From the moment Chris and Danica first saw the stray cat, they knew he was different. He was skittish, always on alert, and maintained his distance. Coming into their home was never an option for him—he preferred the outdoors and avoided any interaction with people as much as possible. Despite his wariness, there was something about him that tugged at their hearts. One day, as Chris and Danica discussed their next home renovation project, an idea sparked. “We should build him a house,” Danica said.
If they were going to do it, it needed to be done right—a well-crafted cedar shake cabin that would withstand the weather and keep the cat warm. Chris agreed, and they set out to build a shelter that was not only functional but charming as well.
The key component was insulation, essential for keeping the cat warm during the colder months. Once the cedar shakes were installed, they stepped back to admire their work. The cabin blended seamlessly with their own home, almost as if it had always been a part of their space. The entryway even featured a decorative touch inspired by the Sistine Chapel ceiling. “I think he’s a cat with refined taste. He’ll appreciate this touch,” Danica joked. Deep down, they both believed it—this cat deserved the best.
With the final touches complete, they watched and waited, hoping he would eventually use the house. They kept their eyes on the yard, and finally, one day, he appeared. The cat slowly poked his head inside, cautiously inspecting the new structure. Seeing him like that—hesitant yet curious—filled their hearts with joy.
“He looks like a king,” Chris said, his voice echoing the shared sentiment. Now, they knew he would be safe and warm when winter arrived. The knowledge that they had given him a place to call his own felt like the perfect finish to all their hard work.
Sadly, this seems to have been a disturbing pattern that must be addressed. To protect future animals and provide him with the support he needs, he must be banned from ever owning animals again and undergo mandatory counseling.
Building the small house brought a newfound joy to their renovation projects. They hoped that with time, the cat would grow comfortable enough to take the next step and come closer to them. If that ever happened, they would welcome him inside without hesitation. For now, the cat’s interest was evident, and they were content knowing they had provided him with a safe haven.