Engineering for Cats: Better the Life of Your Pet with10 Cat-Approved Projects

by Mac Delaney

Overview

Problem solving for cat people.

Sure, your cat cleans itself, uses a litter box, and is happy to pitch in by ridding your basement of the occasional unwanted rodent. But she is also a barely domesticated wild animal whose compulsions might include shredding upholstery, knocking over plants, and trying to dominate the “territory” you call home. How to accommodate your pet’s feral instincts while reducing these problem areas in your relationship? Through engineering! Conceived by aerospace engineer Mac Delaney, here are ten ingenious DIY projects that address the quirks of cat behavior head-on, with results that will help both your cat and you to live happily—together—ever after.

DIY projects include:
cat shelf
drinking fountain
cat cave
scratcher
bunk beds
treat slot machine
cat door
litter box cabinet
cat wheel 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781523503872
Publisher:	Workman Publishing Company
Publication date:	08/21/2018
Sold by:	Hachette Digital, Inc.
Format:	eBook
Pages:	288
File size:	16 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Mac Delaney earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in engineering from the University of California, San Diego, in 2012. Since then he has been working in the aerospace industry on commercial aircraft and spacecraft structures. He first realized the potential for applying engineering principles to cat-related projects when he discovered that cats are significantly less stressful to interact with than humans. Motivated to learn more, he began to research these peculiar animals, how they became such a common household companion, and what can be done to make that companionship better. In an attempt to contribute to the growing field of cat research Mac takes regular trips to the zoo, where he meows at various animals to see which ones will react. So far none have, but the work is ongoing. Mac is also married to a completely real and not imaginary person. His wife is also an engineer who is supportive of the cat-based projects and tolerant of the zoo-based research. In the future he plans to continue his parallel careers in aerospace and cat engineering, in the hopes that one day these fields will be fully unified. Visit EngineeringforCats.com for more tips on building, photos of the projects, and more.

Editorial Reviews

05/21/2018
Delaney, an aerospace engineer, puts his professional experience to work for the feline set in this droll guide to building furniture for cats. The 10 projects range from a simple scratching post made of leftover materials and a basic shelf to more challenging items, like a self-contained drinking fountain, a drawbridge-style cat door, and a cat-sized exercise wheel. Each project addresses a common problem that arises when cohabiting with cats. “Cats are territorial, so when they see where you spend most of your time, such as at your keyboard... or in your bed... interpret those as places of power,” Delaney quips, before introducing the two-tier bunk bed designed to give cats a place of power of their own. (Delaney recommends “placing a clean pair of black pants on them.”) The book includes clear, copious step-by-step illustrations on cuts, installation, and even the splash mechanics of fountains. Specific shopping lists, complete with measurements and quantities, as well as the necessary tools (alternate options, when applicable, are also included), ensure readers have all the required materials and equipment on hand from the get-go. Buoyed with a fun, breezy tone, Delaney’s practical guide gives cat owners everything they need to customize their favorite feline’s environment. (July)

Publishers Weekly

"Buoyed with a fun, breezy tone, Delaney's practical guide gives cat owners everything they need to customize their favorite feline's environment." —Publishers Weekly

"This book is clever, but it is also a totally usable guide to feline-friendly home props. If you’re planning on opening a kitty café—a trend on the rise!—you need to pick up a de-shedding brush and a copy of this book." —Book Page
 

From the Publisher