How to Build a Cat Outdoor Kennel Run

Cat lovers who want their cats to enjoy fresh air, greenery and sunshine while keeping them safe should consider building an outdoor enclosure. An outdoor cat enclosure allows your feline to enjoy the great outdoors in a supervised and safe environment. Sun and exercise is healthy for your cat, but cats that are allowed outdoors have an average lifespan of only 5 years; indoor cats average 15 years. Your feline can have the best of both worlds with an outdoor cat enclosure.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 4x4 posts
  • 13 2x4 stringers
  • 30 feet of 16-gauge, 8-foot tall galvanized fencing material
  • Electric drill
  • 1 1/2-inch decking screws
  • Heavy duty stapler
  • 1-inch heavy duty staples
  • Ladder
  • Friend
  • Wire cutters
  • 12 camping stakes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check zoning regulations. There might be zoning and building codes that limit the type and size of kennel you plan to build.

    • 2

      Choose an area that is not in full sun all day long, as your cat may become too hot. Cats love to sun bathe, but they also need to have some shade.

    • 3

      Measure the area you plan to enclose carefully.

    • 4

      Clean the area you have chosen of debris and anything that might harm or annoy your cats.

    • 5

      Lay out two 4x4 posts that are parallel and about 6 feet apart.

    • 6

      Attach a 2x4 stringer to the bottom, top and middle of each 4x4 post, connecting them. They should be secured with 1 1/2-inch screws.

    • 7

      Repeat this process to attach another two 4x4 posts together in the same manner as before. You should have two sections.

    • 8

      Attach the two sections together with the 2x4 stringers as you did previously. After connecting all four 4x4 posts together with the 2x4 stringers, you should have a 6 foot by 6 foot free-standing frame.

    • 9

      Attach a 2x4 stringer to the top of the frame between the two other 2x4 stringers. It should be placed in the center.

    • 10

      Attach the 16-gauge galvanized fencing material to the 4x4 posts and the 2x4 stringers with heavy duty staples. Go around the outside of the enclosure, making sure to pull the material tight.

    • 11

      Stretch a piece of the galvanized fencing over the top of the frame.

    • 12

      Cut out a section of the fencing the approximate size of your cat door.

    • 13

      Get the help of another person to help you move the enclosure and butt it up against the cat door opening.

    • 14

      Secure the bottom of the enclosure with camping stakes. They should be placed about 1 foot apart around the bottom of the enclosure.