Our Catio

We moved into a new house and I wanted the cats to be able to enjoy the beautiful Alabama climate but also wanted them to be safe.  We had a window in the basement that could be adapted for a "pet door" although it was high and would need boxes in the basement so the cats could reach the windowsill and pet door.

Step 1 Determine Size

To fit between generator and a/c unit I decided on 10' x 14' x 8 ' high.  Made list for Home Improvement store for 4x4's, 2x4's, 100' roll of 2x4 fencing.  2 x 10's for framing bottom and used a pre-hung door I found in the basement of home I bought.

Comments

[RustyRoller]

Just a cautionary note ... You may want to be sure that you won't encounter code violations ... and that depending on where you live, you can either de-construct in case of serious weather concerns (such as tropical storms) or that it will stand-up to high winds.

[bythepiece]

I appreciate that info especially for anyone reading this where they may have even stricter codes than we have. So far it's held up for 3 years and I knew I might be found out and have to remove it so I planned it to be kinds strong but temporary. I was thinking someday I may replace the center window with a door and convert it to a screened room with a stairway from the top floor. Thanks Rusty!

[nneul]

What a fantastic idea.

[cdawisconsin]

Lucky cat, but no pictures of your furry friend enjoying the beautiful day =) Good job.

[bythepiece]

Thank you. I'm going to look for some more catio furniture at yard sales. Did get a good deal ona Dog-Loo (doghouse) may re-name it Cat-loo.

[dgoss]

i also have doghouses with heat lamps in them. you run the cord thru pvc pipe to keep dogs from biting it and being killed. the cats have doghouses too and one is heated with a red heat lamp bulb. get them at lowes or walmarts for $8. plus shield it fits in.

[dgoss]

i started with a 20 by 30 ft enclosure then added another area on and then 2 more and now its 100 ft by 100 ft. part is enclosed on the top and part of it has a 3ft overhang. inside the enclosure is a 14 by 16 ft building. air cond. and heated with furniture and cat tree's. for great pics of smaller enclosures got to just4cats.com

[wakojako]

nice 'ible, allthough at first i thought catio? patio for cats or something compleatly different but it tuned out to be just what i expected. very good

[bythepiece]

My first 'ible. Thank you.

[wakojako]

your welcome

[Dorinda]

great idea

[bythepiece]

There are a lot of Cat Enclosure websites and you can find ideas to fit any situation. This fit our house and I take so much pleasure to look out the window and see them enjoying thi=eir space, day and night.