How to Make a Super Cat Alcohol Stove

One of the benefits of the Super Cat stoves is the ease and simplicity with which it is made. This page displays easy-to-follow directions for making your own Super Cat. If you have any questions as you read the instructions, check out the site's FAQ here.

If you're looking for a much more detailed description for building a Super Cat, including various alternative methods, check out Jim Wood's site here.

Steps to Make Your Own Super Cat Alcohol Stove

  1. Collect your materials and tools - the most important being a can of Fancy Feast cat food - or similar.
  2. Prepare the cat food can by opening it, cleaning it and removing the label. Get it good and clean but don't expect to get rid of all the small. The smell will only really go away after a few uses.
  3. Print the hole punch template you can download here.
  4. Cut out the desired strip (the template has guidelines on which strip works best for various applications). If you're unsure - try all three. After all, they only cost $.50 a piece.
  5. Tape the paper strip to the can, wrapping it all the way around. Ensure the holes are set to the upper portion of the can.
  6. Using your paper hole punch, punch holes in the can at every point indicated on the template. Remove the paper when finished.
  7. Use it!

How to Use Your Stove

Once your stove is constructed (see the previous section), it's time to use it.

  1. Place the stove on a flat, even surface.
  2. Fill it with 1 - 1.5 ournces of denatured alcohol. This can be done by filling it with 2-3 tablespoons or by filling it to just below the holes.
  3. Light the alcohol.
  4. Let it burn for 25-45 seconds, or until the surface of the alcohol starts to slightly boil. This is known as priming and ensures the fuel is hot enough to pressurize and continue burning in the next step.
  5. Slowly place the pot directly onto the stove, allowing it to create a seal. The flames should then be forced out the side holes.
  6. Place a windscreen around the stove. A windscreen can be made from heavy duty aluminum foil or similar materials. It ensures that the wind will not blow out the flames and allows maximum efficiency to heat up your pot.
  7. Heat until desired. Two cupes of water will typically boil in 5-6 minutes, depending on temperature, altitude, etc.
  8. Remove the pot. You can either safely allow the flame to burn out, or cover it with an empty pot to remove the oxygen and extinguish the flame.