How to build a catio?

[auntyTitchy]

 

Hi all,

Im wanting to build a catio in this space

(attached as well is my concept drawing)

My approx measurements are 2.5m x 3m 

(I haven’t measured height yet but I’m guessing at about 2m?)

Materials I’m thinking will be 75x30mm treated pine and cat netting.

I plan to remove the corrugated plastic-y stuff and cut back a lot of the foliage on the front side.

my question/questions are:

How do I go about calculating how much timber to purchase?

How many support/cross beams are actually necessary for this size structure? (ie have I gone overboard and could save $ and work?)

and What is the best way to build/insert the door?

Thanks in advance

Bec (and Minnie the Cat)

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @auntyTitchy. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about building a catio.

What are your thoughts on not adding mesh to the roof and building the walls to connect to the roof beams? That will save you some timber needed for the roof, and it alleviates an issue where 70 x 35mm timber can't span across the 2.5m width unsupported; you'd need a larger calibre like 140 x 45mm for that. I've created a rendering below to illustrate.

Once I have you're preference I can assist with timber quantities.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[auntyTitchy]

Hi Mitchell,

Thanks so much for your advice.

You’re quite right, I don’t really need the frame to fill the whole space. I could attach net to the far and right side (where the plastic is currently) and just build a frame wall for the closest side.

I can’t see your attachment but I’ve drawn up another image - is this about what you are describing?

 thanks again,

Bec ☺️

[EricL]

Hi @auntyTitchy 

That pretty much looks like what Mitchell has suggested. My only other recommendation is to make sure that the netting is totally secure and will not allow your cat to wiggle out of any open sections. I also suggest having a look at this discussion - Cat enclosure by @Chrissie35. Some of the elements of that project might be applicable to yours. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric 

[MitchellMc]

So sorry @auntyTitchy. Here you go!

Mitchell

 

[auntyTitchy]

Thanks so much @MitchellMc and @EricL !

I think I need do a proper measure and check for escape holes before I confirm my plan.

We get keys Friday afternoon, so I shall update with more accurate information then.

Bec 🙂

[EricL]

Hi @auntyTitchy 

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing the start of your catio build.

Eric

[auntyTitchy]

Hi @MitchellMc & @EricL 

I finally got around to measuring my space and have pulled down some of the plastic sheeting. I have discovered that the banksia rose has twisted itself in and out of the struts and railing which will make it difficult to attach the cat netting tightly.

With this in mind I think your plan @MitchellMc will be the best way to go.

the measurements are 2.8m wall to patio front x 3.1m chimney to patio side and 2.3m height at the wall side and 2.1m at the front 

thanks again for your help

Bec and Minnie ☺️😺

[JacobZ]

Hi @auntyTitchy,

It's great to hear your project is going to be progressing shortly.

Keep us updated as things move forward and don't hesitate to ask any questions that come up along the way.

Jacob