Handicap Aid

I have a friend in her 70's that had hip replacement surgery. One of her concerns was that one of her cats is 17 years old and very weak. The cat can't jump or climb. So, now after all these years of taking care of the cat by feeding him on the floor, that is out of the question. After the surgery, she can't bend to feed the cat, and the cat can't make it to the countertop. This is a dilemma.

So, I came up with a solution. I used 1" PVC, and a 15" x 20" rigid plastic cutting board and made a tray/carrier. The handle is 28" high, so she can lift it to the counter, place cat bowls on it and then lower it to the floor. I placed one of those no-skid shelf liners on the tray. I was going to do this in wood, but I figured by the time I did all the joinery, sanding and finishing to make it waterproof, it wouldn't be worth it.

So, I've only got $11.00 in PVC, and $20.00 in the cutting board. Not bad. I looked in several pet stores and catalogs and online, and have never see an aid like this for someone who is physically handicapped. I gave it to her and she was overwhelmed. I think her cat was too.
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What an awesome idea! You should patent it and produce them.

Also, how sweet of you to think of your friend and her pet!

SWEET!

If this was available to buy I would get one for my mom easily. She has to half drop the cats wet food dishes due to pain. Cant feed on table cause 1 would NEVER get up there. Going to show brother this as hes quite handy with building.

What a great idea! I wish I had something like that when I had my surgery a couple months ago!

Originally Posted by zohdee

What an awesome idea! You should patent it and produce them.

Also, how sweet of you to think of your friend and her pet!

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I was going to say the same thing, try to get a patent on it, I've never seen anything like this and it sure would help any of us when we and our cats get older or have a problem. This was very good thinking.

Originally Posted by zohdee

What an awesome idea! You should patent it and produce them.

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I thought about that. By the time I get an attorney and get a patent, several thousand dollars will go bye bye. Then the hunt starts for outlets. By the time it gets going, Anthony Sullivan will be hawking a similar product on TV, made in China for $19.99.

Anyway, it would need a tricky name. Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by Katkuddler

So, I came up with a solution. I used 1" PVC, and a 15" x 20" rigid plastic cutting board and made a tray/carrier.

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Great idea ! Only isn't PVC one of the most toxic plastics for humans and the environment ? I wouldn't buy anything with poisonous additives that couldn't be recycled, personally.

That's a great idea - if PVC is a problem (not sure), isn't there some sort of similar piping that is used in modern plumbing? But that's a brilliant idea - and you're very kind to share the idea, although I'd look into the patent idea just in case. Maybe the patent (if not already on file) could be licensed out to a vendor.

Originally Posted by elayman

Great idea !

Only isn't PVC one of the most toxic plastics for humans and the environment ? I wouldn't buy anything with poisonous additives that couldn't be recycled, personally.

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PVC pipe and CPVC pipe are common for use in water supply. Used in this manner is not toxic to humans or pets.

Brilliant idea! That would be great for pregnant women too, or anyone that just has a tough time bending over. I know I could have really used one when I was having back issues. I agree...look into a patent or at least sell them on Ebay!

The world could use more people like you.

I agree, sell on ebay or some other place! I'll bet you could sell a fair amount just thru this forum!

Great idea!

That is a good idea!

I have raised food dishes because bending and picking them up is sometimes a problem.

Being somebody with back problems and an older cat, I find that ingenious! Definitely see if you can market it.