Creating the Custom Coffin Cat Climber

 

This was a special project for a Halloween celebration in Cat Caffe Zagreb. We were tasked with creating something massive to be the focal point of the hall but still be fully usable for the cats and easily integrated into the existing cat wall playground. We've selected the materials, had some ideas about the size and, after going through a few design ideas, we chose the coffin as the best option.

 

Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower
The initial sketch and 3D previews

We designed the coffin to make the most out of the shape and size by expanding on that idea. The next step was creating the model and calculating all the dimensions and angles we would need for such a project. 

 

Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower  Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower
Testing the initial layout and having some fun with adjusting the dimensions

Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower
Adding the shelves to the frame

Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower
Main construction ready for painting

Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower
and painted before the assembly

 

This coffin cat shelf was made in life sized dimensions and it was pretty massive so we added wheels on the bottom for easier transport. It's made with pine wood as it was lighter and gave the coffin a nice wood texture on the sides and a more authentic old-school coffin look.

 

 

 Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower
Fitting the handles

Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower
and preparing the fabric materials

 

The owner chose a combination of Black painted wood with the backing and cushion covers in thick lush purple velvet, which added to the spooky looks.
We added finishing details such as retro metal handles on the sides and put LED lighting on the back so it looked great in the dark too. The bottom shelf was left as a display place for Halloween decor.

 

 
 Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower 
Final assembly and touch ups at the workshop

Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower
Testing the LED backlight and the final product 

 

As it is a self standing unit, the cats have an entrance from the front and from the top. All the shelves have cushions and cats can move from one shelf to the other with ease, as every shelf has an opening.

 

 
Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower 
Almost there...

Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower
Finally in its place being stormed by the bravest of the test crew

Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower

Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower
Doing some promo shots for the Haloween party

 Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower

Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower
Adding the details (and some more testing)

   Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower 

Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower Making of a Custom Coffin Cat Climber shelf stacker bed tree tower
Final inspection reveals that everything is ready for the party

The cat coffin shelf was a total hit at the Halloween party, both with the cats and the visitors. It is now retired and part of a cat home, still bringing joy to a few lucky cats and providing a fun goth element to spice up the space.

 
Happy Owner of the Custom Coffin Cat Climber Happy Owner of the Custom Coffin Cat Climber
The happy owner matched the attire for the occasion

After seeing how well it was accepted by everyone and how much the cats loved it, we wanted to make it a standard item. Of course, with the shipping size and weight restrictions, this meant creating a smaller version that would fit in a box and could be shipped to our customers.

 
Creating a Coffin Cat Climber Item for the Shop Creating a Coffin Cat Climber Item for the Shop
Working on the design and specs of a new Coffin item that can actually be shipped to the customers.


And so, under Vigo's watchful eye, the Wally Vampurrra came to be...

 

 

It is now available in our Shop with the same plush fabric and with multiple color combinations to choose from.