For most people, insurance is something that protects your home from unexpected damage — but for one woman, her home’s artistic transformation came from the most unexpected artist of all: her cat.

Meet Cedric, a once stray kitten who has spent over a decade dedicated to his craft — turning a plain wooden banister into what his mom lovingly calls a “work of art.”

It’s been 11 years since Cedric found his forever home, and just as long since he began what might be the longest-running home “renovation” project in feline history.

From Street Kitten to Home Artist

Back in 2012, Anita Corrie Schellevis rescued Cedric from the streets. He was a tiny kitten with bright eyes and a mischievous spirit, and from the moment he stepped inside her house, it was clear he wasn’t just an ordinary cat.

“He is the best cat I have ever had,” Schellevis told The Dodo. “He doesn’t touch or wreck anything.”

Well — with one tiny exception.

Just a few days after his adoption, Cedric found something that sparked his creative side — the wooden banister at the top of the stairs.

While most cats would gravitate toward scratching posts, Cedric had grander ambitions.

“He took to the post right away,” Schellevis said. “It’s like it called to him.”

A Decade of Dedication

That was the moment Cedric began his magnum opus. With precision, persistence, and passion, he started scratching. And scratching. And scratching.

“He scratches at the post at least three or four times a day,” Schellevis said. “His favorite time to scratch it is when people come over. It’s like a show-off thing.”

What was once a sleek, polished column has now become a whittled, textured sculpture — a blend of feline instinct and artistic flair.

While some might see it as damage, Schellevis and Cedric see it differently.

“He’s totally proud of himself,” Schellevis laughed. “It’s definitely a conversation piece. The post is right in the middle of my house, so everyone notices it.”

A Home That Tells a Story

Cedric’s project might not have been covered by homeowner’s insurance, but it’s certainly insured in love and memories. Each scratch represents a moment of joy, comfort, or perhaps just Cedric’s way of saying, “This is my home, too.”

And after 11 years, his masterpiece is still not complete.

“The post was Cedric’s from day one,” Schellevis said. “I’ve never tried to stop him. It’s his work.”

In many ways, Cedric’s dedication mirrors that of a true artist — relentless, passionate, and a little misunderstood. What others see as destruction, he sees as design.

The Beauty in the Imperfect

It’s easy to laugh at a cat-turned-interior-designer, but Cedric’s story holds a deeper lesson. Sometimes, what looks like chaos is actually creative transformation.

Cedric didn’t ruin the banister — he made it uniquely his. And that’s what makes it special.

Schellevis admits that while the banister now has splinters (a minor hazard for socks), she wouldn’t trade it for a brand-new one.

“It’s a part of our story,” she said. “When I see it, I see Cedric’s personality. He’s happy, confident, and proud.”

➡ For another inspiring transformation, read: Full Story: Man Loses 360 Pounds Naturally, Internet Rallies to Support His Next Step.

Why Pets Are the Real Artists of Our Homes

Cats and dogs have a funny way of personalizing the spaces they live in. From paw prints on couches to scratch marks on furniture, they turn houses into homes filled with love — and a little bit of chaos.

Cedric’s “art installation” is a reminder that value isn’t always measured by perfection. Sometimes, it’s measured by the memories made along the way.

Every claw mark tells the story of a cat who feels safe, loved, and free to express himself — and for any pet parent, that’s the best masterpiece of all.

➡ You might also enjoy: The Hidden Meaning Behind Princess Diana’s Cannes Gown: A Heartfelt Farewell to Grace Kelly.

Final Thoughts

After more than a decade of devotion, Cedric’s wooden banister may never be “finished.” But in his eyes — and his mom’s — it’s already perfect.

His story proves that love doesn’t always look tidy. Sometimes it’s full of scratches, splinters, and laughter — and that’s what makes it beautiful.

Because the best insurance in life isn’t found in a policy — it’s found in the bond between a rescued cat and the human who saw his art for what it truly was: a masterpiece of love. 🐾🎨