Too bad I don't have a vintage cat...

September 7, 2009 1:46 PM

What should I do with this awesome vintage cat carrier?

As you can see, the top is transparent and there are ventilation holes on both sides. Th pattern is a small houndstooth.

I might be able to get an identical one and have a pair...

Its dimensions are:

H: 11"
W: 17"
D: 8.5"

I was thinking about making it into a light fixture, but what bulbs would be cool enough to ensure it's not a fire hazard?

posted by kathrineg to grab bag (10 comments total)

Purse/Hand bag/Art supply case/ flower pot
posted by The Whelk at 1:53 PM on September 7

A string of christmas tree lights inside a box can be gorgeous if you're worried about overheating.
posted by roger ackroyd at 1:57 PM on September 7

it would make a pretty cool terrarium, where you could look through the holes at different layers of vegetation.
posted by Think_Long at 3:04 PM on September 7

oo, terrarium! Venus fly traps!
posted by The Whelk at 3:09 PM on September 7

EL wire or LEDs won't overheat though that may be more technical than you want to get. Good old CFLs do need ventilation though not all that much. A 10-13W CFL should be fine.
posted by chairface at 3:11 PM on September 7

Put a cat in it. Go to your nearest shelter and get yourself a cat and then leave the carrier out open with a blanket in it. The cat will be vintage after a while....
posted by Ferrari328 at 6:18 AM on September 8 [2 favorites]

i know it's long, but i think i'd go lunchbox. or purse.

OR buy a few more and set them up on a top shelf, lids open, holding other cool things - kntting needles, yarn, paints.

OR ooh! makeup carrier. it won't have the little layers, but it sure would be cute.
posted by unlucky.lisp at 4:23 PM on September 8

My kick-ass partner made a kick-ass psuedo fireplace out of it! He used an orange fluorescent bulb with some strips of paper to get a cool effect.

I have also used it as a wake-up assistant because it's a bit tricky to open. Process: cell phone alarm on, cell phone in box, close box, put box somewhere inconvenient. I can't get to it but I can still hear it.
posted by kathrineg at 12:33 PM on October 4

All your suggestions kick ass and I'm sure I will do many of them, especially the ones involving live stuff
posted by kathrineg at 12:34 PM on October 4

A bit late on this thread - I have that same cat carrier - it's still my primary cat carrier for any number of reasons, it's just superior to the stuff they make today.
posted by MesoFilter at 2:32 PM on October 11