the placement of the cat steps, as I thought a lot more wall space would be needed in my living room to get our three cats up the to top of the entertainment center.

Great job...

off topic, what's the great silvery grey wall color you used in the bedroom?

Great post AT!! And great job John - Wow!

I love a good chair, kitchen, remodel, etc. post as much as the next person, but giving us ways to keep our furry friends happy AND do so in a remotely (in this case, very) style-friendly way - Fabulous!

For those of you interested in Bob Walker's book mentioned above, Powells has it (albeit curently backordered) for a much better price than Amazon.

http://www.powells.com/biblio?show=HARDCOVER:NEW:9780836221831:18.95#synopses_and_reviews

what a great idea ,,,lucky cat ..majeral512

This post is so timely for me. I've been thinking of building a perch for my cat but wanted something that integrated into my apartment. That first picture helps me visualize what I might want to make.

southof290 - I just checked out your cat scatch post and it's awesome. Your cat must love it.

This is inspired!

southof290 - that is AWESOME! thank you for posting the instructions, that's totally doable (and is a great idea to put near the couch...)

MONGO love cat. Cat cool.

that is the coolest thing ever! it totally makes me want kitties

I have to echo other posters who say this is a great post. I'd argue one of the best AT posts in a while. Great, innovative design idea. This is the sort of post that made me start coming to AT in the first place. I echo Aulaire, Take note. Forget beating us into Green-submission and give us great design ideas to make our living spaces wonderful.

It's a neat idea, but doesn't it block some of the light coming in from the bay window?

GREAT GREAT GREAT