When Anita Corrie Schellevis adopted a stray kitten named Cedric 11 years ago, she had no idea she was bringing home a feline with a vision — or, as it turns out, a lifelong artistic mission.
Cedric wasn’t just any rescue cat.
From the very beginning, it was clear he was special — affectionate, well-behaved, and, as Schellevis puts it, “the best cat I have ever had.” He never caused trouble or knocked things over.
That is, with one notable exception.
For reasons only Cedric truly understands, he set his sights — and his claws — on a single target: the wooden banister at the top of the stairs.
Despite a house full of scratching posts, Cedric has spent more than a decade dedicated to just one surface. He began his work in 2012, shortly after moving in, and he’s never looked back.
“He took to the post right away,” Schellevis said. “He scratches at it at least three or four times a day.”
The once-smooth banister is now thoroughly reshaped, its surface worn into a new form entirely by Cedric’s persistent efforts.
But rather than scold him or try to stop him, Schellevis embraced his creative expression.
“The post was Cedric’s from day one,” she said. “He’s totally proud of himself.”
Cedric’s favorite time to show off his handiwork? When guests arrive. With theatrical flair, he puts on a demonstration, proudly clawing at his beloved post like an artist unveiling his latest piece.
Now significantly whittled down, the banister has become more than just a scratching spot — it’s a permanent fixture of Cedric’s legacy, a quirky and endearing centerpiece in the middle of Schellevis’s home.
“It’s definitely a conversation piece,” she said, laughing. “My only complaint is the slivers it makes — not so fun when they end up in your shoes!”
Whether you see it as destruction or dedication, there’s no denying that Cedric has turned this ordinary banister into a true labor of love — and he’s not finished yet.
After all these years, the masterpiece is still in progress.
