How to Build a Cat Pen

Whether you need to build an indoor cat pen or an outdoor cat pen, you will need to think vertically as well as horizontally. In other words, your cats not only need a space to run, they also need a place to climb. Obviously if you are building an outdoor cat pen you will need to keep shade in mind. Cats cannot be kept in an outdoor pen in direct sunlight. They need a place to lie that is out of the sun and they will need plenty of fresh, clean water at all times. Read on to learn how to build a cat pen.

Things You'll Need

  • 2x2s
  • 2x4s
  • 24 x 24-inch 1/2 inch plywood sheet
  • Screws
  • Drill with screwdriver bit
  • Chicken wire
  • Hammer and nails
  • Stapler
  • Carpet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose your location with great care. If possible take advantage of one or more existing walls. This will lessen your work considerably. Also, especially if you are building your pen outdoors, keep shade in mind. Your cat pen must be at least partially in shade at all times during the day, especially in the summer months.

    • 2

      Draw a set of simple plans utilizing one or more existing walls if possible. Keep in mind that your cat pen should be large enough to allow your animal plenty of room to pace and stretch its legs, but your pen should also be at least 5 feet tall, allowing your cats plenty of room to climb as well. Keep in mind that as much of your cat pen as possible should be made from chicken wire, which allows plenty of moving air to get into the enclosure, At least a portion of the pen should have a solid roof to provide shade and to keep the elements off if the pen is outdoors.

    • 3

      Build a frame for the pen out of 2x2s screwed together or nailed together. Use sufficient bracing to make your pen sturdy enough for a clever and inquisitive cat.

    • 4

      Using 4x4s build a "cat tree" or a cat climbing area inside your pen. Have at least one flat surface near the top of your tree. Use the 24 x 24-inch plywood as a platform for your cat to lie on once it has climbed to the top of the tree. Cover the platform with carpet (use staples to attach the carpet) and carpet as much of the "trunk" of your cat tree as possible. This will aid in climbing as well as act as a scratching post.

    • 5

      Cover the 2x2 frame with chicken wire. Make sure there are no sharp edges of that can cut your cats. Attach the wire to the frame with staples. Be sure to design a door into your pen. The door can be covered with chicken wire and the wire itself can be used as a hinge. Make sure there is a solid roof over at least a portion of your can pen to keep the elements off of your cat.