How to build a cat run?

[deedee2017]

Hi, just wondering if bunnings offer in store workshops as I'd love to learn how to build a cat tunnel that runs along my entire fence around my yard.  i don't want the tunnel to run on the ground but on the fence.  I've never used a drill or anything at all, in fact I only own a hammer.  I have some pics of what i'd love to attempt to build but I'm worries I'll stuff it up and the money i will of spent on materials will be wasted and I don't have a lot of money to be throwing in the bin.  TIA

[EricL]

Hello @deedee2017 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about building a cat run.

I suggest having a quick look at this discussion - Catio and catwalk - My first major DIY by @Kenzi. This is a well-designed and well thought out catwalk. The skills needed are the ability to use a drill, cut timber and wire. In regards to the workshops offered at Bunnings, the best way to find out is to call your local store and speak to the activities organizer and ask them if there are any D.I.Y. adult classes happening soon. 

I propose investing in a tape measure and measuring your fence or where you plan to install the cat run. You can then do a rough drawing on paper of the floor plan. This will tell you where the cat run will begin and where it will end. You then decide how wide the cat run will be and how tall the mesh has to be. Will you be installing a rest and look out point along the run? These are some of the things you 'll need to consider when planning your cat run. 

By planning your project, you can begin to quantify the materials you'll be needing. How much wood will I need? What quantity of mesh, clips and screws do I need? How many angle brackets will need to hold the timber up? As you move forward you can proceed to the next step of your project and that is the testing phase. Install one piece of the run on your fence and make some observations. Is it too high? Is there enough space for the cat? Where will I anchor the clips to hold the mesh?

Once you've answered your questions regarding the testing phase, it's now just a matter of building the run piece by piece.

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

Eric