How to Build a Small Cat Enclosure for Balconies

Indoor cats can benefit from time outside to experience fresh air, sunshine and the mental stimulation of new sights and sounds. But, there are many possible dangers the outdoors present to cats, including cars, dogs, unknown people and other cats. Building them an enclosure on a balcony can provide them with the benefits of outside time while protecting them from many things that could hurt them.

Things You'll Need

  • Hardwood boards
  • Galvanized wire mesh
  • Small wood nails
  • Heavy duty staples
  • File for metal
  • Metal hinges
  • Metal locking mechanism
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on a size for your enclosure. Balconies tend to have less space available than a porch or deck so you will need to determine how much space you can use for the cat enclosure and how much you need to leave open for other things. Many cats like to climb and jump so building your enclosure tall instead of wide can save floor space while still providing plenty of room. Make sure it is at least as wide and tall as your cat, and that they will have room to stand, turn around, walk and stretch out. The minimum size should be 3 feet long, 4 feet wide and 6 feet tall. You can adjust as needed from there.

    • 2

      Build a wooden frame for the enclosure. Use hardwood boards that are 1 inch thick, 4 inches wide and at least 6 feet long (they can be cut down if needed). This will give you a secure place to attach the wire mesh as well as any shelves you wish to include. Shelves make a good place for cats to jump up to, perch and nap. You should make those out of wood as well, making sure they are large enough for your cat to be able to securely sit or lay on them.

    • 3

      Attach the wire mesh to the sides and top. You do not need to create a floor as the floor of the balcony can serve that function. Use staples to attach the mesh to the outside of the wooden frame so your cat cannot try to get around the edges and get caught or injured. File away any sharp points from the staples so they don't have the chance of causing harm either.

    • 4

      Create a door in a side or front of the wire mesh. Make sure it is large enough for your cat to pass through comfortably. It also needs to latch securely so they can't use it to get out when you don't want them to. Make a small wooden frame, at least 1 foot by 2 feet, out of the same type of boards as the enclosure frame. Cut out a panel of wire mesh from the front or side of the enclosure and attach it to the wood. Create another wood frame around the hole you have created in the enclosure by attaching boards to the wire mesh. Attach two or three metal hinges to one side of the doorway you have created and one part of a metal locking mechanism to the other side. Hang the door by attaching it to the hinges as well and attach the other part of the locking mechanism so the door can be securely closed.