Shade cloth, mesh, a clear tarpaulin and timber used to create a D.I.Y. cat enclosure.
The project
This is my cat enclosure I was wanting to build - my very first project at the age of 59. It took me a month to complete, totally on my own.
Over the top it has cat enclosure netting and shade cloth, so the cats can choose sun or shade. There is also a cat door, so they can come and go as they please. There is a full-length zipped access door so I can go in and out through the back if needed.
I have two chairs out there and enjoy sitting out there having a cuppa or reading and have lunch out there, often with friends. I never sat out there in the last twenty years.
The Bunnings staff were fantastic in cutting most of the wood to my measurements and also for their advice when needed.
I call the patio a "catio".
Later, I worked my butt off so my cats could have an all-weather enclosure. I added a clear tarp over the top so the cats can still go out there when it is raining. I will remove this again when summer returns.
It took me all day, as once again I had to do it all on my own, but I got there, and I only had to make one trip to Bunnings. It was difficult because I didn't have access to my neighbour's side and the shed was in the way, but I completed it. It is on an angle and slopes away from the unit, so the rain will run away from the unit.
My cats and I can now go out into the enclosure on a wet day and I no longer have to continuously keep bringing their beds and blankets inside if it is raining. Because it is off my bedroom, I chose a clear cover so the light still comes through and the cats and I can still enjoy the sunshine. I am extremely happy with the result and my cats love it.
