Make sure the ends are capped or smoothed so there are no sharp edges. Your cats will never have direct contact with any harmful materials if the enclosure is built correctly. Move around the entire enclosure, adding fencing with 8″ ties to every PVC frame, both horizontal and vertical, including window and door pieces. Once you finish adding all of the fencing, you can cut any openings you need to for your door and windows. Once you have all four walls constructed and connected, you can begin to attach the fencing.
- Each system has its unique classification method, which can be confusing for bakers.
- Catios can be any size—from a small window box that lets your cat enjoy the breeze to an entire enclosed room or large outdoor structure.
- Ideally, it should offer everything your cat loves doing; from toys and activities to views, fresh air, and sunlight.
- The owner started with a simple window box for fresh air, but their love for their cats inspired them to go bigger and better.
How to DIY Cat Proof Your Garden Fence or Wall
Because I needed to frame out my door opening, I added a middle upright to the wall. It measured 55″ wide total but had (2) 3-way fittings titcoin value for the corners and (1) center tee fitting that connected two pieces of PVC on each side. (1″ for each end piece I’m connecting to and 2″ for the center fitting because it connects there in two spots.) This is an approximate formula that worked for me.
While DIY projects can be fulfilling, sometimes professional guidance ensures optimal safety and quality. Veterinary experts often recommend enclosures as a way to prevent accidents and exposure to diseases. Include shelves, ramps, scratching posts, and hiding spots to enrich the space.
Thanks, Kathy, for sharing the flour info and your recipes!
Her cats quickly adapted, showing increased activity and reduced anxiety. Your cats will gain healthy, outdoor stimulation and your neighbors will thank you for keeping your kitty off their lawn. By restricting an outdoor cat’s access to a catio, you can greatly reduce vet bills by avoiding the occurrence of cat fights and diseases typical of outdoor cats.
What makes European flour different?
Most small to medium PVC catios cost between $150–$300 in materials, depending on size and features. Larger builds or extra upgrades (like tunnels or shelves) can increase the cost. Once you have connected your base frame, you can start adding the uprights. First, determine the height of your frame and subtract any end connectors (top and bottom) and any middle crosspieces, just as with the base.
- A quiet spot sheltered from harsh winds and direct intense sun is preferable for comfort.
- To install them, I measured my outer frame and added a little extra for overhang, and cut them to that length.
- North American all-purpose flour is the same as Type 550 flour in Germany.
- She specializes in budget-friendly room revamps, nifty organizational hacks, and easy DIY projects.
- Her careful planning, focus on quality materials, and inclusion of enrichment features demonstrate best practices.
If possible, anchor your catio to the ground or a deck for extra stability. I purchased 26″ x 6′ Corrugated Polycarbonate Plastic Roof Panels to make my roof. It was perfect to keep out the rain and to let the sunshine through. My enclosure is in a corner next to my house, so it doesn’t ever get direct sun, so I don’t have to worry about the cats getting too hot. However, they do sell colored and tinted panels if you want to provide shade for them. So, please be mindful when choosing what material you wish to use for the catio fencing.
DIY Window Box Catio
If space permits, walk-in enclosures give cats more freedom to roam. As I said above, building a cat enclosure out of PVC will allow you to keep it outdoors without fear of it rotting and falling apart. PVC is a plastic that cannot rot or break down so it’s perfect for outdoor use.
European yeast cakes are most like the classic American coffee cake. Type 550 flour works well for classic breakfast cakes with blueberry (or any berry), apple, plum, filling/mix ins, with a crumble topping. Another suggestion is for quick breads or muffins, like banana bread or blueberry muffins. You could also use Type 550 flour to make enriched breads (breads with added milk, butter, oil, sugar), requiring less gluten. This DIY catio looks like a forever stayCATIOn spot for cats.
For the cats, I attached a zip tie every 6″ or so just so they couldn’t squeeze through any opening. I used clear ties so you wouldn’t see them from the outside of the catio. To begin building, you will need to lay out your outer frame, starting with the floor and working up. Make sure you have a little wiggle room because the final outside measurement will depend on your cuts and connectors. I have made a list of all of the supplies I used to build my catio and included it in my printable version of this post with instructions.
Our list includes many options, whether you want a simple window catio or a complete kitty land. We loved that the catio design was made in individual panels, which makes it a lot easier when relocating your ‘kitty land’ from one spot to another. Outdoor carpeting provides a soft floor, but plastic grass or even bare ground can work too.
DIY Cat Enclosure – TIPS for Success!
Brown flour results from grinding together all three parts of the wheat kernel. This system helps bakers select the right flour based on the desired texture and structure of their baked goods. You can find it in the baking section of all grocery stores.
You will need a 3-way connector for each of the ends to make a corner. Now you can connect your walls both vertically and horizontally. Figure out your new length and cut a piece of PVC pipe to this length. If you have more than 2 sections, you will cut your pipe into however many sections you have—3 sections into 3 pieces, 4 into 4 pieces, etc. To measure out your cuts of the PVC pipe for each wall, you’re going to take your full-length measurement and subtract 1″ for each place you will connect to a fitting. The ideal hydration ratio for all-purpose flour varies depending on the desired consistency of the dough.
You might also consider double-door entry systems to prevent accidental escapes when entering or exiting the enclosure. An outdoor cat run or enclosure is meant to be a haven for your cat. For example, if you only have a small surface area, you can maximize it by adding add multiple perches and platforms, as cats love vertical spaces. The easiest way to create access for kitty is to buy and install a pet door. Before building any type of catio, it is important to consider how your cat will access it. To build one of these, you will need lumber, wire fencing, hammer and nails.
We also loved the extra locks which help prevent escape artists from having a field day. All you have to do is use garden stakes as your fence posts and secure wildlife netting to them with zip ties. The project author used U-frame stakes for extra stability. This guide by Kerri Jablonski is packed with clever suggestions about everything you need to make a catio for your feline friends.