Purrfect home: Cat owner renovates house for 11 furkids

'They’re not just pets, they’re family,' says Ahmad Rashidi of his cats. Photo: Ahmad Rashidi Abdul Rashid

While many pet owners love their companion animals, few would go the extra mile to build a home for them.

But that’s exactly what Ahmad Rashidi Abdul Rashid, 30, has done, building a “purr-fect home” for his 11 cats.

It started during the Covid-19 pandemic, he says. When Malaysia went into Movement Control Order (MCO), the streets were empty. He noticed something heartbreaking: stray cats were starving.

Without hawker stalls or markets, these animals had nowhere to turn to for food. So he started bringing kibbles which he bought to feed them.

“Soon, more cats started appearing. I posted about this on social media, and to my surprise, the response was encouraging. People began helping in their own neighbourhoods. Some even sent donations, which I passed to volunteers who were feeding street cats in other areas.”

Ahmad Rashidi started bringing some of the cats home and their numbers grew.

Today, he has 11: Jebat, Cempaka, Awang, Dayang, Leman, Bunga, Melur, Hyuna, Tortie, Comot and Kenit. Four are British Shorthair, the rest are mixed breeds and domestic cats. They are a mix of strays, rehomed cats and adopted rescues, he shares.

“In the beginning, we all lived in the same space. But over time, I realised it wasn’t ideal because my home wasn’t built with pets in mind. Cats love to climb, explore and nap in high or hidden corners. That meant broken items, accidents and a constant worry whenever I wasn’t around,” he says.

“So when I moved to my new house in 2024, I saw a chance to fix this. The backyard behind my kitchen was spacious, and I thought: why not build a proper home for my them?” he adds.

 

Planning the space

 

Every inch of the main room is tailored to suit feline needs, from high spaces for climbing to cosy corners for napping. Photo: Ahmad Rashidi Abdul Rashid

The online entrepreneur from Kuantan, Pahang, spent months researching. “I watched countless TikTok and YouTube videos on cat room layouts and DIY cat houses. I wanted a clean, cosy, thoughtfully-designed home where my cats could rest, play and live comfortably.”

Ventilation was one of the first things he prioritised.

“The space had to be cool, airy and odour-free. I planned separate areas for eating and defecating – placing the feeding area on higher ground and litter boxes below, for hygiene purposes.”

Next came play and exercise. “Cats are naturally curious and active, so I designed climbing structures, shelves and platforms to keep them stimulated. There’s also ample floor space for lounging and private corners where they can retreat when they want quiet time.”

The cat home has two distinct zones. The first is a well-organised utility zone, neatly stocked with everything a multi-cat household needs: carriers, strollers, stacks of dry food, tofu-based litter, and essential pet medications. It even includes a custom wooden workbench with open shelving, all arranged behind a ventilated iron mesh fence that keeps the place airy and bright.

But the real magic is in the second zone – a cat kingdom where Ahmad Rashidi’s fur family live, play and rest. This space was personally designed by the cat enthusiast who knows that happy cats are active, curious and comfort-loving.

Neatly stocked utility zone with everything a multi-cat household needs. Photo: Ahmad Rashidi Abdul RashidEvery inch of the main room is tailored to suit feline needs, from high spaces for climbing to cosy corners for napping.

Custom-made wooden structures form the backbone of the design. Using natural wood, Ahmad Rashidi had platforms, stairs and enclosed cages crafted to fit the space.

Cats are naturally drawn to heights, so wall-mounted walkways and raised platforms give them vertical territory to explore. This keeps them physically active and mentally stimulated, he explains.

"No more bored cats pacing around aimlessly. Here, they’re leaping, climbing and lounging like royalty."

For the rare moments when a cat might be under the weather or simply needs a quiet retreat, there's an isolation cage to provide an enclosed space.

Ventilation and visibility are also top priorities. The wall separating the kitchen from the cat house features an iron mesh door and a two-way mirror panel.

The mirror serves a double function: the cats can watch Ahmad Rashidi while he’s in the kitchen, and he can keep an eye on them without stepping into their space. It’s a clever way to maintain connection while respecting boundaries.

To ensure a healthy environment, the room has a comprehensive air flow system combining openable windows, fans, and air filters to provide constant access to fresh air. This keeps the space odour-free and comfortable, even with 11 cats living under the same roof.

Scratching posts, feeding stations, drinking spots, play areas, and nap nooks are scattered throughout the space. The layout allows each cat to find its own rhythm, whether it’s a quiet afternoon nap or spontaneous zoomies sessions along the wall-mounted walkway.

What makes this renovation remarkable isn’t just the aesthetics or practicality – it’s the intention behind it. Ahmad Rashidi didn’t just make space for his cats; he made a home with them in mind. And in doing so, he’s sparked envy – and inspiration – among pet lovers everywhere.

“I just want them to be happy and comfortable,” he shares. “They’re not just pets. They’re part of the family.”

Ahmad Rashidi hired a tukang kampung (village contractor) to handle the main construction, which included extending the area behind his kitchen.

Then he sourced the materials for the built-in structures within the cat home. “I started in early 2024 and completed in mid-2024. It was a progressive process and took some time as I gradually saved up to build and add the finishing touches,” he says.

The final result is a spacious, cat-friendly home that blends comfort with function.

“It’s safe, practical and tailored to their needs. I no longer worry about accidents or messes in the main house. And more importantly, my cats now have a space they can truly call their own,” he says.

 

Cats that built a business

 

The window panel allows the cats to watch Ahmad Rashidi while he’s in the kitchen, and he can also keep an eye on them. Photo: Ahmad Rashidi Abdul RashidWhat many people don’t know is that this cat home wouldn’t have been possible without the cats themselves.

When one of his British Shorthairs, a rehomed cat, gave birth to four kittens, he sold them and used the funds as capital to start an online business of cat health supplements so that he could sustain himself and his 11 cats.

“I started small – but then I realised each of my cats had different issues, so I began researching and developing my own mix of kibbles for their different dietary needs.”

“I posted about it online and many fellow cat lovers said they wanted healthier options for their pets, but found it hard or expensive to mix large packs of cat food themselves. That’s how Mix Kibble came about, which I now sell online.”

“It’s been four years and the business has sustained my cats and me. It’s the reason I could afford to build their home. In a way, it has come full circle: the cats inspired the business and the business afforded me the means to give them a better life,” he concludes.