“During the day, he roams, but when the sun sets, he always returns to sleep here.” As the temperatures dropped, Danica became concerned about Fat Billy’s safety. While she’s been patiently working to earn his trust, Fat Billy’s cautious nature meant bringing him indoors wasn’t an option. Determined to help him stay warm through the winter, the couple came up with a heartwarming solution.
Danica GadekenA Designer's Touch for a Furry Friend
Danica initially planned to create a simple shelter from a plastic bin filled with straw. However, her husband, Chris, decided to take the project to the next level.“When I told Chris my plan, he said, ‘If we’re going to do this, let’s do it right,’” Danica explained. “He designed an insulated cedar shake house using leftover materials we already had.”
Danica GadekenAs professional interior designers, the couple’s expertise came in handy. Over the course of a week, they crafted a custom cat house that was both functional and stylish. Once the house was finished, they placed it where Fat Billy typically eats, crossing their fingers that he’d accept it.
Patience Pays Off
Fat Billy’s skittish nature made the introduction a gradual process. “Even after a year of feeding him, he won’t let me come within 10 feet of him,” Danica noted. “So I knew he’d be nervous about the house at first.”
Danica GadekenIt took four days before Fat Billy ventured back to the yard, and another few days—plus the strategic placement of wet food inside the house—before he dared to explore his new winter retreat.A Cozy Winter Ahead
Though Fat Billy is still acclimating to his new home, it’s clear he enjoys its warmth and safety. While Danica and Chris hope to gain his trust enough to find him a permanent home someday, they’re happy knowing he has a cozy place to call his own for now.
Danica Gadeken
Their thoughtful gesture proves that small acts of kindness can make a big difference, even for the most cautious of creatures.
Danica GadekenA Designer's Touch for a Furry FriendDanica initially planned to create a simple shelter from a plastic bin filled with straw. However, her husband, Chris, decided to take the project to the next level.“When I told Chris my plan, he said, ‘If we’re going to do this, let’s do it right,’” Danica explained. “He designed an insulated cedar shake house using leftover materials we already had.”
Danica GadekenAs professional interior designers, the couple’s expertise came in handy. Over the course of a week, they crafted a custom cat house that was both functional and stylish. Once the house was finished, they placed it where Fat Billy typically eats, crossing their fingers that he’d accept it.Patience Pays Off
Fat Billy’s skittish nature made the introduction a gradual process. “Even after a year of feeding him, he won’t let me come within 10 feet of him,” Danica noted. “So I knew he’d be nervous about the house at first.”
Danica GadekenIt took four days before Fat Billy ventured back to the yard, and another few days—plus the strategic placement of wet food inside the house—before he dared to explore his new winter retreat.A Cozy Winter AheadThough Fat Billy is still acclimating to his new home, it’s clear he enjoys its warmth and safety. While Danica and Chris hope to gain his trust enough to find him a permanent home someday, they’re happy knowing he has a cozy place to call his own for now.
Danica GadekenTheir thoughtful gesture proves that small acts of kindness can make a big difference, even for the most cautious of creatures.
