byronreese
By Brent Smith
How to Build a Cat Enclosure
Instead of keeping your cat in a cage while you’re away, why not build her an outdoor enclosure? Building a cat enclosure isn’t as hard as it sounds and your kitty will love it!
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By Brent Smith
OverviewAlthough cats love the outdoors, it can often be too dangerous to allow them free range. Building a cat enclosure is a simple way to make your kitty happy without any worry. Learn how to build a simple enclosure for your home.Do-It-Yourself Cat EnclosureStep 1Choose a spot for your cat enclosure that has direct sunlight only a few hours each day, preferably in the morning. Most cats enjoy a luxurious nap in the sun, but no one wants to be trapped in it. Also check the area for potential irritants, such as debris buildup or anthills. Clean the area to make sure these problems don’t arise, and check that the ground will be level for the enclosure.Step 2Purchase a prefabricated gazebo, which can be found at most home improvement or big-box stores, such as Sam’s Club or Costco. Assemble the gazebo according to the instructions included. Depending on the type of gazebo you choose, you may need to use a screwdriver or ladder. It helps to have a partner for this task, or even a team, so rally the troops. Once the gazebo is assembled, secure it close to the ground using the stakes. Make sure to anchor the gazebo firmly. If you have soft soil, you may need to secure the gazebo with additional tools, such as cement plugs.Step 3Starting at the corner of the gazebo closest to your house, unwrap the galvanized chain-link fence. Fasten the top and bottom of the fence to the corner of the gazebo with several of the plastic security ties. Continue wrapping the fencing around the gazebo, trimming the extra foot of fencing at the bottom. When you have made it all the way around the gazebo, fasten the fence to the top of the gazebo as well. Be sure to test the sturdiness by occasionally tugging on the fencing. It should be immovable.Step 4Install the cat flap. Be certain to purchase a cat flap that can be locked; otherwise, your kitty may escape the enclosure. Place the paper template that comes with the flap against the fencing and use the wire cutters to remove the appropriate amount of fencing. Making sure the side of the cat flap that allows you to lock it faces outward, toward you, string plastic security ties through the precut holes that would normally be used for screws and attach the flap to the fence. Test the lock a few times, and check to see if there are gaps between the cat flap and the fencing that might allow an escape. Once you are sure the flap is secure, you are finished. You now have a safe outdoor habitat for your feline friend.skill4ingredientPrefabricated gazebo (10 feet by 10 feet)
Screwdriver (optional)
Ladder (optional)
12 camping stakes
Hammer
Galvanized chain-link fencing (11 feet high and 40 feet long)
Large package of plastic security ties
Wire cutter
Locking cat flapingredientsPrefabricated gazebo (10 feet by 10 feet)ingredientsScrewdriver (optional)ingredientsLadder (optional)ingredients12 camping stakesingredientsHammeringredientsGalvanized chain-link fencing (11 feet high and 40 feet long)ingredientsLarge package of plastic security tiesingredientsWire cutteringredientsLocking cat flaptipTo further enhance the enclosure, you may want to liven it up. A few great choices are a cat tree with a hiding hole, shelves for climbing, a scratching post, and various pet-friendly plants.tipsTo further enhance the enclosure, you may want to liven it up. A few great choices are a cat tree with a hiding hole, shelves for climbing, a scratching post, and various pet-friendly plants.warningIt is important to make sure your kitty always has water and food if she will be in the enclosure long.warningsIt is important to make sure your kitty always has water and food if she will be in the enclosure long.keywordCat Enclosure Outdoors Kitty SafetykeywordsCatkeywordsEnclosurekeywordsOutdoorskeywordsKittykeywordsSafetyResourcesreferenceBuilding a Cat EnclosurereferenceCat Enclosures and Cat RunsreferenceHow to Build a Cat EnclosureresourceEnclosures
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