Modeled by Petunia.
I've blogged about these before. Just simple squares made out of 3 or four strands of inexpensive acrylic yarn, crocheted or knitted into an oblong. I put them outside in the boxes I set out for the strays, or donate them to a shelter.
I have a lot of acrylic ... some I bought, but most was donated to me (whether I wanted it or not; "oh, you knit, here, have this yarn! I've had it for years.")
The mats don't have to be too big, just enough for a kitty to curl up on.
Here, Coraline demonstrates:
If you look underneath her, you'll see one of the mats. They get dirty fast, but since they're acrylic, they're indestructible.
She's not evil, really. She just wasn't happy with being woken.
The lights are just 60-watt bulbs in metal clamp-lamps, attached to an Ikea outdoor table. It really helps them keep warm and cozy in the winter.
The mats aren't necessarily pretty ...
....but the kitties that use them are!
This is Spot. She is not a stray, she has a home, but they don't provide her with a warm box to sleep in, so she stays at my place at night.
She wouldn't move so I could put the mat down.
She looks a lot like Petunia, doesn't she?
See Spot. See Spot Glare
I really wanted a finished object for Tamis Amis' Finished Object Friday ... my Bohus won't be done for weeks yet! So I knit this mat up in about 90 minutes or so.
Don't forget to stop by Tamis Amis for Finished Object Friday and warm snuggly kitty love!
I think your neighborhood kitties will love you very much. :-)
ReplyDeleteThose mats are a great idea! I can hear those cats purrring right now.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, I imagine you probably don't have a scrap of acrylic yarn anywhere on your farm! :-)
DeleteThe cats look so warm and cozy!
ReplyDeleteI've made similar items for the animal shelter in town. The kitties really do love to snuggle on them. I thought the lamp for for the photo shoot. LOL! What a great idea to give them warmth.
ReplyDeleteThey love the lamps ... I bought a whole case of 60-watt incandescent light bulbs last year, so I am assured of a good supply for them!
DeleteOur local humane society and rescue groups are always needing more of these mats and blankets. Both the animals and the humans work with them all love these!
ReplyDeleteThose are some lucky cats, you are so kind. I love big fast projects, it is good to do them now and again, especially for a good cause!
ReplyDeleteThey show their assistance by bringing me assorted dead animals. Yesterday one of them actually had a small snake. In November. I was a little ... well, freaked out.
DeleteWhat a great use for some scrap acrylic yarn. Seeing the cats get so much comfort and warmth from them is 90 minutes well spent!
ReplyDelete