“I Adopted My Brother’s Two Bengals When He Passed Away. I Did My Best To Build Them A Cat Jungle In My Basement And Make Him Proud”
Coping with loss and grief is one of the very hardest things to endure in life, particularly when someone very close to you has passed away at a tragically young age. Hilton Patton from Edmonton, Alberta, decided that the best way to honor his late brother Boston was to build something truly special for the beloved Bengal cats he left behind, and the result is beautiful.
“The cats’ names are Benji and Nala,” Hilton told Bored Panda. “Nala is about 5, and Benji is about 3 I believe. They’ve had a hard time adjusting. Nala’s always been a more social cat who loves people in general, so she was a bit easier, but Benji has only ever loved, or even liked, one person, and that’s Boston. He’s never really let anyone else even pet him. But with Boston, he’d follow him around, jump on him, sleep on him, everything. Benji has only now just started to feel comfortable with coming down and playing with me and Nala.”
“For undertaking the project, I knew he would never want Benji and Nala split up, because he had actually specifically told me that. And I know he wouldn’t want them going to someone he didn’t know or completely trust. I honestly can’t even explain my whole thought process at the time, cause it really was just a lot of pain. Just nothing mattered except for doing something him. Money didn’t matter, my job didn’t matter, nothing mattered.”
“Emotionally, the construction of it I think was helpful at the time, cause I was in an extremely dark place and it was something I could pour myself completely into. All my money, all my time, it went to that. I’m still not out of the dark place if I’m being honest, and I don’t think I ever will be, but being near the cats and getting to see them every day does help.”
Hilton goes into detail about how he and his friends built the feline paradise below, and if you’d like to help him make it even better, you can check out his gofundme page here.
“I know this probably will look quite amateur, and that’s honestly because it completely is. Going into this project, I had literally zero experience doing anything I did, I just knew I wanted to do something awesome for my little brother and his cats.
I had spent all my money and maxed out my cards on all the supplies and the only 2 things I could afford to pay professionals to do was the framing, and laying the turf. Also, I had a good friend do the electrical.
Everything else though, from the drywall, the shelves, carpeting the walls, making an optical fiber night sky, running speaker wire, were done by me and the help of some of my brother’s friends with no knowledge at all of what we were doing.”
“A quick walkthrough of the basement”
“Electrical done with outlets in only select places. The house electrical was framed off and made into a mini room to make sure the cats couldn’t get to it or hurt themselves”
“Drywalling starts, and not only is it exhausting, but we were also insanely bad at it”
“Walls all finished”
“We start running optic fiber wire”
“We really didn’t know the best way to measure it all out for where it would need to go, so this was our solution”
“The back of an average ceiling board”
“Wires start to stack up”
“Wires hidden. I also installed 4 ceiling speakers to play jungle sounds throughout the basement”
“Starting work on the main star system attraction”
“The finished backside of the main star system”
“1st half of his stars”
“Second half of his stars, I did my best to recreate a picture of him I know he loved”
“Here’s what it looks like at night”
“Before finishing the ceiling (we were a little all over the place) I started planning out shelves, and cut a small little cave for the cats to go in between the walls up high”
“Shelves start going up to see what they will look like, and marking their spots”
“Shelves part 2”
“Wall carpeting begins”
“Shelves put in place over the carpet”
“Concrete gets cleaned up and ready for turf”
“Turf has been laid! I was super glad that I was able to afford professionals to do this, because they did so much better of a job than I could have ever done”
“What I call the “sh*t pit” set up on a rug so that it could be easily cleaned if needed”
“Shelf made and air filter placed above the shit pit to eliminate any smell”
“Carpeting all the shelves”
“Setting up the water feature area. The two plants behind it are fake”
“Finished water feature area. The plants on the right are real, and called Boston Ferns, which was insanely fitting (and why I bought them)”
“Buying toys, and other premade cat furniture. Also installed a hammock for me to lay in when hanging out with the cats”
“Benji and Nala move in!”
“Nala getting comfy”
“Benji loves the wall cave”
“They realize they can climb the walls, and they love it”
“The basement has the cats in now, But it’s still missing a lot of what I hope to eventually add when I save enough money. Also, stop here if you don’t want things to get emotional”
“This is my little brother Boston. I did all of this for him. I wish he could see it. He passed away on Feb 03, 2018 from suicide. I love him and miss him more than words can possibly describe”
“I love you buddy. The pain hasn’t stopped for a single second since you left”
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Share on FacebookThere could not be a more beautiful tribute to the life of your brother than this. You are bringing joy to the creatures that mattered to him. I was deeply touched by this. I wouldn’t be so sure that he does not see this anyway. I think something of us survives, even when we check out a bit earlier. I wish you healing and light.
This is so sad, I believe that a family member committing suicide must be one of the most painful losses you could go through with so many questions why and feelings of guilt. Nice that he was able to take the cats and give them a great home.
If you're thinking your family/friends would be better off with you gone, please think again. Years ago, I had a chummy co-worker who killed herself & it still bugs me. Imagine the kind of pain it causes to people closer to you & call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) instead.
My workmate killed himself last month. Although I was only a small part of his life, I still feel hollow and useless. Can't imagine what his family and friends feel like.
Load More Replies...Amazing work and a great way to turn your grief into a tribute. Your brother would be proud. I just hope the bengals get more natural sunlight. Maybe by letting them explore the rest of the house from time to time or taking them for a walk on leashes (if they let you). Cats love basking in the sunshine.
It would be just like a cat to take a look at that basement and then go hang out in the sunny window in the living room. However - Bengals are big athletic cats that are generally pretty intelligent. They get bored easily and they need to be active. Having a play room like this is wonderful for them. Plus, the wall climbing thing is really cute.
Load More Replies...This is an awesome setup! Bengals are insanely active, and he clearly understands the cats' needs. He spent his money in the best way possible - good framing gives the support, and the turf looks fantastic (and obviously it's been cat-approved). Now that he's got the basics in, he can take his time deciding how to add to it. I'm sorry for his loss; I have lost a couple friends to suicide, and know the pain he and his family are experiencing. This room is a great tribute to his brother.
Nothing would please me more than the people who love me taking care of my pets if I were no longer around.
This is an emotional and beautiful creation. The room makes a great memorial. I’m sorry for the loss. I’m certain your brother would love it.
Very dear and moving. Boston in the night sky is very special and a lovely tribute. I am always so sad when people try to find homes for unwanted animals. This is the way to do it. Are the kitties allowed above stairs, or just in the basement? If they know what soap or aftershave or lotions Boston used, they might use them as a way to comfort the kitties.
I've just made a donation. I can't afford much, but his story has touched my heart and I wanted to help.
Bless you, Hilton, for doing this for your brother"s cats. My heart hurts for your loss.
I'm so sorry about your brother. I lost my brother in 2011, and adopted his two dogs. It helped a lot with the grief to have them, knowing he loved them greatly. You have done an amazing job for the cats!
Wow! That's a cat palace! I know that was expensive too. Just one of those cat trees can cost up to a hundred. That's why my cat doesn't have one. U could have a couple more cats there living in luxury, easy! I was always trying to get my ex to start building those trees and selling them online or something.
;;;;;;;;;;; WHAT A FANTASTIC TRIBUTE. YOU DID AN AMAZING JOB. MAY HE BE AT PEACE AND AGAIN, IT LOOKS LIKE CAT PARADISE. DO THEY ENJOY THE JUNGLE MUSIC I WONDER? BE WELL!!! ;
I love that you understand these aren't kitty cats. Thank you for not abusing them by treating them as something they are not. Your brother must have been very special to have gained the love and trust of Benji. A large male Bengals trust and affection is a rare and difficult prize to earn. Sounds like you're on your way. I live in that dark place you currently reside. I hope you find your way out. In the mean time remember life can be good without being happy. Hold to that when it feels like there is nothing else.
this is stunning. any kitty would love to have half of this. well done.
Amazing job, your brother would have been proud. The cats will love it. We have four cats and I just hope we had the space to do something like this.
Amazing!! I hope your heart heals- you are an amazing brother( or sister) and these cats are lucky to have you! Good wishes.
I’m so so sorry you lost your brother. Long may these beautiful babies stay with you and give you their unconditional love. That’s one EPIC cattery ❤️
What an amazing thing to build in honor of your brother! These cats were so lucky to end up with you. So sorry for the loss of your brother.
Hi Hilton I am so sorry for your loss I have a Bengal he's 6 months old now as our children are all grown up he is our baby he has his own room to run around in and we have built a space in our garden where he can play safely what you have done is amazing and I know your brother will be around and will be very happy at what you have done for his Bengals take care
You will never forget but the pain does ease up with time. Bless you for being so productive and I think you have done a beautiful job. Hugs.
My heart goes out to you as you suffer through your loss. But, thankfully, you found a beautiful and positive way to direct your grief. You gave yourself a purpose and it's a good one, one I'm sure your brother appreciates. As long as the person we lost is in our heart and mind, they're not truly gone. Your devotion and efforts work for you. May you soon find peace.
You are a great guy to do something so nice for the cats. They are lucky to have you.
What an achingly beautiful tribute to your brother. I hope you find peace through his treasured cats.
i hit the return key on my comment forgetting that's an automatic post in facebook. i wanted to say that i'm sorry for the loss of your brother and thank you for taking his cats.
You are amazing! What a beautiful way to pay tribute to your brother via his beloved pets. I really love the star portrait you did x
You truly are an angel on this earth. I am so sorry for your loss, but I know Boston is looking down on your and the cats and grinning from ear to ear.
Gorgeous cats. They do help with the pain and grief, it's what they do.
My heart goes out to this man for his pain. I hope that this building project, and the knowledge that he is giving his brother's cats a beautiful home, gives him some comfort in a time of incredible sorrow.
Those carpeted walls are genius for them, especially since they are a very active cat breed. I bet they love it. In fact, can I move in also?
You have done a fantastic job*. My sister killed herself. It is a hard and difficult grief. Please look after yourself as well as the cats. Your brother would want you to be safe and having good times. No matter how crazy you may feel; remember grief makes us feel crazy and we all do it a bit differently. And you WILL adapt to your changed life. Hang in there. * My cats would be envious! I am impressed and envious.
Omg I thought it was about Bengal Tigers too at first and looked at the tiny ledges and just thought to myself, "HOW?". Also I wonder why his brother did that, considering from the pictures he seemed generally really happy and must have been well off to have two cats of that expensive breed.... Nonetheless, those kitties seem super happy now and I'm glad for them!
How wonderful! Prayers for some peace. My father killed himself so I'm familiar with the pain. I had a Bengal named Stella. She would have loved your basement.
cool area for the, but do they get to go in other parts of the house or just live in the basement? they need human interaction and to be able to at least see outside and get sunshine even if thru a window.
You are an amazing hooman that you did this for your brother...no matter what anyone thinks that's who it's for...those two kitties are so lucky to have you. I think I love you <3
I am so sorry for your loss. You are an amazing brother and a fine example for the rest of us. I'm sure he is in heaven and is grateful for you. I was thinking maybe a fishtank with some tasty looking fishes for the kitties to look at.
excellent ! All that's missing is a raised box of real grass/catnip since they can't go outdoors
The cats know you prepared their jungle with love. I am sure your brother loves it too.
All great, but do the cats permamently reside there and only there? There is literally one small window giving next to none daylight. If the cats are being help only in the basement, then it's really miserable in a long shot.
These are Bengals not cats. Shush you're peddling dangerous ignorance.
Load More Replies...things I like and things I don't like. The smell isn't a darn problem when you take care of it daily like a pet owner is supposed to. Use the clumping stuff and scoop that stuff out every single day. do you want to pee and s**t in yesterdays pee and s**t?? And cats need views! all this dark green carpet is crazy. Are you going to vacuum this all the time all the way to the ceiling?? This room is a cleaning nightmare and will be full of cat fur in a week and be a breathing hazard in a month. I understand you meant well but I don't think you did your homework about parts of it. Hoping they have the run of the house and this is just a playroom.
Adding...where is the easy chair that you will sit in to give them the quality time and love your brother gave them ...a basement....really...this is wrong...my cats would be crying for me ...the thought just tears me up for these beautiful animals.being isolated.
It says the hammock is for him, and these are bengals, they have different needs to regular cats
Load More Replies...It’s a nice thought but....how sad they’ll spend 85% of the rest of their lives alone in a basement with no love or human contact...this is not right...why couldn’t they have just lived upstairs with you????
There could not be a more beautiful tribute to the life of your brother than this. You are bringing joy to the creatures that mattered to him. I was deeply touched by this. I wouldn’t be so sure that he does not see this anyway. I think something of us survives, even when we check out a bit earlier. I wish you healing and light.
This is so sad, I believe that a family member committing suicide must be one of the most painful losses you could go through with so many questions why and feelings of guilt. Nice that he was able to take the cats and give them a great home.
If you're thinking your family/friends would be better off with you gone, please think again. Years ago, I had a chummy co-worker who killed herself & it still bugs me. Imagine the kind of pain it causes to people closer to you & call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) instead.
My workmate killed himself last month. Although I was only a small part of his life, I still feel hollow and useless. Can't imagine what his family and friends feel like.
Load More Replies...Amazing work and a great way to turn your grief into a tribute. Your brother would be proud. I just hope the bengals get more natural sunlight. Maybe by letting them explore the rest of the house from time to time or taking them for a walk on leashes (if they let you). Cats love basking in the sunshine.
It would be just like a cat to take a look at that basement and then go hang out in the sunny window in the living room. However - Bengals are big athletic cats that are generally pretty intelligent. They get bored easily and they need to be active. Having a play room like this is wonderful for them. Plus, the wall climbing thing is really cute.
Load More Replies...This is an awesome setup! Bengals are insanely active, and he clearly understands the cats' needs. He spent his money in the best way possible - good framing gives the support, and the turf looks fantastic (and obviously it's been cat-approved). Now that he's got the basics in, he can take his time deciding how to add to it. I'm sorry for his loss; I have lost a couple friends to suicide, and know the pain he and his family are experiencing. This room is a great tribute to his brother.
Nothing would please me more than the people who love me taking care of my pets if I were no longer around.
This is an emotional and beautiful creation. The room makes a great memorial. I’m sorry for the loss. I’m certain your brother would love it.
Very dear and moving. Boston in the night sky is very special and a lovely tribute. I am always so sad when people try to find homes for unwanted animals. This is the way to do it. Are the kitties allowed above stairs, or just in the basement? If they know what soap or aftershave or lotions Boston used, they might use them as a way to comfort the kitties.
I've just made a donation. I can't afford much, but his story has touched my heart and I wanted to help.
Bless you, Hilton, for doing this for your brother"s cats. My heart hurts for your loss.
I'm so sorry about your brother. I lost my brother in 2011, and adopted his two dogs. It helped a lot with the grief to have them, knowing he loved them greatly. You have done an amazing job for the cats!
Wow! That's a cat palace! I know that was expensive too. Just one of those cat trees can cost up to a hundred. That's why my cat doesn't have one. U could have a couple more cats there living in luxury, easy! I was always trying to get my ex to start building those trees and selling them online or something.
;;;;;;;;;;; WHAT A FANTASTIC TRIBUTE. YOU DID AN AMAZING JOB. MAY HE BE AT PEACE AND AGAIN, IT LOOKS LIKE CAT PARADISE. DO THEY ENJOY THE JUNGLE MUSIC I WONDER? BE WELL!!! ;
I love that you understand these aren't kitty cats. Thank you for not abusing them by treating them as something they are not. Your brother must have been very special to have gained the love and trust of Benji. A large male Bengals trust and affection is a rare and difficult prize to earn. Sounds like you're on your way. I live in that dark place you currently reside. I hope you find your way out. In the mean time remember life can be good without being happy. Hold to that when it feels like there is nothing else.
this is stunning. any kitty would love to have half of this. well done.
Amazing job, your brother would have been proud. The cats will love it. We have four cats and I just hope we had the space to do something like this.
Amazing!! I hope your heart heals- you are an amazing brother( or sister) and these cats are lucky to have you! Good wishes.
I’m so so sorry you lost your brother. Long may these beautiful babies stay with you and give you their unconditional love. That’s one EPIC cattery ❤️
What an amazing thing to build in honor of your brother! These cats were so lucky to end up with you. So sorry for the loss of your brother.
Hi Hilton I am so sorry for your loss I have a Bengal he's 6 months old now as our children are all grown up he is our baby he has his own room to run around in and we have built a space in our garden where he can play safely what you have done is amazing and I know your brother will be around and will be very happy at what you have done for his Bengals take care
You will never forget but the pain does ease up with time. Bless you for being so productive and I think you have done a beautiful job. Hugs.
My heart goes out to you as you suffer through your loss. But, thankfully, you found a beautiful and positive way to direct your grief. You gave yourself a purpose and it's a good one, one I'm sure your brother appreciates. As long as the person we lost is in our heart and mind, they're not truly gone. Your devotion and efforts work for you. May you soon find peace.
You are a great guy to do something so nice for the cats. They are lucky to have you.
What an achingly beautiful tribute to your brother. I hope you find peace through his treasured cats.
i hit the return key on my comment forgetting that's an automatic post in facebook. i wanted to say that i'm sorry for the loss of your brother and thank you for taking his cats.
You are amazing! What a beautiful way to pay tribute to your brother via his beloved pets. I really love the star portrait you did x
You truly are an angel on this earth. I am so sorry for your loss, but I know Boston is looking down on your and the cats and grinning from ear to ear.
Gorgeous cats. They do help with the pain and grief, it's what they do.
My heart goes out to this man for his pain. I hope that this building project, and the knowledge that he is giving his brother's cats a beautiful home, gives him some comfort in a time of incredible sorrow.
Those carpeted walls are genius for them, especially since they are a very active cat breed. I bet they love it. In fact, can I move in also?
You have done a fantastic job*. My sister killed herself. It is a hard and difficult grief. Please look after yourself as well as the cats. Your brother would want you to be safe and having good times. No matter how crazy you may feel; remember grief makes us feel crazy and we all do it a bit differently. And you WILL adapt to your changed life. Hang in there. * My cats would be envious! I am impressed and envious.
Omg I thought it was about Bengal Tigers too at first and looked at the tiny ledges and just thought to myself, "HOW?". Also I wonder why his brother did that, considering from the pictures he seemed generally really happy and must have been well off to have two cats of that expensive breed.... Nonetheless, those kitties seem super happy now and I'm glad for them!
How wonderful! Prayers for some peace. My father killed himself so I'm familiar with the pain. I had a Bengal named Stella. She would have loved your basement.
cool area for the, but do they get to go in other parts of the house or just live in the basement? they need human interaction and to be able to at least see outside and get sunshine even if thru a window.
You are an amazing hooman that you did this for your brother...no matter what anyone thinks that's who it's for...those two kitties are so lucky to have you. I think I love you <3
I am so sorry for your loss. You are an amazing brother and a fine example for the rest of us. I'm sure he is in heaven and is grateful for you. I was thinking maybe a fishtank with some tasty looking fishes for the kitties to look at.
excellent ! All that's missing is a raised box of real grass/catnip since they can't go outdoors
The cats know you prepared their jungle with love. I am sure your brother loves it too.
All great, but do the cats permamently reside there and only there? There is literally one small window giving next to none daylight. If the cats are being help only in the basement, then it's really miserable in a long shot.
These are Bengals not cats. Shush you're peddling dangerous ignorance.
Load More Replies...things I like and things I don't like. The smell isn't a darn problem when you take care of it daily like a pet owner is supposed to. Use the clumping stuff and scoop that stuff out every single day. do you want to pee and s**t in yesterdays pee and s**t?? And cats need views! all this dark green carpet is crazy. Are you going to vacuum this all the time all the way to the ceiling?? This room is a cleaning nightmare and will be full of cat fur in a week and be a breathing hazard in a month. I understand you meant well but I don't think you did your homework about parts of it. Hoping they have the run of the house and this is just a playroom.
Adding...where is the easy chair that you will sit in to give them the quality time and love your brother gave them ...a basement....really...this is wrong...my cats would be crying for me ...the thought just tears me up for these beautiful animals.being isolated.
It says the hammock is for him, and these are bengals, they have different needs to regular cats
Load More Replies...It’s a nice thought but....how sad they’ll spend 85% of the rest of their lives alone in a basement with no love or human contact...this is not right...why couldn’t they have just lived upstairs with you????
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