We Revisit Man's Cat Playland and our Hearts Explode Again

In 2014 Houzz featured the story of home builder Peter Cohen, who created a cat wonderland in his home for his 15 rescued cats. The video has over 20 million views, as people everywhere have connected with both his love of cats and the innovative space he created for them.
We caught up with Peter for an update on what has happened since his story went viral. Now living with 22 rescue cats, Peter has become involved with the fight against Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), a disease that is fatal in 95% of cases. Peter sells his cat-walks in the Houzz Shop to help raise money for research to find a cure.

[@HouzzTV]

See the original video when Peter had just 15 cats: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZyyh6ucqriMhs0

[@rachelkelly667]

I’m sorry but this man is a literal angel. I wish I had the resources to love on this many kittens but I’m drawing my line at my 5. It’s a full time job with just them

[@ZenByCat]

We feel very lucky to live here with our 24 cats. It is definitely a full time job and requires giving up some things (like floor rugs:)). But so worth it.

[@inb4y]

Thank you for bringing awareness to FIP and giving these shelter cats a beautiful home.

[@erpetek]

The fact that his cat survived FIP makes this so much better

[@mysigt_]

Literal catwalks. I love it.

[@seandavis3347]

God bless you for passion to help with research for FIP. We lost our precious cat to this horrible disease. You're amazing, and I love your home, your cats, and your cause!

[@midnightcat6116]

When you said “22 cats, 22 sentient beings,” i nearly lost it 😭. That’s how i feel about them, too!!! Thank you, beautiful souls 💗🌿👍

[@katd114]

This was about 47 or 48 yrs ago. We had three kitties, all positive for FIP, and not showing symptoms yet. Two of them were blood related and the third not. They contracted it from another kitty we had that had passed away from FIP. The vet said it was a waiting game. They were still trying to figure the disease out - incurable and no vaccines yet. So we waited. We took all three back by request of the vet and had them retested. The vet wanted to be sure because there may have been false positives and they thought it would be worth the shot. We hoped for good news. They all three were positive again. Lots of tears and worry. We started spoiling them with about two tablespoons of raw chicken liver shredded up for a little treat before their bedtime every night. We decided to take one of them in years later for something - teeth cleaning I think. The vet wanted to do blood work first to make sure kitty was healthy enough to tolerate the anesthesia for the teeth cleaning. They also retested for FIP with this. It was negative. So they retested. Negative. We discussed the earlier history and they wanted me to bring the other two in and they were retested. Both negative. They wanted to know if we were doing anything unusual with them. I could only think of the raw chicken liver treats they got every night without fail. They didn't think that would have made the difference and I guess wrote it all off as an unknown. Many years later the three kitties were alive and healthy. One kitty went missing and they other two lived to be 19 and 20. The chicken liver was purchased at the grocery store in the meat section in the little round tub. I was told by a vet many years later they were having success turning diseases around with raw natural diet for treatment in terminally ill cats such as renal failure. It's worth researching - the information is there and is compelling. This and not expensive to try at least. I hope this info helps.

[@judythompson5253]

I've had up to 9 at once, and they pretty much police themselves, and my greatest pleasure was watching the relationships shift and change. I love this man and his cats.

[@lcknky]

Adopting shy cats because people don’t want them 💔 ugh as a shy person I can relate lol These cats are living a life ! I wish to one day have something like this for mine ❤️

[@whatzupLizzy]

Love this house! The comment of ‘22 sentient beings’ made my ❤️ sing!

[@ZenByCat]

Thank you. Now 24:)

[@CherryBlossomskt]

You are a blessing the mankind and catkind 🐈

[@redskyalice2529]

Cat heaven! I also love the colours in the house. I wish the camera would stay focused on one spot long enough for me to absorb rather than pausing the video constantly. It's really colourful and awesome. Meeou!

[@pmabx.0018]

This man makes me wanna be one of his cats

[@tracigresham7164]

Man oh man your house is amazing!!

[@MisterB7917]

I used to have ten dogs and now eight dogs. Love this guy who is able to build this for his rescue cats.

[@bvogt]

All the cats get along? How many housekeepers does it take to keep things sanitary? Serious questions from a guy with 4 cats.

[@OpgirlWarrior]

Benjamin Vogt I have four cats too and exactly what I was thinking. I wonder what he does for a living. I imagine most of his day is just scooping the litter boxes.

[@ZenByCat]

While most of the cats do get along, we do have a few who we need to keep apart. Fortunately the house is large enough and the catwalks are closable so we can keep the peace. We are fortunate enough to have two people come twice a week to help keep the house clean. We also spend about 45 min a day cleaning litter boxes and cat hair. 5 Roombas helps a lot:).

[@lisxsales]

This is one of those contents that never disappoint 😍

[@edherdman9973]

This house is an exemplar of '90s style. Playful and colorful, and in such good repair too!

[@2012WCIH]

In my new life I'd like to live in this house - as a cat!

[@princesadepresa5396]

Can we talk about the one that was shaved like a lion ?!

[@catherinecullen9770]

There needs to be more amazing people like this in our horrible world

[@ZenByCat]

Thank you for your kind words. It should not be extraordinary to love animals:). It should be the norm.

[@kimlock9440]

So glad you did a revisit. I just love your home and of course the cats, god bless your beautiful too 😸😇

[@kitkattanimates]

This is amazing, this man is a legend. If he ever moves (though I doubt he will) he could actually turn his house into the world's best cat cafe. I would definitely go there.

[@sosasoos3975]

Oh man! Your house is amazing i really need to do this for my 37 cats i need a house like yours i am i rescuer and volunteer

[@cessolis8531]

I really really like to see the camera follow a cat or a simulation of a cat making a complete tour following all the catwalks they design or build. Another thing maybe like how is a day for a cat living ther, you know? the experience of living there with all these cats and those catwalks, fountains, etc. I love the feeling of your house congrats!!

[@msrainbowyellow6436]

Thank You good humans for rescuing so many cats that deserve the best 🙏💙🙏💙

[@twwoody813]

What a remarkable human being ! God bless you for giving these beautiful animals a forever home 😇

[@phoebewashington2709]

This is wonderful. This man is doing a massive amount to help cats.

[@timmythecatani]

i litteraly just rewatched the other video then saw this

[@ZenByCat]

Thank you for sharing our posts and helping us grow. We are dedicated to ending FIP in the near future.

[@DipityS]

A little heaven. -sigh- Beautiful home filled with beautiful people and beautiful kitties.

[@talibeauty5254]

Love this man.what an angel. Gives me hope in humanity.

[@ZenByCat]

Thank you for your kind words and for sharing our video to help us reach more forever humans who might help in this fight. www.ZenByCat.org

[@got2bmetodd441]

First off, u r amazing and a lovely soul! I want you as my neighbor. I lost a beautiful Himalayan kitten to FIP. Thanks for talking about it.

[@nourolemanabbas1118]

Ma shaa Allah cats with you are so lucky. May you be blessed beyond. I would love to have like those.

[@ladywytch129]

I have 16. I would love to have a place like this for the cats! I can't imagine the amount of dusting required, though, lol.

[@6thgear914]

The gang’s all back. I loved the original, and I love this one. R.I.P Peanut.

[@andream1588]

It’s so nice seeing people live out my childhood dream! I can’t wait until I get the opportunity to do something similar

[@perspireandinspire]

i want to go stay there for a week or so! i love this so much. It'd be great if this was how cat rescues set up their shelters.

[@carmelamacedo9069]

from 15 to 22 in like 6 years ☺️❤ thank you for what you do ❤

[@Mezzy..]

Hearts out to Smokey ❤️❤️❤️ and the kittens with FIP eho didn't make it. Smokey is really insanely strong

[@joyjoyoo]

My fav house everrr

[@MsKayla130]

This man is just wonderful. Thank you for what you do for these fur babies... 😻🙂😺😘

[@sidilicious11]

What a BEAUTIFUL house! A cat paradise. And a lovely owner.

[@jeaniecoolahan2536]

Oh how I wish there were more people like you on this earth. You are a saint and an angel all wrapped into one! Blessings to you for being so caring, so loving, and so devoted to all of these beautiful kitties!

[@lizryan6289]

These guys are angels indeed. This home is heaven.

[@Ashh9]

I’ve never had a cat, only puppers, but this makes me wanna get one.

[@morgano7535]

This man is living a dream. What a champion.

[@starvenus430]

Watching your videos warms my breaking heart from seeing too many homeless animals.

[@catherinebellaire9484]

Vets are great people. Sometimes when there is no hope with the western medicine or that you have no money, there is always hope with alternative medicine. I used alternative medicine myself on cats. I recently adopted a cat from the street. My cat had acne under his chin and side of mouth, some wounds, loosing his hair, big bald patches on his body wth skin disorder, lump on the head, pain and some other stuff. I treated my cat with a solution of apple cider vinagar, fresh aloe vera gel that I prepared myself*, coconut oil and lots of Love. My cat heal nicely. I brought the cat to the vet anyway just for my peace of mind and the vet told me: "Whatever you are doing is working. Keep doing what you are doing. Your cat is healing." My cat's fur has grown fully, no more acne, no more skin disorder. My cat seams happy. Wishing everyone Bright Blessings!!!

[@babyyoda2745]

literally such a beautiful house

[@sig9girl]

Thank you for being a beautiful human being. I have been rescuing cats for 3 years. I have 7 right now. I too rescue the ones that people tend to shy away from. 5 of my cats are black. I have built some great things in my home for them to enjoy. They have rescued me, as much as I them...😻

[@MJ-ct3gv]

I love this person, the cats and the whole thing. This house is so beautiful and he is right- it seems very zen.💖

[@CarsandCats]

This guy just walks into a shelter and takes them ALL home! God bless him what a wonderful person.

[@mrs.mcnamara1669]

Cat walks is an awesome business idea!

[@ZenByCat]

ZenByCat catwalks are now available on Houzz: www.houzz.com/pro/vivipetofficial

[@wiplein982]

In 2020, finding out about this dude is a pure blessing. What a saint

[@jekyle4074]

It makes me so happy to hear that progress is being made with FIP, I lost the first pet I rescued as an adult 13 years ago. I felt so helpless being unable to do anything to save my kitten. No one should have to ever go through that. I hope some day soon, with your generosity, no one will ever have to again.

[@Leo-nine]

If I were a cat, I'd want to be one of this guy's cats 💕

[@user-oc1lk7lk9o]

I know this is from a long time ago, but I've just found you! In 1987 I had a young cat that suddenly had FIP. My worst memory was of it passing at home, in pain and crying out, because the vet we took her to gave us false hope that it was something she might be able to survive with a vitamin paste and comfort. I was 12 years old and to this day I can still hear the cries in the middle of the night that she passed. I am also angry that a vet would do this to a family and an animal. False hope is worse than harsh truth when suffering is involved. I am SO HAPPY that you all are making such a difference so others are aware and don't suffer in this ignorant way. Although I can not donate money, I am glad to watch the videos and share the word and good work!

[@Nolan136]

The cats are so cute!! 😸😸😸😸

[@kristykelly111271]

Bless you guys so much 🙏💗💗🙏🙏🙏🙏 I do rescue too...and sometimes we have to say goodbye to our furbabies because of disease's and it's so hard ...all of my babies have left paw prints on my heart so thank you so much for what your doing. much love from my pride to yours😽😽😻😻

[@Guttergirl182]

The style of the cats house is absolutely beautiful! You guys are beautiful!

[@kitkatcasey427]

this family is such an inspiration!!! I can't wait to live with a couple of humans and a bunch of critters when I'm older

[@Gregorypeckory]

Fantastic mission, the cats rock, and the colors and shapes in that house are stunning and unique! It makes me wish I could just spend a couple hours a day watching the cats have catwalk adventures.

[@PADARM]

You not only have a heart of gold but also exquisite taste. Those colors match perfectly and they are very relaxing.

[@brooke127]

3:08 "He's a pretty special cat". And he has a pretty special human caring for him. :)

[@PhoenixLyon]

I love this house. Also the fact he's donating to FIV research. Having 22 cats is icing on the cake! ✌💜😸

[@IrishEvey]

I wish I could live here too. What an amazing man he is.

[@botekate]

What an absolute legend. This man deserves everything good and more. Thank you!

[@auversoi]

I love what you do. On behalf of cats Thank you for all that you do! 22 is not too many, there is a man in Long Island NY who has 300 in his house lol.

[@carmenvilchez74]

That’s a dream human and a dream home for any cat

[@Urhuuuur]

That's a beautiful paradise for cats. With three human angels looking after them 😇

[@vdivine1]

You and your roomies (?) are so appreciated! You've done a wonderful thing by adopting those lovely kitties. Wishing you all the best, all the time! Smooches to your brood. Please update where you are in 2022.

[@maeve926]

If I was a cat this where I would want to live.

[@nataliiatkachenko2252]

Amazing house for cats! I'm impressed that in our world there are such wonderful people! Thank you for all you're doing. God bless you!

[@ginp1850]

What a great heart to adopted and rescued so many unwanted cats! It’s also my dream to have many pets at home..

[@TheSavethetigers1]

This is so therapeutic for these kitties. I wish there were more people like you.

[@PsychicMike732]

Man, this guy has got a beautiful home. I like it. A lot.

[@katentropy]

Your cat obsession furballed! I love your architectural designs for the cat playland. They are purrrfect.

[@Gzuz187]

Thank you so much. Lost my first (even siamese! ) cat due to FIP/FIV. Very sad and heartbreaking death. Went through my childhood with me. From 6 to 16, 10 years old. Rest in peace old friend, 2006 - 2016. Peter, you are a very good person.

[@fannyalexander5906]

This man is a living miracle 🙏🏻 thank you for all the kindness, love and efforts you’ve been giving our precious little ones. Bless your soul 👍🏻👏🏻

[@godsgirlhighlyfavoured6512]

I SO LOVE YOU! I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR CATS!! AND LOVE YOURS AND THE CATS HOME TOO!!! ❤🐈😽😻😺😸❤❤❤🏰🐈

[@ieynna09]

I wish I can visit this house and all the cats and himself. Wanna say thank you for being a cat lover. Such an 😇 I wanna hugs all the cats

[@Tuirapanui]

Are you selling those "catwalks"? Please tell me how to buy them, the ones I've made with wood weren't that good!

[@SahMai]

I love people like him! A true animal lover!

[@finegirl4429]

I love your house, and what you're doing to help cats. My cat, Dallas, aka Scooter, is my Baby. I got him the day my youngest graduated high school. I love him so much. He still sleeps on my stomach like he did when I brought him home as a kitten, and he is 3 years old now. I will check out your website, Dallas would love your house too. Thank you for sharing.

[@shortyg0923]

This is incredible! So much love, I want this for my cat.

[@jacquelinealexis9633]

An amazing house !! I love it .. the colours .. the many beautiful catwalks ..the creative ness..you're a wonderful human being to build such a sanctuary for your rescues ..And to top it off, raising awareness and funds for FIP

[@tylerharman3500]

This dude musta been hungry when naming these cats

[@mentalcraezy4676]

I'm so glad they followed up with this guy because his cats and his house are so cool 🐈

[@ginnylorenz5265]

Such a beautiful house. Someone is an ARTIST here!!!

[@deannne]

❤️❤️❤️❤️ much love and TY 🌈

[@gingergamer8204]

Man I saw the first video when I was younger and showed it to literally everyone

[@Avery-tz2ki]

This is so amazing and awesome of him. He has dedicated his life to saving cats. This is sooo heart-warming! :)

[@collingifford8924]

im sorry for all the cats you lost.

[@danseabreeze1404]

VERY uplifting home, love the colors, the different textures, the koi pond, the hand painted leaves, just beautiful!

[@pinkpickle7062]

Now I wish I was a cat lol. This guy is a wonderful person ❤

[@elizasbusiness6442]

He's done a beautiful job of incorporating it into an amazing area for cats but it's beautiful for people too

[@oliverjones2426]

is this what heaven is like, please may it be like that

[@marismet1276]

A MUST SHARE -- ABOUT CATS -- THANK YOU SO MUCH for your beautiful RESCUES -- they NEED homes -- you give great care and love -- THANK YOU.

[@hellodavey1902]

22 sentient beings. This man gets it.