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Cat Tunnel

Creating the Purrrrfect Outdoor Living Space for Your Feline

In amongst all the articles for furnishing your outdoor living areas, this one concentrates on a different type of living space - outdoor cat enclosures.

More and more cat owners have experienced the problems associated with letting their pet run free outdoors. The average life span for an outdoor cat is 5 years vs. 15 years for an indoor cat. They are susceptible to so many more risks than their indoor counterpart, such as aggressive dogs or other predators, fighting with other cats, cars, exposure to diseased animals or poisons, the list goes on. A single run in with any of these hazards will probably result in a hefty vet bill, in fact for Many Pet owners, a monthly bill for cat insurance has become a sign of the times.

In an effort to protect our pets, it's becoming more and more common to see constructed cat enclosures that allow kitty to scamper outdoors, and enjoy the fresh air in a controlled safe environment. The challenge is constructing this cat corral in a way that is pleasing to look at and doesn't create an eyesore or lower your property value. It should also be fairly simple to remove if you're ever thinking of selling your home.

A recent article in the Los Angeles Times describes the creative enclosure constructed by Beverly Hills couple Susan and Dan Gottlieb. They enjoy watching the wildlife and birds outside their hillside home as much as they enjoy their four pet cats. However, in an effort to protect their cats from predators, and protect the birds from their cats, they devised an enclosed nature path that keeps everyone safe.

It began with a few planks of wood with wire fencing stapled to the underside, creating a tubular wire shape. Some areas are covered with dirt, where others have rubber matting on the bottom. Initially, the path wound through a small area of the yard, but due to its incredible popularity, has since been expanded to include five cat doors leading from the house to various runs throughout the property. This type of design is very affordable, can easily be integrated into the landscape, hidden amongst the hedges, and is simple to dismantle if you ever move.

If you're not feeling handy, there are numerous companies out there who do nothing but make cat runs in all shape, sizes, and customized for your pet's needs. Another option is to collect some photos off the web as samples, and hire a handyman to complete the job. Most runs begin with a Cat Door leading to a tunnel created out of mesh, or chicken wire. The path meanders throughout the yard, sometimes stepping up to balconies or upper windows. Other enclosures are constructed as more of a pen or a gazebo filled with small trees, shrubs, and even fountains or ponds.

For apartment dwellers, or those with limited space, kitty windows are great alternatives. These are screened in boxes that protrude from a window, similar to a bay window, which provides a safe, sunny spot for Your Cat. For those with balconies, netting systems can be purchased that allow your pet freedom to roam, without the danger of falling off the railing.

Whatever your situation, there are lot's of ways to give your indoor cat an outdoor lifestyle, without the added risk.

About the Author

Let Leslie Eskildsen, REALTOR for Coldwell Banker Previews, help you with your Orange County real estate needs.

A gray cat plays in cat tunnel.

More Than One Way To Skin a Cat: Adventures in Creative Thinking

How many times have you felt stumped knowing that the problem laying before you is one you cannot solve. No leads. No options. No solutions.

Did it feel like you had exhausted all possible options and yet are still before the mountain a large, unconquerable, and impregnable? When encountering such enormous problems, you may feel like you're hammering against a steel mountain. The pressure of having to solve such a problem may be overwhelming.

But rejoice! There might be some hope yet!

With some creative problem-solving techniques you may be able to look at your problem in a different light. And that light might just be the end of the tunnel that leads to possible solutions.

First of all, in the light of creative problem-solving, you must be open-minded to the fact that there may be more than just one solution to the problem. And, you must be open to the fact that there may be solutions to problems you thought were unsolvable.

Now, with this optimistic mindset, we can try to be a little bit more creative in solving our problems.

Number one; maybe the reason we cannot solve our problems is that we have not really taken a hard look at what the problem is. Here, trying to understanding the problem and having a concrete understanding of its workings is integral solving the problem. If you know how it works, what the problem is, then you have a better foundation towards solving the problem.

Not trying to make the simple statement of what problem is. Try to identify the participating entities and what their relationships with one another are. Take note of the things you stand to gain any stand to lose from the current problem. Now you have a simple statement of what the problem is.

Number two; try to take note of all of the constraints and assumptions you have the words of problem. Sometimes it is these assumptions that obstruct our view of possible solutions. You have to identify which assumptions are valid, in which assumptions need to be addressed.

Number three; try to solve the problem by parts. Solve it going from general view towards the more detailed parts of the problem. This is called the top-down approach. Write down the question, and then come up with a one-sentence solution to that from them. The solution should be a general statement of what will solve the problem. From here you can develop the solution further, and increase its complexity little by little.

Number four; although it helps to have critical thinking aboard as you solve a problem, you must also keep a creative, analytical voice at the back of your head. When someone comes up with a prospective solution, tried to think how you could make that solution work. Try to be creative. At the same time, look for chinks in the armor of that solution.

Number five; it pays to remember that there may be more than just one solution being developed at one time. Try to keep track of all the solutions and their developments. Remember, there may be more than just one solution to the problem.

Number six; remember that old adage," two heads are better than one." That one is truer than it sounds. Always be open to new ideas. You can only benefit from listening to all the ideas each person has. This is especially true when the person you're talking to has had experience solving problems similar to yours.

You don't have to be a gung-ho, solo hero to solve the problem. If you can organize collective thought on the subject, it would be much better.

Number seven; be patient. As long as you persevere, there is always a chance that a solution will present itself. Remember that no one was able to create an invention the first time around.

Creative thinking exercises can also help you in your quest be a more creative problems solver.

Here is one example.

Take a piece of paper and write any word that comes to mind at the center. Now look at that word then write the first two words that come to your mind. This can go on until you can build a tree of related words. This helps you build analogical skills, and fortify your creative processes.

So, next time you see a problem you think you can not solve, think again. The solution might just be staring you right in the face. All it takes is just a little creative thinking, some planning, and a whole lot of work.

About the Author

More Health Fitness Lifestyle articles and ebooks can be found at http://www.health-fitness-lifestyle.com

The Tunnel $15.33 The Tunnel

North American Pet Cat Tunnel Tower $59.97 Every cat needs this affordably priced tunnel tower. It gives the cat owner a nice value, and provides the cat with a tunnel to play in, a pedestal to rest on, a post to scratch - and cats love to slink through the two posts. Our two-tone carpet gives it a great look.Item Dimensions 18"x16.5"x25" Please note: Color specification is unavailable on this item.

Two Tier Cat House - Cradle & Tunnel - Cream $150 Perfect for play or for a nap - this Two Level cat house features a cradle and a tunnel. This cat furniture is great for single or multiple cats. Your cat can snooze in cradle, or frolic through the tunnel. Not only is this a terrific cat lounger, it also is a scratching post. A solid pine pole is wrapped in all-natural sisal rope, which provides an outlet for busy paws. Available in nine colors - Cream, Tan, Brown, Red, Navy Blue, Country Blue, Green, Gray, and Hunter Green. With such a range of colors, you're sure to find one for even your most finicky of felines. And remember - not only do cats love having their own area, but a good scratching post will deter your cat from scratching your furniture! This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Product usually arrives in 4-10 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping. APO/FPO shipping unavailable

Two Tier Cat House - Cradle & Tunnel - Brown $150 Perfect for play or for a nap - this Two Level cat house features a cradle and a tunnel. This cat furniture is great for single or multiple cats. Your cat can snooze in cradle, or frolic through the tunnel. Not only is this a terrific cat lounger, it also is a scratching post. A solid pine pole is wrapped in all-natural sisal rope, which provides an outlet for busy paws. Available in nine colors - Cream, Tan, Brown, Red, Navy Blue, Country Blue, Green, Gray, and Hunter Green. With such a range of colors, you're sure to find one for even your most finicky of felines. And remember - not only do cats love having their own area, but a good scratching post will deter your cat from scratching your furniture! This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Product usually arrives in 4-10 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping. APO/FPO shipping unavailable

Two Tier Cat House - Cradle & Tunnel - Tan $150 Perfect for play or for a nap - this Two Level cat house features a cradle and a tunnel. This cat furniture is great for single or multiple cats. Your cat can snooze in cradle, or frolic through the tunnel. Not only is this a terrific cat lounger, it also is a scratching post. A solid pine pole is wrapped in all-natural sisal rope, which provides an outlet for busy paws. Available in nine colors - Cream, Tan, Brown, Red, Navy Blue, Country Blue, Green, Gray, and Hunter Green. With such a range of colors, you're sure to find one for even your most finicky of felines. And remember - not only do cats love having their own area, but a good scratching post will deter your cat from scratching your furniture! This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Product usually arrives in 4-10 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping. APO/FPO shipping unavailable

Tunnel Extension for Staywell 900 series $22.95 Tunnel Extension for use with the Staywell 917 4 Way Locking Cat Flap Product Components: 100 percent plastic