As I was volunteering at the High Street Balbriggan house by the beautiful seaside, I was unexpectedly inspired by the simple yet profound design of a cat flap on the timber sliding door to the backyard. It struck me as a thoughtful, inclusive element that seamlessly integrated animals into the built environment—an increasingly rare gesture in our modern world. The cat flap symbolises a small but significant act of hospitality, a bridge between human and animal life, acknowledging the presence and autonomy of our beloved companions. It’s a quiet statement of respect, a reminder our spaces need not be solely human-centred but can be shared harmoniously with other creatures. This design, humble yet purposeful, inspired me to think more about how architecture and urban planning could be more inclusive of the natural world.