Designing Solutions to My Cat's Problems

[@ruby_wired]

"I had an idea for an intricate folding tray with magnets and loops and then we iterated until the customer's needs were met and ended up with a piece of scrap carpet velcroed to an old chair" is honestly the biggest mood there has ever been

[@Elijah_Kujo]

The way she just rubs against your face every time you're filming next to her gives me life

[@makermeditations]

You and me both!

[@reidleblanc3140]

there is nothing more cat-like than rejecting your grand design plan for the awkward prototype

[@AliG-do4jj]

So true. I bought my cat an electric toy. She hates the toy, loves the box the toy came in 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheParkAttendant]

Cardboard boxes make excellent cat traps!

[@bobbin135]

My favourite genre of content is when talented people engineer and craft semi-unnecessary but very impressive structures for any sort of animal just because they can ♥

[@meldebeer]

The sort of wholesome we all need more of ❤

[@daveyisnotunusual]

You'll like the KZbinrs Evan and Katelyn

[@stefflcus]

"I have made this, and i have also made a very large mess" needs to be in a tee when you inevitably sell merch. Spot on editing, beautiful costar, important solutions.

[@makermeditations]

Lol thanks. I really appreciate the feedback and ideas!

[@cyphermage6112]

I would buy it in multiple colours! 🤣 I have no formal "making things" skills so I just try things and see what happens. I usually manage to hack together something functional eventually, but am inevitably surrounded by the detritus of all the failed attempts and bits that didn't quite work by the time I get there! It's nice to see someone on youtube who doesn't have fancy tools and whose experiments don't always work out quite right the first time.

[@BenjamintheTortoise]

Totally agree!! Great video! 💕

[@linneathesystemsdruid308]

I would wear a shirt that says that all the time.

[@arkiviantunes]

I'd buy this very relatable merch xD

[@reckoningdays]

"It folds, it swivels, it hangs - and honestly I think it SLAPS" is probably the best thing ive heard in a while

[@Shantastickle]

It warms my heart seeing humans who truly love their fur babies and doing things specifically for them. You are wonderful for knowing your cat so well and letting her smell all the ingredients. I’ve always let my cats smell whatever I’m cooking or anything I have in my hands they want to smell lol. I love cats.

[@makermeditations]

Thank you! I'm confident they love and appreciate the gesture

[@eugeniaosborne3883]

😅😅

[@AmaraJordanMusic]

I also then tell mine, “Thank you for sniffing.” Sometimes it’s like they sniff just to be polite. I should extend them the same courtesy. ☺️

[@nishasafiah]

I heard that cats are like toddlers, and just want to be involved in whatever youre doing. its a bonding experience to them. its why cats sit on your arms when youre typing on a computer or why sit on peoples homework. they dont understand anything we do but they just want to be there

[@WellWoopdidoo]

I put a cat tree in the kitchen for my cats to watch me cook, the bonus being that it’s next to the stairs so if they’re play-fighting they have multiple routes up and down.

[@makermeditations]

I'm guessing the playfighting on the stairs happens at about 3am sharp. The midnight zoomies can be wild

[@mistingwolf]

Typical cat. Does not like fancy over-engineered item; prefers chair with scrap carpet. ᓚᘏᗢ

[@makermeditations]

A small cardboard box is all they ever want, but I can't just let things be :P

[@donnadees1971]

This is hilarious

[@dustycookies143]

How do you do the cat thing? What keyboard has those?

[@rat-gang-]

​@@dustycookies143if you want to find it online, search 'one line ascii art cat'. the script is canadian aboriginal, apparently.

[@bubblegumplastic]

​@@dustycookies143 google "cat text emoji"

[@enter_eagle]

i once heard it said as, "you can give the cat a potato but you cant make it peel it." such fickle creatures

[@makermeditations]

Truly wise words to consider

[@just_going_mads]

No wonder the potato bribe didn't work, it wasn't peeled.

[@electrogeek77]

This was one of the most cat/cat parent videos I have ever seen - devoting yourself to something you hope your cat will love, and them just going for the simple solution.

[@themissingcastle]

I didnt expect this channel to be so small. Really good. Cats Really be like that. I had a simpler issue. Mine would want to be on the counter so i moved the cat tree closer and they just use the chairs.

[@makermeditations]

Thanks! That works too and honestly sounds way easier. Where were you a couple weeks ago? :P

[@mariepindstruplinde1671]

We also had a cat tree in the kitchen, to make sure the cats could do their self-appointed QC-duties of our cooking. It was as tall as the counter but didn't have to be next to us, so it didn't limit our work space

[@crossidy7223]

If you want to make the carpet cushion a bit more prettier heres what Id recommend; get extra wide bias tape, glue it on the raw edges and voila a much more finished look! The velcro instead of just strings/ribbons is pretty genius tho wish I had thought of that when making a set of seat covers for a family member

[@makermeditations]

Huh, this is a great idea. We had enough fabric scraps that I could probably make some in the right color and width. Good thinking!

[@MidoriTheAwesome]

I would watch a whole series of you making things for your cat lol

[@makermeditations]

This is good feedback. No promises, but I hear ya

[@selorm]

​@@makermeditations I would too, the other guy who made things for his cat stopped

[@traceycolbert3635]

To keep your tools from dulling , borrow your neighbors 😁

[@makermeditations]

This man's a genius, and a menace to the neighborhood

[@traceycolbert3635]

@@makermeditations kinda sucks being the guy with the tools sometimes.

[@Elsren]

"Behold! Something that almost certainly already existed. I have made this. And I have also made a very large mess. In the kitchen." 😂 Loved that you pivoted when the lady in question didn't appreciate your cool tray. Not giving in to perfectionism for the prototype paid off! A happy kitty and a saved back ☺

[@kmarj8]

Your kitty loves you so much!! What a darling friend, thanks for sharing :)

[@Irishxlily]

The only improment thats needed as a little sign hanging on the backrest to indicate its your cats chair. Maybe chalk board so you can change out the words every so often and have fun with it. Helk you could use the pvc hooks you made to hang it from so its removable

[@makermeditations]

I love this idea! I could even convert the tray to a chalk holder or something. Great thinking!

[@Boredofmostofit]

This is basically a chronicle of failures and mistakes 😅 And that is how you improve... Love it.

[@gayidek]

awwww this was such a nice comfy video, shoutout to my yt algorithm for actually doing its job and bringing me here

[@makermeditations]

I'm glad you liked it! Next time you talk to the algorithm let me know, I have some questions for it as well

[@seaofbees783]

great video!! maybe she just wasn’t feeling the cooking trey because she didn’t have a chefs hat, she’s a method actor at heart

[@makermeditations]

I was actually thinking the same thing! Maybe put a star with her name on it on her "dressing room" :P

[@faselblaDer3te]

I know a precious treasure when I see one, and that cat o' yours is one precious treasure.

[@SylviaAlcatrazz]

Juns kitchen designed his whole kitchen around having cat access points lol, he just has tall chairs they sit on

[@Vaeril]

The algorithm knew EXACTLY what I wanted when it recommended this video to me.

[@AlagomSwede]

Finally, someone who has an approach to making that I have. Stream of consciousness, changing your mind halfway through and using tools in ways they were not intended. Love it!

[@makermeditations]

It's all jazz :D

[@xingcat]

What a great project! My cat has a "cabinet" of his own, too. It's the linen closet, so I have to have a designated shelf with his blankets, so he doesn't sleep on my towels.

[@makermeditations]

It might have been a ploy of his to get the whole shelf from the start, you just played into the plan. Happens to the best of us

[@xingcat]

@@makermeditations Yup! I'm fully aware that I'm just the caretaker of my cats' house at this point. 😀

[@Varzio]

Funny how we just look at our furry companions, see what they have issues with and go "let me make this easier for you"- love this video and the sentiment behind it.

[@SuperVoodude]

I love everything about this video, from the intrusive meme/video thoughts, the all-too-real embarrassing amount of time and energy spent on something that exists, to the be-tray-al. Can't wait to see what you do next!

[@soclose2her]

😂😂😂 be-tray-al

[@hannahbradley2769]

Im so suprised this video doesnt have more views, I honestly think its well edited and cute!

[@makermeditations]

Thanks! We'll get there :D

[@fearsomefawkes6724]

This video is peak cat owner 😸

[@Shadowcat31]

my cat will always prefer garbage and diy scrap over nicely made, bespoke toys and items. I refuse to spend a ton of money on my cats stuff(other than food of course) so I am making her things from cardboard, my scrap yarn and any wood we got laying around lol good job on that tray though! I really like the idea ♥

[@ElijahCem]

Dude this is content gold. Im so glad i decided to watch this video. Please keep making inventions for your cat and for daily annoyences. I dont mind what direction you go. Just keep going. You have a talent.

[@makermeditations]

This feedback means a lot, thanks for taking the time to comment. I have big stuff in the works right now that I'm excited for. Thanks and see you soon!

[@TVDAnnu]

We have a floor to ceiling cat tree that has a rather small footprint and in our old apartment it was next to a beam, which was where a wall between the kitchen and living room used to be, so basically the tree was right in the middle of the kitchen and the living room and my cat would ALWAYS sit there and watch (quite literally) over my shoulder when I was cooking.

[@makermeditations]

That sounds awesome, what a cool setup!

[@ithalaine]

So cute and funny, especially the shelf looking through the window😂

[@makermeditations]

I felt like an insane person making that little window 😅

[@gozzybull]

honestly your prototyping methodology is among my favorite ways of making, i can't count the number of times i've used odds and ends to mock something up and i end up just using that. love the video and your editing style is so fun! looking forward to your next videos! also umbra is such a sweet little darling cat i hope she continues to enjoy the kitchen chair!!

[@makermeditations]

Totally, I love walking into someone's garage and they have all kinds of custom solutions for storage and whatnot. Thanks a ton and I'll pass the love on to Umbra!

[@LonChaneyJrfan52]

Just a hunch but, a carpet sewing needle and a thimble might be a bit more effective next time you need to attach something to carpet

[@kimberleebrackley2793]

You made the chair better for her, and she knows this. The tray is far too high for her comfort. Lowered, it will be accessible whether standing or sitting. ❤ ❤ ❤ the cat. Love them enough, and if you are fortunate, they will love you back. Kitty-cat love is the best:)

[@AmaraJordanMusic]

“It was way way easier. Which is what I wish I could tell you without it being a complete lie.” You had me in the first half, NGL. I also like that you and the CCT made up there at the end. ☺️ I love a happy ending!

[@theyxaj]

Cats are so hard to please that it's addicting

[@makermeditations]

So true!

[@bunnyfrosting1744]

She’s such a regal lady, crossing her lil paws :,)

[@makermeditations]

Ikr, she looks so fancy when she does that 😂

[@shima1408]

your love and care for your cat radiates from this so clearly :) great inventing, editing, and scripting!

[@SlayMeatClouds]

I loved this video, as did one of my cats, who reached out and patted Umbra on the screen! That swivel and fold design was excellent. I think the tray is too small for a cat to use comfortably as a seat or perch. Measure Umbra from shoulder to shoulder, hip to hip, and the length of spine in between, when she's relaxed or crouching flat. That will be the minimum size for a comfortable platform, I think. (And a chubby cat would need even more room, to accommodate tummy overhang.) The surface should also be non-slip, like the chair carpet. I think one cool solution might be to raise the chair (replace the legs with longer legs?) and make a little fold-out staircase for her. I'm envisioning that the seat of the chair is at about counter height, the back of the chair is still in place to discourage her from jumping over to the counter or range. You could leave the prototype there as her treat shelf! The staircase is similar to how a folding stepstool works, kind of like wooden window blinds, where moving one stair to its horizontal position moves all the others simultaneously.

[@melsyoutube]

i really appreciate your sense of humor lmao. the inclusion of memes, the dead silence, the tray in the window, etc

[@willbe3043]

This is EXACTLY what I want when I open KZbin

[@makermeditations]

This is exactly the type of comment I want to read 😁 thank you!

[@IvyShady-ih3ni]

when you click on a maker channel and the maker has the standard "i make stuff" black & blue fingernail, you know that's a real one. subbed

[@ohcar0line]

11:54 😊 Showing your process and thoughts so candidly is so relatable and refreshing!

[@makermeditations]

Thanks for the feedback, it's very helpful!

[@vvitch-mist20]

She loves that cushion a lot lol. This was a wonderful video. Please give Umbra extra love and pets from me.

[@makermeditations]

Thank you! You got it, pets are en route.

[@AriaAsacura]

this is a lovley thing to do for your cat. if you do it again i suggest perhaps simply using coarse fabric that you can put a stitch in for the velcro straps, instead of solid carpet. you can sew on velcro or make a pouch for magnets, and you'll be able to machine wash it.

[@soulsworn13]

This is such a charming video! My cats will either sit on top of the freezer to watch menacingly, or loaf on the rug I have by the counter, just barely avoiding being stepped on (we have the spacing down to an art).

[@aquaintsound]

Cat logic strikes again. My cat just likes sitting on my chair in the kitchen so he feels like he's a part of cooking

[@makermeditations]

Correction, he IS part of the cooking 😁

[@Whurlpuul]

Brave dude sawing something on a wooden floor as nice as that.

[@makermeditations]

I live on the edge, but also it's just a broken table that I use as a workbench in the garage.😅 You can take my bravery points back, I'll understand

[@Whurlpuul]

@@makermeditations I'll hold them in review until the next upload 😁

[@JudgeyJudgeyable]

Just got recommended your video by the all knowing KZbin algorithm and I'm glad

[@soclose2her]

Hahaha me too just now, no idea why but I’m heeeeere for it 😂😂😂

[@Cheskaz]

Very relatable process. Extremely excellent cat. 10/10

[@makermeditations]

I'll send her your compliments, thanks!

[@AprilRyan1985]

As a maker and problem solver myself I loved this video 💛 It really resonated with my process 🧠

[@c.caub5315]

Thank you so much for this one main thing. All the errors, I make them everytime I go to make something and do dumb stuff… I think it’s just because I’m not good at making things like a pro would be…you and several other “pros” show me that Its just part of the process a natural thing…So I can stop beating myself up.

[@makermeditations]

Precisely! I can't claim to be pro at anything at the moment but I can definitely say that I don't learn a dang thing from something going well. Anytime someone has a good piece of advice it's usually because they have experience doing something less optimally and have learned from it. Especially true for safety rules and tips, any time I can protect myself because someone else tells the horrors of using a tool incorrectly, I listen.

[@delilacain7882]

this was amazing please make more videos! I loved seeing the whole process, including mistakes. You can learn from other people's mistakes, not just your own!

[@rachelann9362]

The algorithm recommended this to me, despite actually watching surprisingly few animal and crafting/building channels but whatever triggered that was right. I love me some cats, and I sure as heck over engineer and WAY overthink things for the cats when they are really just happy with the Amazon box their toys came in, or my work bag when I’m not actively using it. I do however need a better system for one of my most demanding (affectionate) cats for when she’s standing on my legs and clawing at my leg to get me to bend down and give her attention. I have a chair in the kitchen-and while it’s a suitable napping spot for another resident, it’s not one that she jumps on, even when adequately. My back can’t take bending over to pet her, and talking her up onto the counter is not always helpful. she seems to take offense at the idea, even though she happily hangs out on the counter all the time. Now how to create something to help save my back, my clothes from being torn, and my legs from nail marks.. I get it girl, you want a pet from DOWN THERE and you want to stretch up onto and INTO my legs while you do that. Ugh, maybe a slightly higher than knee high chair with some lovely treats, catnip, and covered in thick, very scratchable cotton sail canvas backing. Knowing my luck, she’ll be terrified of anything new for a while, then completely ignore and walk around it.

[@MarkFaldborg]

She really is enamoured with you. What a great cat. Amazing project. Loved it.

[@makermeditations]

Thank you! I'll let her know 😀

[@isbaccas]

Instead of chisels for hollowing, use a Dremel and if you need sharp corners then you could use the chisel for finishing. Usually smaller bits work just fine for corners finishing corners

[@ninetendopesaitama2107]

Cat : do you still have the box to the tray? ^^ OAO

[@noeraldinkabam]

7:31 I’m so glad you told us. I thought you send her in to the cabinet every time she wasn’t needed for video’s. Because that’s how cats work😂

[@allizbest]

Hey man for mdf you can always freehand with a router or a dremmel tool. For the magnets specifically i probably would use a large drill bit or a plug cutter! All of these things cant be resharpened like a chisel though, so it is up to you.

[@makermeditations]

This could work for sure, you just have to make sure it doesn't get away from you. Good suggestion, thank you!

[@bonsaiRocket]

i really enjoyed this video! you have a really good sense of editing and pacing. hope you keep making stuff!!

[@makermeditations]

Thanks, that kind of feedback is super appreciated! I have big plans for the next few videos and I'm filming them now

[@scandinavegan274]

What a beautiful little friend you have

[@elliehuebner9475]

Wow, I'm so glad I stumbled on to this! I love everything about your process and execution for this kind of nuanced problem. I don't know anyone else personally who thinks this way, or cares enough to follow through with the problem solving. You're inspiring. And delightful. For example, my home is tiny and we don't have a kitchen table. My counter (a space I designed myself and made with epoxy when quoted $1200), is wide enough that we use bar stools. My 1.5 year old has her high chair on one of those bar stools. We would all (especially her) prefer that she could climb up herself. I want to design some sort of system of steps or ladder rungs that could be changed according to her needs, without damaging the stool. I'll come up with something! In the mean time, I'll be subscribing and happily awaiting your next video! (Or should i say, vid-meow?)

[@makermeditations]

A chair-turned-junglegym is the exact type of thing that I would have loved as kid! Thanks and good luck!

[@novellant]

This video made me laugh out loud several times, what a lovely time

[@makermeditations]

Love to hear it!

[@EddieDA]

This video is so immediately engaging and the subject matter is exactly my taste, great job and thank you for making this video!

[@SkyeSalindar]

This is the first video I've seen from you and now I have to subscribe because you tried to over engineer something for your cat and I'm 1000000% for that

[@KitOfTheWeirdWoods]

First time watching your channel, I took a sip of my tea at @00:50 and immediately snorted it out my nose. Instant subscribe!

[@Khomebaker]

This is a man dedicated to the comfort of his cat. Or has the cat trained his human to dedicate his life to his comfort and happiness. Confession… I am so needy of my cats love and affection. I am her happy little butler monkey.

[@Everyyoueverymiau]

This video is amazing and im thankful that the algorithm showed it to me. 🐈‍⬛ The editing is great and watching people spoiling their furry best friends is always a treat.

[@Everyyoueverymiau]

Also, your narration of the process was hilarious 🤣

[@anqied]

0:50 ok that joke was fire tho, ive watched so many of those fancy woodworking videos that go exactly like that that the punchline hit me like a truck

[@meowzerzzz]

I haven't watched a full video yet but cats and 3d printing. Therefore just subbed. Super envious you already have this many subs with 3 videos. Happy for you! ❤

[@knicktheastronaut3814]

How nice and relateable this Video is! I love it!

[@WatermelonLover]

I was caught off guard when you made comments about the prototype versus the final product and it was PURE GOLD!!! 😂😂😂

[@dollsoap_]

So excited to see the next work!!! Based on the last video I assume you’re interested in your audience and how you could incorporate their interests into future projects. You’re so creative and inspiring! ❤

[@makermeditations]

Thank you! I have literal pages of ideas planned but I'm definitely open to suggestions. The video I'm working on now is very on trend and it jumped to the top of the list. If you have something you want to see please let me know. No promises or anything but I read all of the comments!

[@SapphireKaiAu]

This was such a cool idea and you engineered it so cool even for a prototype. But I got to say I really love the windows shutting down sound when you spaced out for a minute. Love it! I was like my people! He's my people😅 I have ADHD and autism and I lose my words quite often in the middle of a sentence.

[@needamuffin]

The Pimp Named Slickback reference was a deep cut. Well done.

[@sheba5843]

I have no idea why KZbin recommended this to me - I never built anything in my life and I also never owned a cat - but I am not complaining because this was really cute and funny! Would love to see you building more things for your cat (and Umbra then probably choosing to sit in a box instead of inspecting the new thing)!

[@Aemirys]

First time seeing your channel..... love the humour and editing you use. I'm always a sucker for some kitties too! Keep up the good work!

[@ab1otic222]

I recognise every part of this so much! So glad I am not the only one who overthinks. Thanks for sharing! 😀

[@steggopotamus]

It's kind of funny cats can have a nibble of avocado. It's like, "naw bro, I'm not a carnivore, I'm keto"

[@Nailkita]

just found you and I love this and really appreciate you showing the troubleshooting

[@randomvintagefilm273]

What an amazing cat. Thank you for loving her ❤

[@melsyoutube]

i hope to see more of your crafts and kitty soon! don’t worry about trying to make the videos appear perfect in terms of editing/lighting etc, you’ll learn as you grow. experiment with whatever you think is best at the time!

[@mofolk8896]

As you were hunched over stapling into carpet using mid-air as support, I wondered if you had ever made anything before. 😂 Then I decided to subscribe because you are obviously creative, inventive, hilarious, and cat-approved. 😻

[@makermeditations]

Hah, let's go, thank you! I don't I've been comfortable while filming for a single second. Until I get better at framing things I'm constantly in the most awkward position and the camera is right where I need to be half the time😂

[@corvidsam]

The window boot up noise and then just not finishing the sentence made me actually laugh, loved the editing!

[@grynte1]

This is gold man, this is the funniest video i've ever seen in a good way

[@kzhemh]

For humans, avocado oil is considered a 'good fat' but if eaten by a cat, it can affect their GI tract and cause inflammation in their pancreas. Avocado can also trigger allergies in some cats, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, or difficulty breathing or eating.

[@riber3145]

i'd say use an eraser as a backing for the staple gun instead of wood

[@makermeditations]

Wtf this is so smart. You'd need a deep eraser but man alive, this feels like a stroke of dang genius. Thanks!

[@riber3145]

@@makermeditations maybe get one of those super chunky but terrible-at-their-actual-job ones that most people get as a gag for super cheap

[@capuchinosofia4771]

About mdf and tools... well, i used mdf when doing inkprinting and what we did to have more control and to give a lil more life expectancy to the tools we varnished it before cutting into it... yeah probably not what you wanted to hear, right? In case you wanna know anyway, we used "goma laca", basically bug droppings mixed with alcohol :D

[@makermeditations]

Great tips! Definitely more work for a cheap material but mdf can be so flat and stiff that screen printing seems like it would benefit from figuring out how to work with it. Lacquer and shellac are so fascinating, I feel like the world forgot how to use them. I'll look into it, thanks!

[@vividdem]

This video is so well made. And really relatable. I too make a giant mess when I go into creative mode 😂

[@jellycatfish]

I love this video! Also I have to say your handwriting is absolutely gorgeous.

[@rebeccac2867]

This video and your cat give me life ❤

[@CheeryDearie]

Love the vibes, and love your cat!

[@makermeditations]

Thanks! I'll send her your love :)

[@Frogmood]

classic cat behavior. you spend hours making something amazing for them and they never consider using it once

[@The.Journey.to.Freedom]

Was not expecting the random sad treat tray through the window hahaha hilarious...other than that....what we won't do for our pets! Haha

[@kackklohh]

The „i so pale“ came so out of nowhere, it had me cackling xD

[@stardustsupernova]

Nice video! I especially enjoyed watching your process (that tray was nifty and i liked the hinge action!) and the little scene with it in the window was unexpected and really made it for me from "oh thats nice" to "oh cool this person is putting their own personality into this and now I want to subscribe". I like your cozy style and i know you're only gonna keep improving and streamlining as you continue. I also definitely agree with what another commenter said about making more stuff for your kitty, perhaps sprinkled in around the other projects you mentioned you wanted to make! The algorithm is a fickle beast and you may get burnt out trying to please a computer god with arbitrary secret rules that never stop changing, so my hope is that you make what you love as much as you can, because your ideas are good just as they are. Looking forward to what you'll make next!

[@makermeditations]

Thank you for taking the time to write out a detailed comment and my intention is to do most of what you mentioned. I have some killer ideas but this video shows that you don't need a perfect concept to get people engaged. Thanks and see you soon!

[@soclose2her]

13:39 omg 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 I just started my dog laughing so hard I was NOT expecting that 😂😂😂 Thank you algorithm for bringing me here today 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾