D.I.Y. mesh cat enclosure

[Chrissie35]

Shade cloth, mesh, a clear tarpaulin and timber used to create a D.I.Y. cat enclosure.

• The project
• More inspiration for your home

The project

This is my cat enclosure I was wanting to build - my very first project at the age of 59. It took me a month to complete, totally on my own. 

Over the top it has cat enclosure netting and shade cloth, so the cats can choose sun or shade. There is also a cat door, so they can come and go as they please. There is a full-length zipped access door so I can go in and out through the back if needed. 

I have two chairs out there and enjoy sitting out there having a cuppa or reading and have lunch out there, often with friends. I never sat out there in the last twenty years.

The Bunnings staff were fantastic in cutting most of the wood to my measurements and also for their advice when needed. 

I call the patio a "catio".

Later, I worked my butt off so my cats could have an all-weather enclosure. I added a clear tarp over the top so the cats can still go out there when it is raining. I will remove this again when summer returns.

It took me all day, as once again I had to do it all on my own, but I got there, and I only had to make one trip to Bunnings. It was difficult because I didn't have access to my neighbour's side and the shed was in the way, but I completed it. It is on an angle and slopes away from the unit, so the rain will run away from the unit.

My cats and I can now go out into the enclosure on a wet day and I no longer have to continuously keep bringing their beds and blankets inside if it is raining. Because it is off my bedroom, I chose a clear cover so the light still comes through and the cats and I can still enjoy the sunshine. I am extremely happy with the result and my cats love it. 

More inspiration for your home

Workshop community member Shannon built this indoor to outdoor cat tower so his feline friends can come and go as they please.

Check out our D.I.Y. projects for pets and 10 ways to make your home pet friendly for more great ideas to help make your special family members feel at home. 

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @Chrissie35 

Thats a nice way to share the outside with your cats! I can feel your joy at completing the project

There is something about doing it yourself that makes anything that much more exciting and worthwhile.

Nice work!

Dave

[Hayley007]

That's brilliant 👏 

[rustee]

Hi chrisisie35 thankyou for great idea, I’ve been trying to come up with a simple not expensive idea for my cats. Also it’s a project I.ll also have to do on my own and looking at your idea has given me ideas. . Will be getting a cat door also because want my fur babies to be able to go out in the cool in summer nights knowing they can’t escape .great job hun .

[EricL]

Hello @rustee 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us.

Let me tag @Chrissie35 to make them aware of your kind words. It's great that Chrissie35's project has inspired you to build something similar. Please make sure to start a new conversation when you begin your project.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric