Cat can’t stay away from food? Piling on the pounds? Then you’ve got a fat cat problem. The solution is not gym sessions but a cat feeder cage.
In Cassandra’s multi-cat household, she usually leaves dry food for her cats to eat anytime they want to. but Vernon (pictured above), a previous stray, doesn’t know when to stop and has become overweight.
Cassandra built a feeder cage from an IKEA kitchen cart (which she has long forgotten the name of) which only allows slim kitties to get in and nibble.
Don’t worry. Cassandra is not starving Vernon. He gets fed regularly and has lost three pounds, putting him back into the heavy but healthy range.
Cat Feeder Cage IKEA Hack
Materials:
- IKEA kitchen cart (name forgotten, but other carts like the FÖRHÖJA will also work)
- IKEA picture frame x 2 (large enough for smaller cats to go through)
- Wire mesh
- Hinges
- Velcro
- Mitered wood strips
Tools:
- Staple gun and staples
- Sandpaper
- Measuring tape
- Saw (for cutting wood and mesh)
She tells me, “We did it with an old kitchen cart. The little doorway was made from two IKEA picture frames. The longer sides are hinged and latched with Velcro so we can get in and out for cleaning and stocking.”
The cats crawl through the picture frame doorway to enter the cage. The doorway is made smaller than big Vernon. “We tested it by putting it around Vernon’s head. There’s no way he’s getting in there,” she adds.
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Wire Mesh
First things first, measure the wire mesh to fit all four sides of your cart. Cassandra suggests, “Measure and cut the wire mesh for all 4 sides of the cart. Then, staple them to the 1 short and 1 long sides of the cart.”
Step 2: Cover the Edges with Mitered Wood Strips
Next, it’s time to tidy up those edges. Cut mitered wood strips to cover the edges of the wire mesh. This not only gives a polished look but also ensures there are no sharp edges that could harm your kitty. Simply staple or nail the strips over the mesh edges for a clean finish.
Step 3: Create the Hinged Panel
For easy access to clean and restock, a hinged panel is a must. Cassandra explains, “For the hinged panel, make a wood frame and install the wire mesh to the frame. Then, add the panel to the cart frame with hinges.” Once the panel is attached with hinges, use a strip of Velcro to hold it securely in place when closed.
Step 4: Add the Cat Door
Now, let’s add the cat door. On one of the short sides of the cart, cut a section of the wire mesh to fit between two picture frames. Sand the edges for smoothness. “Then, staple the wire mesh to the remaining short side of the cart and finish as in Step 2,” Cassandra advises. This creates a little entrance for your svelte cats to come and go as they please.
Click the link to see instructions and more pictures of Cassandra’s cat feeder cage on her blog.