GB2208995A - Catpole-play complex for cats - Google Patents

Abstract

A combined play/amusement/accommodation complex for cats or kittens, referred to as a Catpole. The apparatus consists essentially of a vertical pole 1 mounted on a suitably sturdy base 4 and having an accommodation section in various forms 2 and 6. A suitable covering on the vertical pole 1 allows the cat to climb and descend to and from the accommodation section 2 and 6 and affords the cat facilities for scratching and sharpening its claws. The play/amusement/accommodation aspects can be enhanced by the addition of accessories 7-13 to the basic Catpole. <IMAGE>

Description

CATPOLE This invention relates to a climbing pole for cats and kittens which I have termed a Catpole.

Cats and kittens naturally climb trees and frequently scratch on suitable surfaces in order to sharpen their claws. Domestic cats, by virtue of being either housebound and/or having limited access to suitable plantation, tend to climb and claw household furniture, carpets and curtains which can result in considerable damage to these items.

Although devices such as cat scratching posts and climbing frames are available, the Catpole differs from these in that it is a vertical climbing pole with an integral cat accommodation section which the cat can access only by climbing.

Furthermore, the Catpole makes allowances for tne attachment of accessories which will encourage the cat to use the Catpole in preference to scratching and climbing on household items.

This invention is thus designed to minimise cat induced household damage and as a cat amusement centre. This is achieved by providing the animal with an integral apparatus which it can climb, claw, use as accommodation and amusement in circumstances more akin to the cat's natural environment.

This invention is primarily intended for indoor use, for example, for housebound cats and kittens left alone for prolonged periods of time. It can however be used outdoors or in other circumstances.

The essential feature of this invention is a vertical pole (or post) covered with a suitable material which will allow the cat's claws sufficient grip to enable the animal to climb and descend vertically. The vertical pole must be of sufficient height to allow the cat to physically ascend and descend or to hang via its claws gripping the covering material. The covering material must also be sufficiently durable to allow the cat to continually claw and sharpen its claws. A sturdy base is required to prevent the entire apparatus from falling over during all.aspects of its use by the cat.Other essential features are an accommodation/ viewing/amusement section at the top of the pole or at other intervals along the length of the vertical pole; a platform via which the cat can access the accommodation section and provision for the incorporation of accessories (such as toy birds, mice), sound producing items (such as tape recorder or other electronic devices) and manual or remote control devices to activate the accessories. The accessories are a means by which the animal can be encouraged or attracted to the Catpole for its own or a person's amusement, exploiting the cat's natural instincts for hunting, chasing and playfulness.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying five drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective the basic essential components of the Catpole.

Figure 2 shows a side elevation of the basic components of the Catpole.

Figure 3 illustrates a modified version of the basic Catpole.

The modification is to the accommodation section.

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the basic Catpole structure (as in Figs. 1 and 2) onto which accessories, which can be incorporated are illustrated.

Figure 5 is a plan view of the floor of the accommodation section.

In all the drawings, viz Figs. 1,2,3,4 and 5, the scale A-B indicates the relative body length (excluding tail) of an adult cat to the illustrations.

The numerals 1 to 13 common to all five drawings, depict the following components of the Catpole:1 Is the vertical pole or post component which the cat uses to climb and descend. This pole is covered with a material suitable for the cat's claws to grip and durable enough for the cat to scratch with its claws (as in claw sharpening).

A convenient height and arrangement for the vertical pole is depicted in Figs. 1,2,3 and 4 (relative to scale A-B). However, the height need not be the same as that illustrated. For example, the height can be increased to allow for the placement of multiple accommodation sections 2 and 6. The vertical pole 1 can also have branches or projections.

2 Is the accommodation/viewing platform/amusement component which can be open as demonstrated in Figs. 1,2 and 4 or closed as seen in Fig. 3.

3 Is an access platform attached to the vertical pole 1 covered with similar material. This component allows the cat a base to access the accommodation section 2 or 6 and makes it easier for the cat to descend from the accommodation section.

4 Illustrates the base to which the entire Catpole is attached. This base must be of sufficient size and sufficiently secured to the vertical pole 1 to prevent tilting and subsequent tipping over of the Catpole during its use by a cat or cats.

5 Is an access port in the floor of the accommodation section 2 or 6 which allows the cat access to the accommodation section and via which it can leave the accommodation section. In both cases (ascent and descent) the platform 3 makes it easier for the animal to perform these manoeuvers. Fig. 5 illustrates in plan form the relationship of this port 5 to other components of the accommodation section.

6 Is an example of a "closed type" accommodation section which is a modification of 2. Windows or "peep holes" can be included in this modification. The floor plan and access facilities are the same as those for accommodation section 2 illustrated in Fig. 5.

7-13 Illustrated in Fig. 4 are all accessories which can be added in total or individually to compliment the basic Catpole.

7 Is a tape recorder or other sound producing device which can reproduce or make sounds which will attract the cat's attention, such as bird or mouse sounds or produce personalised messages such as the cat's name or any other sounds or wording.

8 As an example is a toy mouse which moves vertically up and down the vertical pole 1 to encourage the cat to chase it and climb.

9 Is a heated electric blanket type of device which can be fitted to the floor of the accommodation sections 2 and 6.

10,11 Is an example of an accessory complex whereby a toy such & 12 as a bird is suspended at the top of the vertical pole 1.

10 is a support which can swivel or rotate in both direc 0 tions through 350 in a horizontal sense. 12 is a sprung suspending arm for the toy bird 11, so that as well as rotating the toy 11 can move up and down.

13 Are touch sensitive pads which can be located at various points in the Catpole which when touched by the cat or a person can in various combinations activate the accessories 7 - 12.

The accessories 7 - 13 illustrated in Fig. 4 are examples and can be modified to incorporate other components in other locations. They can be static, manually or mechanically operated, operated by remote control and operated by the cat or a person.

Claims (6)

1. CATPOLE 1. A combined cat or kitten amusement/play/accommodation complex which will allow the animal to climb, scratch, sharpen its claws, sleep and play. The essential feature is a vertical pole or post covered with a suitable material for the cat's claws td grip, allowing the cat an instinctive and more natural access to and from an accommodation section, play or viewing platform. This complex is referred to as a Catpole. (Examples Figs. 1,2 and 3).
2. 2. A Catpole as described in Claim 1 with or without accessories as illustrated in Figure 4. These accessories are not essential but complimentary to the Catpole and are intered to encourage the cat to use the Catpole.
3. 3. A Catpole as described in Claim 1 but with a modified accommodation section as depicted in Fig. 3.
4. 4. A Catpole as described in Claim 1 which can have accommodation or viewing sections at any intervals along its length or can be used for the purpose of allowing a cat climbing and descending access to other structures.
5. 5. A Catpole as described in Claim 1 but modified to allow the vertical pole -l to have branches or extensions in various combinations. These branches or extensions can if required lead to multiple accommodation sections 2 and 6; can be sole projections;or can carry accessories as those illustrated in Fig. 4.
6. 6. A Catpole substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 1,2,3,4 and 5.