Engineering for Cats: Improve the Life of Your Pet Through 10 Ingenious Projects

by Mac Delaney

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

Genres: Nonfiction, Cats, Crafts, Humor, Animals

224 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2018

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may never build any of the things in this book, but at least I had fun reading about them.

The writing is very witty, and that is probably the best part of the book. Although my father was a carpenter, and built houses, as well as sets for the movies, he never passed the skill on to me, or bothered to teach me, because a) it was the 1960s, and b) I was a girl.

Still, I can appreciate all the plans in this book. Some are super simple, that even I could probably make them, such as a scratching post, although, those are cheap enough to purchase. The things that facinated me in this book were things such as the exercise wheel, which would be quite expensive if you were to find one for a cat.

The author explains the principle here:

There are at least several differences between hamsters and cats. I'm not claiming to be able to tell them apart every time—the majority of animal DNA is just cut and paste anyway, so that seems unrealistic—but my understanding is that there are some differences.
Fortunately, this project focuses on something that they have in common: the ability to expend energy running on a wheel.

And just in case you want to see what the finished product looks like, here it is:


I would recommend this book to people who have the skills, or want to learn the skills, to build things for their cat(s). Very detailed step by step directions, as well as a list of what tools you will need, plus how long it will take you to build each object.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This instructional manual for building cat furniture is informative and humorous. It is organized with diagrams and instructions.
Thanks to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for a digital ARC of this book.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a book to teach cats to be engineers. It's also not a book of cats dressed as engineers, cat vs engineer jokes or anything like that. It is, however, a funny and informative DIY manual cleverly mixing real engineering information (under the headers ENGINEERING 101) with real-life cat information to help you build something for your cat. There's even one that's more for human benefit, and all designed by an aerospace engineer and tested by his cat overlords.

The projects vary in difficulty and cost, so anyone who's familiar with a saw should be able to complete at least one, and you don't need specialized equipment.

As I read through, there may have been snickering, mutterings about "must show this to [engineering friend]" and thoughtful noises as I thought about implementation. And the occasional expression of surprise because I never imagined PVC pipe could be so useful! (Spoiler: about half the projects use wood, the other half use PVC pipe in ingenious ways.)

Some people may prefer to skip the more detailed engineering bits (calculating probability or moment) but I found a lot of good information and handy tips, along with a new understanding as to why a perfectly good bookshelf can't support a much-lighter cat. And now I need to go make space in the garage...

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Netgalley for Review:
A year ago I bought a very fancy and cheap cat tower from Amazon, yesterday it fell apart and I threw it away with a long stream of curses and swearing next time I am building my own!! Clearly for the amount of money I paid I could have gotten the supplies to construct a tower that would not have fall apart.....

And then this book falls in my lap to review, perfect timing! (well almost perfect, projects will be tackled after I move, so I cannot give feedback on whether these work, but having read many books on projects such as these I can say whether or not it looks like they will work!) Starting off fairly simply with a cat shelf (spoilers, shelves are what I use to keep my many breakables away from my cats, I am not training them to jump on shelves...ok maybe in a room where there are no breakables.) First off, bravo for reminding the readers that you need to find the stud before mounting anything that is going to have weight to a wall, and also for using the quarter tap test, a classic for people who may have lost their stud-finder.

Second off, wow is this book thorough with its instructions! I admit, woodworking has never been my forte, mostly because I am moderately terrified of saws, but find someone to cut the wood into shapes I need and I am good to go. Carpentry is one of those things that looks really REALLY complicated (and it can be) but the basics are really easy..,and this book demonstrates that with very clear and precise instructions and measurements.

Projects that really stood out to me as things I want to make: Bunk Beds, cat treat slot machine, drawbridge cat door (which would be painted to look like a castle drawbridge of course) litter box cabinet, and if I am feeling particularly brave...the cat wheel.

This is a great little book for DIYers and cat people alike, it would make a good gift and the projects inside it would also make good gifts.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engineering for Cats and I quote 'Is not a book teaching cats how to be engineers'. It's a quirky book about projects to make ' to improve the life of your cat'. From the start of the book reading the prologue, the writing style is going to be witty.
It explains how to go about constructing the projects in great detail, so a novice at DIY has some idea of what the projects should entail.
The first projecting the book is a shelf. It tells you how easy it is, the cost and time to build. Then includes detailed instructions of how to secure it to the wall, a list of tools required and materials needed. Then detailed instructions with very helpful diagrams of how to make the shelf.
There are 10 projects in this book ranking in difficulty from easy, medium and hard with estimated build times.
Though my DIY skills are not great, it has inspired me to have a go at building a few projects, namely the 'bunk beds' and the 'bat cave', now that looks great!
This book is ideal for keen person that likes DIY and a cat lover, or maybe a keen DIY'er that likes to be creative and donate their project to cat shelters/centres.
Overall, it's a fantastic book with great projects to build with concise instructions with humour thrown in.
Thank you to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for allowing to read and give an honest review of this book.

[JustHB · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining book for the DIY enthusiastic cat owner. Some really great ideas.

Personally, I would prefer a photo at the end of a real cat using the item - all of the pictures are computer animated. I would also like to see a cat tree and a better selection of cat shelfs. Maybe integrated cat tree and shelf options. Otherwise, it is a little bit boring.

And there is no way any self-respecting cat would ever use the exercise wheel at the end. Seriously - what were you thinking.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kitty Gracie was thrilled when I received an ARC for Engineering for Cats. And now that I’ve read this very clever and helpful guide to creating 10 inventive kitty projects, I am too! Because author Mac Delaney, an aerospace engineer, offers 10 projects that address the areas that meet major feline needs. Examples: fountains with fresh running water, a wall shelf so kitties have a great view high up, and a Cat Cave that offers carpeted angled surfaces for scratching, napping and lounging. 5/5

Thanks to the author, Workman Publishing Company and NetGalley for an advance copy. Opinions are mine.

#EngineeringForCats #NetGalley

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only is this book helpfully practical, with plenty of great projects for making bits of furniture or equipment for your much-loved cats, it's actually surprisingly humorous and light-hearted. The projects are very clearly instructed with great diagrams, but the writing style of the author really complements the overall finish of the book. For anyone that loves their cats and wants to treat them, this would be a great book!

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting books about explaining projects for improving the life of your cat.
Each project is very detailed with a lot of explenations and I could even try some even if my DYI skills are quite poor.
Really recommended to cat owners with DYI skils
Many thanks to Netgalley and Workman Publishing Company

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through netgalley.com. I haven’t attempted to build anything from the book yet so I cannot attest the the accuracy. The introductions to each project are written well and I can’t wait to choose a project to build for my cat.

[Elizabeth Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provided by NetGalley:
The introduction for Engineering for Cats by Mac Delaney (no relation) is as clever and charming as you can imagine. A project engineer engaged by the project manager in how to build a better mousetrap leads them to determine that all they've "invented" is the cat. Since they can't reinvent cats, they decide the thing to do is build projects that make cats happier during their cohabitation with humans.

"The projects in this book can help resolve behavioral issues and make your cats happier, but they are unlikely to change their overall personality."

The author includes sections on each project on engineering fundamentals which he admits you could skip over and head straight to the projects, but given the humorous delivery, I say read through it. He begins by explaining the common mistake about what is meant by "measure twice, but once." I won't spoil it for you.

In my own experiences as a cat companion, I've noticed that store-bought cat trees are designed for tiny cats and kittens. Gus is an average size, 13 pound domestic short hair. He's not even a huge Maine Coon. Yet, Gus often has his legs falling off the edges of a tower or he can only sit upright prim and proper on the platforms. Scalability is lacking in store-bought cat furniture. Engineering for Cats will help you solve that problem especially since the illustrated cats are cute and based on Delaney's seventeen- and twenty-pound cats. Not going to lie, there's some algebra in this book. I had to repeat algebra a few times and I think my professor passed me out of kindness and desire to get me out of his class.

Each project is rated with difficulty level and approximate costs for the build. There's great advice about why you would want to build something specifically for a cat when there's something available on the market that's not for cats but seems like it could work. Example given: a simple shelf. A simple bookshelf may be able to hold twenty pounds of books, but that's a "static load," meaning books don't move around like cats do. A cat shelf needs to be able to support a cat leaning more on one end when it lands and leaping off an edge unlike books. If your books do that, call some paranormal investigators. The difficulty level slightly increases from a basic flat shelf to curved and carpeted shelves.

Estimated costs are also included and usually options are given for how costs may vary. Some projects like the basic cat scratching post are intended to be constructed out of leftover materials you might have in your garage or scavenge from a neighbor's home construction leftovers (maybe ask before dumpster diving though).

The illustrated cats certainly look pleased with the results. If you can't trust illustrated cats, who can you trust?

Honestly, I prefer the wooden pieces of cat furniture. The PVC pipe assemblies don't really go with my personal taste in decor. I suppose if you're a plumber you might think PVC cat furniture is super duper awesome. One of the best wood projects in this book is the litter box cupboard. What makes it unique is that there are simple hooks on the outside marked with the days of the week and a token that's moved from hook to hook daily after scooping. If you have kids who are assigned chores this is probably a fantastic feature akin to public toilets having a sign-out sheet for the cleaners noting when the last cleaning was.

The final project is constructing a cat wheel. Cat wheels are a huge trend right now. Certain indoor cats have a ton of energy that they need to expend and their human companions can't always play with them enough. I don't think Gus and Oliver would like a cat wheel especially since Gus is leash trained and gets to climb real trees. However, I have seen people like Jackson Galaxy (My Cat from Hell host) proclaim that cat wheels can solve behavior problems caused by bored cats. Constructing your own cat wheel will certainly provide a sense of accomplish and save you money. Hopefully your cat can understand your effort for the project and know how much you love them.

[Marsha Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very detail oriented book with well detailed instructions for someone that truly treats their cat or cats as practically human.

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

Clearly written by an engineer with a great sense of humor, this is a surprisingly useful book for creating DIY items for your cat - starting with a simple shelf and then moving on to items such as a water fountain and litter box enclosure. I could see my cat using most of the 10 projects as well as me creating them easily - they were neither too expensive, too complicated, nor required a lot of tools. As well, many were surprisingly decorative.

The projects include: shelf, advance series of nautical themed shelves, drinking fountain, large and fancy drinking fountain, cat cave, simple scratching post, bunk beds, cat treat machine, drawbridge cat door, litter box cabinet, and a cat wheel.

The book begins with some practical information on cats, some techniques to help you build items better, and an amusing exchange between a boss and an aerospace engineer on designing for cats. The book is illustrated throughout with 3D modeling software examples of cats, people, the projects, etc. It fits perfectly with the theme of the book and is rather cute as well!

Each project has a color coded introduction, the problem the item will solve (e.g., a scratching post to keep cat claws off couches), the science behind cat behavior with the problem, step by step directions with images on each step, and tips/info needed to complete the project. E.g., the simple cat shelf gives you the problem (cats will employ destructive behavior to gain a height advantage), how the shelf will solve the problem (discussing why cats like to get high), and the solution with a call out on cost, difficulty, and estimated time to build. Additional information is often also included on several: e.g., how to hang on drywall and making sure a shelf is sturdy and can take the cat's weight. Each step also has a complete list of materials in large print and very easy to use.

The really neat thing about the book is that you learn more about your cat and engineer principles as you do the projects. Only a few are difficult (e.g., the trap door so cats can go outside) but even those look very doable and approachable. The only materials used are pvc pipes or wood - perhaps some carpeting and screws of course. So we aren't using exotic materials. The fancier items, such as the nautical themed shelves, may require more than simple screwing and sawing (e.g., a jigsaw to create a wave shape). But the emphasis is on making the items look attractive and cleanly made.

In all, this was a fun read with great projects that are approachable and doable, many only requiring a few hours time to create something lovely and useful for your cat(s). Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Sara Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the wife of a Google engineer and one who has helped her husband create cat furniture in the past, I was intrigued by this book. Unfortunately, in my NYC apartment, I don't have the power tools needed to make any of these designs, but it seems like the author did a great job showing a list of needed supplies and the steps with diagrams needed to help you finish the project. I have to be honest though, I'm not sure financially if a lot of these projects are worth making (versus buying) unless you enjoy tinkering in your garage. I also don't really find a lot of these ideas "ingenious" as the book's subtitle suggests. What is so ingenious about a cat scratcher, a cat shelf, or a litter box cabinet? My favorite project (and only ingenious one shared in my opinion) is the cat wheel at the end. I can see that taking a lot of time to complete but creating it on your own would save you money if the author's research is correct.

Overall, a great book for a cat lover but I think most cat lovers won't be in awe of the shared projects and most of the cat wisdom is readily available on the web. Honestly, if I was a cat, I'd rather my owner just buy me most of the products rather than spend so much time and money in the garage when that time could be better spent petting me haha! On a final note, I really enjoyed the author's occasional humor and wit that made an appearance throughout the book.

[Laura M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a ridiculous amount of cats at any given time. I usually have around 9 on the property, and I foster cats for a local rescue, so I thought this would be up my alley. I really love doing crafts as well as home improvement projects, so again I thought this would be up my alley. No such luck. The book is written with a dry sense of humor and is written with clear instructions. It also tries to tell you ahead of time the problems you might run into while you are trying to create these projects. The problem is, I didn't really feel motivated to create any of the projects shown. They range from a standard cat shelf to a cat wheel to help your pet stay in shape. You can even create your own cat drinking fountain. I felt like some of them could be done much easier - especially the cat bunk bed. This is an interesting book to flip through and get a couple of chuckles out of, but I don't recommend buying and keeping on hand as a reference book. It would be perfect, however, as a coffee table book in a vet's office.

[Marzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engineering for Cats is a serious book offering designs for cat-friendly surfaces, fountains, and nooks. Many of the designs require carpentry or shop experience, and in particular require tools (e.g.circular saw, jigsaw), that the average apartment dweller may not have, unless they have access to a machine shop. That said, many of the designs are simple, practical and better made versions of those one can see on a variety of cat accessory websites. Delaney offers clear instructions on how to successfully accomplish these simple designs and weekend carpenters can find inspiration to satisfy their felines. The cat graphics in the book, while droll, reduce the appearance of serious information conveyed in the book. The cover design in particular is likely to lead some readers to believe that it's another cat humor book. This is a useful book for those who are set up to build for their felines.

I received a Digital Review Copy of this book from Workman Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[penny shima glanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cats are innate physicists with a sense of humor. This book is for them and the curious DIYer in their lives. With wit and patience (not pretension), it explains why after introduction of a tiny ball of fluff, a house may suddenly require substantial reinforcement. The projects range from those best suited for beginners (shelves and treat dispensers) to ambitious (cat exercise wheel). Each project is written so that the casual wood worker can build with confidence and the expert can work effeciently. This is a great title for the woodworker looking for unique gifts ideas or the homeowner hoping to please the feline overlords.

I received an eARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for a review. The FTC wants you to know.

[Edith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not an engineer but I own cats. I really appreciated the author's explanation of the engineering principles to keep in mind before embarking on a project. I also enjoyed the probabilty lesson. The author is clearly a passionate engineer who wants to bring joy for his cats. The author is performing an interesting experiment of meowing at the animals at the zoo. My personal suggestion is to find a way to record the sounds being exchanged by cats when they are speaking to each other in a range that we mere humans cannot hear. When my cats, brother and sister, "talk" to each other, I can't hear a thing but it is fascinating to watch their exchange. They will talk to each other when one cat is in the kitchen and the other is at the other end of the house. There must be a sound engineer who can record the unhearable sounds they are making and translate it for us cat parents to understand.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will give this book a 4.5. Told with a wonderful sense of humor and adventure, this book of projects has something for every feline "owner" household. Although be aware that if you add a cat door to any rooms they will then demand one for the bathroom, which used to be a human companion's only sanctuary, however brief.
Mine also did not fall for the fun and adventure of the wheel. They knew before it was built that it is an attempt at forced exercise.
I also did not see the need to add a daily tag for the litterbox cover. Humans need to be trained to scoop several times daily without reminder or reward.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book and to my human engineer who performed the actions requiring opposable thumbs to build the items.

[Ligaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there were more projects, it would be five stars! The writing is witty while the author successfully explains concepts such as dynamic load, compression, and tension. I now understand why and how tapping on drywall creates different sounds and I hope to be more successful in finding those previously hidden studs. I think most of the projects are fairly easy to create if you have basic tools. Particularly with the author's aerospace background, I was hoping for something with movement, something more monumental so I was a tad disappointed. (A Rube Goldberg-esque toy? A rocket cat tower?) I'm waiting for Volume Two.

[Emilia Greendevald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers many cool ideas that will significantly improve your pet's comfort. I'll definitely try making my own scratching post, as it's little things like these that make them happy. It's also great that many products have long been automated and are easy to buy, especially when it comes to automatic feeding. I was surprised how much cleaner my home stayed after I got an automatic pet water fountain. Pets spill less because the fountain’s design encourages gentle sipping. The constant circulation also keeps the water from getting stale. Maintenance is simple with replaceable filters. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference in daily care.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a riot! I was laughing outloud just reading the introduction, and it only got better from there. As an apartment dweller, the number of projects I'll be able to put together is limited, but I've already lined up a friend with a handsaw and a Dremel tool, and I'm making the large water fountain, dammit! My dream project is definitely the hamster-style wheel, but I'm pretty sure that's going to have to wait.

This book is really great in that it is entertaining (did I mention how funny the author is?), but it also offers good tips about cat behavior, and it also offers explanations of some engineering techniques. I work with engineers every day, so I have to admit I was tickled by some of the engineering jokes ("...that's because we engineers use complicated-looking symbols to confuse our employers and convince them we're irreplaceable.").

This book would be great for anyone with both cats and a sense of humor. And if you actually make one of the projects, that's a bonus.

[Myra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing, witty writing and several fun projects. I'm not sure many of them are particularly "ingenious." The Cat Treat Slot Machine, maybe. I've never seen anything quite like that. The rest are fairly standard projects you can find on pinterest. However, the instructions seem very clear and easy to follow. Sadly, I don't have the tools or the work space to try most of them, but there might be a Cat Slot Machine in my cats' future.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for do-it yourselfers who have cats. Projects are varied and I especially liked that they could be customized to accommodate larger cats. My little big guy weighs in at 24 lbs and is knee high on me (maine coon), commercial cat trees and other furniture is too small for him (I bought him a child's tent and tunnel that he adores!), but conventional cat trees could potentially injure him if it falls over! This book might be the solution to large cat other owners have. great book!

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute idea book for cat lovers, who want to make items for their cats, themselves. The projects are innovative, mostly easy to make. Instructions, with illustrations, seem simple enough for the new do-it-yourselfer, like me, but I will let my hubby tackle them!

[Alisha Linehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refraining from giving this book five stars because I didn’t actually build anything and thus can’t speak for the instructions, but the narration is hilarious and I learned a little bit about the psychology of cats.

[Erikka · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great collection of carpentry projects to make for cats. If I had more skill, I'd make the cat wheel at the end!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun to read! The author is snarky which I always enjoy. I'm going to try to make Bill read it, and maybe make a couple of the items for our cat, Thomas.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers some cute ideas to entertain your resident craft addict and your cats. It was entertaining but I don't know that I'll actually accomplish any of the projects.

[Wallis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, but not all that original. The instructions were not the easiest to follow.