The Mad Max Catio ~ Part 1
We knew we needed to change the back of the bus dramatically to make it not only escape proof but also accessible from the inside! So the Mad Max Catio was born 🙂
We had two obstacles that prevented it from being escape proof!
Since we knew we were stationary until the escape proof part was completed, that’s where Zach started
~ The No Escape Plan ~
First, the back deck! In driving mode, it’s folded up and secured and then in park mode, it can be lowered to make a deck. It worked, until we needed to keep sneaky, slinky cats from going through the openings on the sides. Zach needed to not only create an insert to close the gap from the back deck part to the top, he had to secure the sides as well!
We needed this entire back section to be 100% escape proof!
Second, the lift! Another area with large gaps for kitties to slip through! Zach had to create a plate to attach to the sides of the lift that created an enclosed side when in the driving position.
Above all, safety is key! So here is how Zach made our kitties safe!
😻
Here’s What He Did
First and foremost, we needed metal! Which would be super easy if we had a truck! But we found a great company in Oklahoma that not only delivered, but the price point was, well, on point! If you need metal in the Indiahoma, Oklahoma area, check these guys out! Click the metal cat trio to check them out!
Mad Max Catio Technical….
Zach built some basic hinges to support the top enclosure section so that it can be opened when we are stationary. The top enclosure is made of angle iron and expanded metal. It closes and then the lower deck folds closed, locking and sealing it up. The expanded metal that is attached to the bottom of the lift is just that, attached. He used inch and a half angle iron to prevent any escape.
Random pics of his build time 🙂 ⬇
Now I know that statement above made sense to him, and to others as well! For me, it’s all about the finished product, I trust Zach and his designs!
I also firmly believe that I have the capacity in my brain for a certain amount of knowledge, so if Zach has that knowledge to build a catio, there’s no need for me to also have that knowledge! I know other things, like toilet paper math 😆 and baking science 🎂
Finally,the finished product! At least for phase 1! Being fully enclosed was the main goal, and we wanted to get going to our next destination before we started Phase 2 of the Catio Project! That is coming soon!! They will be able to go in and out of the bus without getting down on the ground! Of course, that’s if we don’t want them down! We have some alternate means of getting down planned, that can be in use or hidden away!!
There are a few more things that need tweaking, like holding the insert in the up position when we have the deck down! But it’s an easy fix!
The lift has wings now 🙂
Zach added in metal sides so that when it is in the up position, it lays flush, creating a seal! Probably my most favorite part 😬
Last but not least, Our littlest guy loves to be in the middle of the action! He was Zach’s right hand kitty! He is polydactyl on his two front paws, but still couldn’t manage to hand Zach the tools he needed!😂
Stay tuned for more Mad Max Catio Phases….
Missed a few parts of the story?? Catch up here!!
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 9.5 Part 10 Part 11
Love the hats we wear? Zach makes them! Check out his work here
