1e. Test-fit the components, but don’t permanently attach
anything yet.
1f. Decorate! I marked out my design in pencil and then painted
it with kitty-safe nontoxic paint. Don’t forget to paint the inside;
you’ll want to show your friends how it works, and having a painted
inside looks so much cooler!
1g. After the paint dries, attach the LED holders and the switch to
their respective holes. A few nuts and washers, and it’s done.
1h. Finally, attach the hollow wall anchor. Screw it in slowly to
avoid damaging the wood, and don’t overtighten. The anchor will
fold up on itself and its “legs” will secure it against the inside of
the box, but they shouldn’t dig into the surface. Once the anchor
is in place, remove the screw.
2. MAKE THE SENSOR
2a. Cut the guitar string to about 10"– 12", keeping the lug end
(with the little brass barrel). The lug will prevent the wire from
being pulled out by an aggressive kitty. If you’re using plain steel
wire, tie a knot instead.
2b. Use small pliers to curl the cut end around, so it will attach to
the toy more easily and won’t expose the cat to being poked with
a sharp wire.
85 Make:
