How to Build Cat Kennels and Cages

Animal shelters must prepare kennels and cages for the animals in their care. Many shelters prefer to allow the animals to remain outdoors in larger cages to give them as much freedom and exercise room as possible. While dogs, especially large dogs, generally need cages made of heavier materials, shelters can build simple cages and kennels for cats quickly and inexpensively. These cages allow cats to enjoy the outdoors while remaining safe and protected.

Things You'll Need

  • Spade
  • Wooden posts, 2 inches by 2 inches in diameter, 2 feet in height
  • Cement mixture
  • Water
  • Chicken wire
  • Wire cutters
  • Pliers
  • Tape measure
  • Gate
  • Hinge assemblies and hinges
  • Wood screws
  • Screw gun
  • Gate latch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the planned cat kennel or cat cage area. Dig four corner posts for the measured area. Dig each post at a depth of one foot and at a diameter of three inches by three inches. Dig two post holes where the cat kennel's gate will sit.

    • 2

      Mix cement according to the proportions written on the bag of the cement powder. Pour wet cement into each hole and place a wooden post into each hole with wet cement. Allow the cement to dry.

    • 3

      Wrap chicken wire around the posts, starting at one of the gate posts and wrapping it around each post until you arrive at the second gate post. Secure the chicken wire around each gate post and corner post by twisting wire ties around the chicken wire and the posts with pliers.

    • 4

      Lay bricks or large stones on the bottom of the chicken wire to keep the cat from crawling under the wire.

    • 5

      Screw two hinge assemblies to one of the gateposts. Match the location on the gate posts with the location on the gate where the hinges will hang. Screw the hinges onto the gate. Use wood screws to hold the hinges and hinge assemblies in place.

    • 6

      Slide the gate onto the gatepost, attaching the hinges to the hinge assemblies.

    • 7

      Screw a latch onto the cat kennel's gate with the matching latch on the gatepost.