How to turn my porch into a cat hangout?

[Blunboshun]

Hello, 

I want to set up this undercover area for my cats to hang out in, without escaping into the wild. Any tips at all are appreciated.

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Blunboshun,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Thank you for your question about turning your patio area into cat friendly space.

We've had this type of question come up many times on Workshop, so you might like to check out some of the following discussions to get some ideas:

• How to build a catio? by @Mel_K
   
• How to build a catio? by @auntyTitchy 
   
• How to build a cat run? by @deedee2017
   
• D.I.Y. mesh cat enclosure by @Chrissie35.

As you'll be aware, cats are great climbers, so whatever we do needs to be full height or they will find a way out. 

In your situation, I'd suggest using netting like this Backyard Farmer 4 x 10m x 5mm Anti Bird Net or Jack 1200mm x 10m Supa-Net Protective Netting utilising your pergola as an attachment point. You can use staple nails or zip ties to attach the net to the structure.

A problem that arises is that closing off the area will make access for you difficult without adding a gate. Adding a post on either side of the path with a header between them and installing a timber gate would create an entry point for yourself while still keeping everything secure.

Allow me to tag @Jewelleryrescue, @Dave-1 and @JoeAzza to see if they have any ideas they can add.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[JoeAzza]

Hi @Blunboshun , I like all the ideas/projects that @JacobZ  suggested, you could also use this product

https://www.bunnings.com.au/jack-matrix-1800-x-1200mm-smooth-cream-plastic-woven-lattice_p0285981

you can use this product with treated pine or similar outdoor timber to build frame where necessary and door to enter and exit the catery 

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @Blunboshun 

There have been a bunch of cattio projects pop up in here  @JacobZ has suggested a good selection and his answers pretty much talley with what I was thinking of right down to two posts either side of your path to create a door space. I also Like @JoeAzza idea as a more solid section that would also provide some weatherproofing of a corner or side of the patio area.

Looking at your picture, you will need to "fill" the space between the beams of your pergolla with some cut pieces of timber as the netting wont stretch to that height. Cats will climb and look for holes as they are one smart pet

Dave