🖼️
The project:
We wanted to build an area that let our rescue cats outside, but kept them and the wildlife safe at the same time. What started as a catio that filled the space in the deck soon became a 3 stage build that include another smaller catio with a cat flap so they can come and go as they please and a tunnel that linked both catios together.
- Materials:
42x42 merbau https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-42-x-42mm-2-7m-merbau-pre-oiled-solid-screening_p0517074
Aviary wire Jack 120cm x 5m x 12mm x 12mm Aviary Mesh - Bunnings Australia
12mm ply STRUCTAply 2400 x 1200mm 12mm Plywood Structural CD Grade - Bunnings Australia
https://share.google/AoBen12iFvSeRTWgG
Polycarbonate sheet. Suntuf 1.8 x 0.66m - 1800mm Clear Mini Orb Corrugated Polycarbonate Sheet - Bunnings Australia
https://share.google/2snu9ZPVflcWQyzHE
Brackets
Aluminium Angle https://www.bunnings.com.au/metal-mate-30-x-30-x-1-5mm-3m-aluminium-angle-silver_p1130505
Screws
Door Latches and hinges
Cat flap
https://www.bunnings.com.au/hakuna-pets-large-cat-flap_p3962390
Cat Towers. https://www.bunnings.com.au/happy-tails-deluxe-cat-tower_p0751782
- Tools:
Ozito sliding cut off saw Ozito 1800W 210mm 8-1/4" Double Bevel Sliding Mitre Saw SCMS-1621 - Bunnings Australia
https://share.google/WyYVn0zABVEW84uLG
Ryobi drill Ryobi 18V ONE+ Drill Driver Starter Kit R18DD22 - Bunnings Australia
https://share.google/KIsheftZXJIni6P5x
Ryobi Impact driver Ryobi 18V ONE+ Impact Driver All Rounder Kit R18ID24 - Bunnings Australia
https://share.google/y97laedDOQhk2ncDy
Ryobi staple gun. Ryobi 18V ONE+ 10mm Crown Stapler - Tool Only - Bunnings Australia
https://share.google/6pwo545lLNhBdFe8b
- Step 1:
Measured the space, we wanted something that could be moved if needed and also wanted it to be disassembled in pieces that were easy to put back together. Drew up a design that we were happy with. This is stage 1 of the catio.
- Step 2:
We then cut all of the timber to make 1 frame and then screwed it together. Using the staple gun we attached the wire to the frame. We continued to do this until we had completed all frames that we required. Every job has a supervisor 🙄
- Step 3:
All the frames were then taken up onto the deck where they were screwed together and braced with corner braces. The wire was then added to the roof of the catio and the bracets for and walkway were attached. Some were very eager to test.
- Step 4:
Stage 2 was building the smaller catio the same way - making the frame, attaching the wire and then screwing into place. The front panel was made as a door so that the cat tree could go in and also wr could get in there if something or someone needed to be removed. We then cut a hole in the wall and installed the cat flap.
- Step 5:
Stage 3 was the tunnel that connected both catios together. This was a piece of 12mm ply attached by brackets to the wall. We used a piece of aluminum angle to the ply so the polycarbonate sheets had something to attach too. The final piece was to bend the polycarbonate sheeting in half and screw 1 side to the ply and attach the other side to the aluminium with sikaflex. Everyone was checking to make sure it was some right.
- Step 6:
Last step was to add a shelf to make getting to the walkway easy and safe and then some play things to keep the cats occupied - a comfy chair and the cats so they could enjoy the winter sun🌞!!
- Step 7:
Relax and watch the Blink cameras to check on what they are up too 🤣🤣
