How to build a small catio attached to my door?

[CatMad]

I want to build a small area where my indoor cats can go through a pet door and get some outdoor time. It doesn’t need to be huge and I originally thought of a window box but it’s too tricky to attach. Attaching a tall cage to my timber back door with a cat flap in the door seems the perfect solution. It has to be the small gauge bird wire to be 100% snake proof. Started searching off the shelf solution I could modify but there is nothing that suits my project. Would like to add shelves, steps, maybe weatherproof top and enclosed section near the top for hiding in. Need ideas on materials. Timber? Aluminium? 180cm H 60cmW 40cmD

[EricL]

Hello @CatMad 

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

Would it be possible for you to post a photo of your door? This will give us an idea of where the cat flap is located. We can then draw up a sample sketch of the catio that might work for you location. 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[AlanM52]

Hi @CatMad,

Our 'chook shed' is actually a bird aviary.

So I am suggesting the same for you, something like this:

https://tinyurl.com/3esrph3r

Most of us are on the same page when it comes to comparing the cost of purchasing something vs the cost to make the same thing and I consider that pretty good value. All I did was Google 'australia small bird aviary' and that was in the first page of the search results.

When you post the photos that @EricL requested we can look at how to locate/integrate that (or similar) for your needs with access to the cat door.

For example one option might be to replace the leeward side of the shed with wire mesh so the kitties have a more viewable area.

Cheers

[CatMad]

Thanks Eric, there is not cat flap yet, I will wait until I have the cage. I’ve looked at utility cages but they’re made of heavy steel framing. So either aluminum or timber I think. Possibly a narrow shelving unit could be repurposed? It’s not intended to be a full size catio as they have the whole house to run around in. It’s just to give them fresh air and a new aspect where they can choose to go into as they please. 

[CatMad]

Thanks Alan, I’m not sure how I could create a link to the house from such an aviary though. Finding a flat pad to anchor it mind be tricky too. It gets very windy where I am so most things have to be really solid and bolted down. 

[EricL]

Hello @CatMad 

Would you happen to have an alternative exit for the cat such as a window? I only worry that placing the catio so close to the door will become an impediment and its entry a tripping hazard for people going out the door.

Eric

[CatMad]

Hi Eric, I do have a laundry window just around the corner from the back door, however it’s a bit tricky to get a flush attachment to a colourbond wall. And I’m not sure how I would attach to the window flashing. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @CatMad,

Would something like @cocoboy's garden cages in How to rat-proof a garden bed be suitable? 

You can tailor this method to your size requirements fairly easily and add or remove any hinged openings that you want.

You could use 42 x 42mm Merbau Battens screwed together with 100mm Galvanised Timber Screws with 6.5 x 6.5mm Mouse Mesh attached with Galvanised Staple Nails.

It could be as simple as four rectangular frames connected to form a big box. You can then staple your mesh to the outside.

This would give you a nice, solid foundational frame that you can add things to relatively easily by adding additional battens where needed.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[cocoboy]

 

@CatMad 

further to Jacob’s response, the rodent proof mesh is important as those guys will chew through non galvanised mesh. It’s a tad pricier but worth it. Connect the frames with 8g 100mm bolts, you will need a drill bit to match, can’t recall the size but Bunnings staff will help. I used a staple gun to attach the mesh on the inside to give it a recessed look but you could go on the outside, having the mesh on the inside made the drilling and bolting easier with the assembly. Invest in some 45 clamps when drilling and plenty of normal clamps so you can connect it all up, checks lengths and then bolt it up. I lap jointed my frames but you can butt join, make sure to use a good quality outdoor glue, screws not enough, learnt that on my first frame.