How Make a Backyard Cat Enclosure

Many cat owners prefer to keep their pets inside the home to keep them safe from disease, predators and traffic. The average lifespan of an outdoor cat is five years while indoor cats live an average of 15 years, according to the Stanford Cat Network. There are outdoor cat cages and enclosures available commercially, but they can be pricey and not to your specifications. You can construct your own outdoor enclosure to provide your cat with a safe haven while satisfying its curiosity for the outdoors.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-by-4 lumber, 7 feet long
  • Pre-made gate, 6 feet tall
  • Quick-set concrete
  • Chicken wire
  • Hinges
  • Latch
  • Staple gun
  • Landscape ties
  • Outdoor carpet
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose an area in your yard with good access from a window. It's best if the space provides access from the home through a window so the cat can easily go in and out on its own.

    • 2

      Build a frame for the enclosure with 2-by-4 lumber. Place the 2-by-4s a few feet to each side of the window against the side of the house. Measure from the posts next to the house as far out as you want the structure to go. Dig holes 12 inches deep to set the lumber. Depending on the size of the enclosure, place more 2-by-4s along the perimeter; they should be spaced evenly about 4 feet apart. Space two pieces of lumber to accommodate the size of your gate.

    • 3

      Place the 2-by-4s in the holes. Secure with quick-set concrete.

    • 4

      Attach chicken wire securely around the entire enclosure with a staple gun, leaving space open for the gate.

    • 5

      Measure and cut chicken wire to fit over the top of the enclosure and staple it securely. Leave the enclosure top open for the gate.

    • 6

      Use hinges to attach the gate to one side of a 2-by-4. Secure a latch to the gate and the opposite 2-by-4.

    • 7

      Secure the chicken wire to the ground using landscape ties.

    • 8

      Lay outdoor carpet on the floor of your pet pad.

    • 9

      Place a cat tree and other pet toys in the enclosure for your cat to enjoy.