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How to build a catio?

Hello,

We are thinking to diy a catio in our pergola, looking for ideas/materials to use etc. We do need to have a double door access to our backyard at one end of pergola and there is a gate on the other side to our carport which needs to be usable as well.
Attaching a few pics for reference. Also what should be our apprx budget for this?

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Comments

Jewelleryrescue

Hi @gsaini

Have managed to turn my whole yard into a cat zone with all the easy exits blocked off.

Can they get out yes if they were really motivated.

So thats option 1 whole yard wired in using extentions on timber posts.

Your escape root are under the fence and over the fence and gate,

So You will need add timber post extentions up to2.4 meters height depending on your cats atheletic abilities.

Once you have the posts up simply wrap Wire around posts using a heavy duty Staple hand gun

Over the gate is the same frame idea on each gate panel

To close of the front of the catio from the rest of the yard. Use H4 treated Pine like a full house frame up to 2.4M I would make a door way frame to fit a standard door like in the house it would need to be fully painted and sealed against all weather.

Other options is use avery's pergolas then enclose them etc.

Dave-1

Good evening @gsaini

Id like to offer you a warm welcome to the Bunnings Community pages 🙂 There aree a load and I mean a LOAD of catio questions and projects in here. There have been interesting conversations/posts over the years on how to and what can be done. I was going to post a few links but if you search up top for "catio" or "cat enclosure" you will be inundated 🙂

How to build a cat enclosure?

Cat enclosure

Just a couple I remember reading and commenting about 🙂

I did come across a cat netting product in the land of the big blue F social media 🙂 Cat nets is something similar tho not sure if its the one I originally saw. Bunnings also sells Jack 1200mm x 10m Supa-Net Protective Netting

To figure out costing -

Break the project down into sections/walls and agte/door area. Think of framing and attachment points you can use with your existing structure and new sections you will have to build. There is also netting more like traditional style for birds tho thing the law has changed to help protect small animals from getting snagged in it.

Dave

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/46600#Comment_46600

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @gsaini. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about building a catio.

Building a catio in your pergola is a fantastic idea. For materials, consider using treated timber or metal tubing for the frame, along with galvanised or powder-coated wire mesh to ensure your cat stays secure. For the doors, pre-made screen doors or custom-built framed doors with mesh are great options for the double-door access and the gate to the carport. Flooring options like decking, pavers, or artificial turf can create a comfortable and low-maintenance surface, while adding climbing shelves, ramps, or platforms will keep your cat entertained.

As for the budget, it will largely depend on whether you choose to DIY or hire professionals. A DIY approach could cost between $500 and $1,500, depending on the size and materials you select. Professional installation could range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more. If you have specific measurements, desired features, or design preferences, it will help refine the costs and planning further.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

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