Building An Outdoor Enclosure For Your Cats
An outdoor enclosure for cats can be any size, but a 6' x 6' x 6' area is sufficient. Make the enclosure seem larger and give your cats lots of vertical space by attaching perches to the sides of the structure. And try to have at least some of the floor on the ground, rather than a patio or deck so the cats can nibble the grass.
If the enclosure is against the side of the house, all you need are three sides and a wire roof. A pet door in a window or sliding door will let your cats come and go whenever they want to. Solid redwood two-by-fours and 2" x 3" galvanized wire make an attractive play area. But choose the materials that best suit your budget. The primary requirements are that the structure be sturdy and escape-proof. A wire door will provide you with access to the inside to clean up and trim the grass. In Columbia, you'll have a better chance of winning architectural committee approval if you put bushes and plantings around the outside of the enclosure to make it look more attractive to neighbors.
If the enclosure is not attached to the house, provide a shelter inside so your cats will have a safe, dry place to hide, take catnaps and find shelter from sudden rain showers.
Creating an outdoor enclosure is easy and inexpensive, and it will add a wonderful new dimension to your cats' lives.
Seeing Is Believing
Casper and Ernie are loving life in the enclosure at our group home. In fact, many of the pictures on this Web site were taken in the enclosure. Since these pictures were taken, Casper and Ernie have been adopted and are loving life even more in their forever homes!
