DIY Outdoor Cattery

A cattery is an outside enclosure for a single cat or multiple cats. This type of enclosure is typically constructed for and used by breeders of cats. A cattery can include play areas, a litter area, shaded areas for cats to escape from the heat and sun, and areas for feeding, breeding and a nursery. A cattery should be big enough to offer a minimum of 30 cubic feet of space to each cat that will be in residence.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire fencing
  • Wire cutters
  • Staple gun
  • Staples
  • Metal roofing
  • Metal shears
  • Silicon
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • 2-by-4 lumber
  • Circular saw
  • Wood screws
  • Drill
  • Hinges
  • Hook and eye closure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure, mark and cut the following pieces of 2 x 4 lumber: four pieces measuring 10 feet long (each) for the front and back of the cattery; four pieces measuring 9 feet long for the sides of the cattery; nine pieces measuring 7 feet long for the supports of the enclosure; two pieces measuring 6 feet long for the sides of the door; two pieces measuring 3 feet long for the top and bottom of the door; and two pieces measuring 3 feet long for the door supports.

    • 2

      Measure, mark and cut out two pieces of fencing measuring 10 feet by 7 feet and two pieces measuring 9 feet by 7 feet.

    • 3

      Lay out the front, back and two side pieces of the 2 x 4 lumber to make a rectangle. Secure the edges together with wood screws. Repeat this process to form another rectangle. These two rectangles will be the bottom and top of the enclosure.

    • 4

      Lay the bottom of the enclosure on a flat surface. Vertically align a support with each of the corners and secure the supports with wood screws. Vertically align a support on the front and back of the enclosure bottom at the 5 foot mark. Vertically align a support on the sides of the enclosure bottom at the 4 1/2 foot mark. Secure the supports with wood screws. Place the top of the enclosure on top of the supports. Secure the top to all of the supports with wood screws.

    • 5

      Arrange the top, bottom and sides of the door in a rectangular shape. Secure the pieces together with wood screws and a drill. Attach the hinges to the right side of the door. Attach the other side of the hinge to a vertical support. Attach the hook to the left side of the door.

    • 6

      Align the last support vertically inside the top and bottom support so that it is flush with the left edge of the door. Align the top and bottom door supports horizontally between the two vertical supports surrounding the door. Secure the supports with screws. Attach the eye to the newly installed vertical support.

    • 7

      Attach a 10 foot by 7 foot wire fence piece to the interior of the front and back of the enclosure with staples and a staple gun. Attach a 9 foot by 7 foot wire fence piece to the interior of the sides of the enclosures. Staple along each vertical support and around the door. Cut out the area around the door with wire cutters.

    • 8

      Cut a piece of metal roofing measuring 10 feet by 9 feet with metal shears. Center the roofing on top of the cattery. Secure the roofing to the top of the enclosure with screws. Run a bead of silicon around each of the screws and allow the silicon to dry.