Cat-O-Mobile
Spray paint* in favourite colour (such as canary yellow, salmon, etc)
Craft or dull kitchen knife
Black liquid t-shirt paint
Old paint can/pail or smaller box
Newspapers
Favorite toy, wad of paper, feather, string
Maybe it's a favourite shoe box, or that box your new quilt or collectible was shipped in. Do take your time because some boxes are... well, just boxes. You will find most cats take this step very seriously and spend quality time making their selection. Haven't you noticed cats sitting in boxes? They're taking it out for a test drive.
2. Decide on vehicle make:
It doesn't have to be a car (last christmas, we gave our vet's cat a navy blue truck with his clinic's name on the side). We prefer convertibles in our household; so our favourites are catillac, bug-mobile and furrari.
3. Shape the car:
Remove the cat from the box. Cut off the top of the box on three sides. On the remaining side, carve a semi-circle from the box's outer edge to the middle to make the steering wheel. Cut two 2-inch circles on the steering wheel side to make the "headlights." Cut four 1"x 4" rectangles in the middle of each side of the box for running boards. Cut two smaller 1-inch circles in the back of the box for back-up lights. Let the cat back in the box.
With emery board, gently finish off any rough spots (frankly, when I used the emery board, the driver scrutinized it so thoroughly that very little progress was made. Shortly thereafter, the emery board disappeared and hasn't been seen since).
5. Body work:
Spread newspapers on the floor of a well-ventilated area. Remove the driver from the box. Place the box on the pail, a smaller box or an old paint can to elevate it off the floor. Stuff a newspaper or two inside the box. Remove driver from the area. Shake spray can and cover the box with paint (not the underside). Let the box dry for a few hours. Spray a second time for complete paint coverage. Once the box is completely dry, you can let the driver back into the area for a thorough inspection.
6. Personal license plate:
While paint is drying, determine what an appropriate license plate would be. As with us all, this is very personal.
7. Detailing:
Once the box is dry, apply black t-shirt paint to outline the car doors, steering wheel, bumper sticker, wheels, and of course the license plate (Note: don't ever let the driver help or you will all end up with black stripes where it shouldn't be). Let it dry again prior to occupancy -- if possible (this step is very, very trying -- for both designer and driver!)
8. Driving instructions:
Review safe driving practices. Place the car in their favorite spot and toss a wadded piece of paper, favorite toy or feather inside. Or "re-introduce" the vehicle in play-time with you moving fingers in the base boards or through the headlights. Another favorite is having a nearby passenger who needs a ride. Some cats may prefer to jump in the box when the car is moving.
9. Noise levels:
Some cats, well� they just shouldn't drive. Every time one of my cats bounces into one of our cars, she turns it sideways (based on the noisesI hear, I suspect neither one abide by any speed limits. That may be with or without a vehicle, I suppose). Consider driver's education course AND collision insurance.
My fault?? You're the one who ran a red light!!
Efficient gathering places for toys, paper balls, sometimes an earring or sock. Good napping spots if parked in appropriate locations -- such as under sunny windows or near heat vents. Nope, no need to stop at a service station -- no oil changes or lube jobs necessary!
