Black & Decker 24 Weekend Projects for Pets: Dog Houses, Cat Trees, Rabbit Hutches & More

by David Griffin

Critter condos & pleasure palaces for pets Most pet owners keep at least two different types of animals-dogs and cats are the most common pairings-and a surprisingly large number keep even more animals. Domestic birds; pet rabbits, mice and other rodents; ferrets, snakes, turtles-some people may even raise a goat or potbellied pig or two. On top of this, most lovers of domestic pets are also are enthusiastic supporters of wildlife. feeding birds and squirrels all winter long, or creating shelters for butterflies, toads, and even bats. This book provides nearly two dozen ingenious and fun do-it-yourself projects for anyone who loves animals of all types-from lowly bugs to aristocratic purebred show pets. This is a perfect book for parents or grandparents introducing children to the wonders of raising pets and observing wildlife.

Genres: Nonfiction, How To

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Wallis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up for ideas for cat trees and beds. I thought it would have ideas for dogs as well. I was quite surprised to find that the author has plans for items for small animals, like guinea pigs and rabbits, (although I personally feel that the rabbit hutch is a bit small), as well as a large indoor aviary, with a suitable perch (and discussion of non-toxic materials). The author also has plans for a birdhouse, a bird feeder, and a structure to hold your bird feeders.
Then there's a plan for your pet snake or reptile.
For dogs there is more than just the dog bed, there are dog ramps to help your favorite canine get in and out of your car and several styles of doghouses.
My cat will be quite pleased with a choice of cat trees, cat scratches, and cat perches. One of the perches is more of a wall climbing system. It's really cool, but I will be making it wider, as the author made it only 5 3/4" wide and I think my kitty will prefer it to be closer to 8" wide. Of course, this is the reason why we DIY!
Many of these projects you may well be able to purchase elsewhere, and maybe even at the same cost. But if, like me, you are a crafty girl, you will enjoy creating something for your pet and knowing that once again, you did it all for them and it was all worth it.

[Aiden]

There are a few cool projects in here (my fave is the cat hidey-hole that looks like a retro tv) but the plans are a little intimidating. There are some photos, but most of the instructions are big blocks of text and even the cat scratching posts, which are very simple to make, aren't approachable. I think it's because every project involves a circular saw and other power tools. Grouping the projects by animal would be much preferable to this higgeldy-piggeldy parade of critters in no particular order

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the ebook version of this title, which is less than optimal because it seems a bit disorganized. There are lots of good, basic projects for your pets in here—nothing very fancy—but most seem doable for a beginner. A couple seemed a bit pointless: instead of building the Cat TV, search out an old-timey TV and you're halfway there! This book will be a great guide for some, but if you're looking for super creative solutions for you pet, look elsewhere.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its really good, it tells you how to make a rabbit hutch, dog kennels, cat scratching post, a dog bed, cat climbers and much, much more! I love this book. If you love to work with wood and you love pets, then you will love this book!

[Peregrine 12 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read through the different projects, looked at the tools required, and I think I can do this. It looks good right now - I'll update this after I've actually built something using the plans in this book.

[Mac C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmmm ... 24 Weekend Project for Pets?? Not sure my pet would be able to use the tools required to complete any of these projects, but I'll read it to him just in case. They do look like good projects if he has the strength and dexterity to do them.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I desperately wish I had the skills and motivation required to try some of these projects. Maybe someday I will, but I will definitely be coming back to this book if I do, because they seem doable with some effort and well thought out.

[Jenn/Yana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patterns for building pet beds, cat climbing shelves, scratching posts, cat trees, window sill perch,cat condo. Clear photographs. Now all I need is a saw.

[Moorhead Public Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

I built my cats a 6 foot tall climbing tree using this book, Something like that would have easily cost $200-300. And it was fun. I feel like I did something nice for them.

Reviewed by: Meg