Building A Cat Enclosure: Chicken Wire Basics

Building a cat enclosure with chicken wire is a great way to give your cats access to fresh air and sunshine while keeping them safe and secure. Chicken wire is an inexpensive option for creating a catio, which is a self-contained, dedicated outdoor enclosure for cats. While chicken wire is a cheaper alternative to other mesh options, it is important to note that cats can sometimes get their claws caught in chicken wire, so supervision is recommended. In this guide, we will cover the steps and materials needed to build a chicken wire cat enclosure, as well as some design considerations to keep in mind.

Planning and measuring

Planning:

Before you start building, it's essential to plan the location, size, and design of your cat enclosure. Consider the amount of space you have available, such as in your yard, patio, or porch. Decide on the dimensions of the enclosure, allocating approximately 1-2 square meters per cat. Keep in mind that cats need access to sunshine, shelter from sun, wind, and rain, and a weatherproof sleeping compartment. If you're attaching the enclosure to an existing structure, like a window, door, or fence, ensure you choose a safe and accessible location for your cats.

Measuring:

Once you've determined the location and size, it's time to measure and mark the pieces required for the structural frames. Grab your tape measure and treated timber battens. Lay the battens on a stable, horizontal surface and cut them to size with a hacksaw, following your marked measurements. Wear protective gear, including gloves and eye protection, throughout this process. Ensure the angles are precise by using a utility square. You can also use glue to connect the battens with wood before securing them with screws and a drill.

Materials and Tools:

For this project, you'll need chicken wire, timber battens (such as two-by-fours), staples, screws, hinges, and a latch. Additionally, gather tools like protective gloves, a tape measure, a marker, a utility square, wire cutters, a hammer, a hacksaw, and a drill. If you're attaching the enclosure to an existing structure, you may need wall fixings or other appropriate fasteners.

Remember to consider the safety of your cats at all times. Some cat owners express concerns about using chicken wire due to the potential risk of cats getting their claws caught. If you decide to use chicken wire, ensure there are no cut wires that could accidentally prick or entangle your cats. Alternatively, you can explore other options like galvanised welded mesh or nylon netting.

Building the frame

First, decide on the location and size of your cat enclosure. Consider how much space you have available and how much space your cats will need. Allocate 1-2 square meters per cat. Remember that cats require access to sunshine, shelter from the sun, wind, and rain, and plenty of space to climb and play. Plan the dimensions of your enclosure accordingly.

Next, gather your materials and tools. You will need protective gloves, a tape measure, a marker, a utility square, wire cutters, a hammer, a hacksaw, and a drill. For materials, you will need chicken wire, timber battens (such as two-by-fours), staples, screws, hinges, and a latch.

Now, it's time to start constructing the frame. Measure and mark the timber battens to craft the structural frames of the enclosure. Use a stable, horizontal surface to lay the battens on as you cut them to size with the hacksaw. Always wear protective gear during this process! Ensure that your angles are precise by using a utility square. Alternatively, you can connect the battens with wood glue and then secure them with screws and a drill.

If you're using PVC pipes for the frame, as some cat enclosures do, you'll need to measure and cut the pipes to the correct length, taking into account the length added by fittings. Sand the edges if necessary to ensure straight cuts. Disassemble and cut down the frame to insert supports for platforms or climbing structures. Reassemble the frame, adding T-fittings to create the desired height.

Once your frame is built, you can move on to the next steps, such as attaching the chicken wire or mesh and constructing the roof. Remember to follow specific instructions for your chosen materials and always ensure your enclosure is secure and escape-proof for your feline friends!

Attaching the wire mesh

Prepare the Frames

Before attaching the wire mesh, you need to prepare the structural frames of the enclosure. Measure and cut the timber battens to size, ensuring precise angles with a utility square. Connect the battens with wood glue and secure them with screws, creating a sturdy frame. This forms the base structure to which the wire mesh will be attached.

Lay the Wire Mesh

Once the frames are ready, lay the wire mesh over them, allowing it to overlap the wood. Cut the mesh along the wood to create a flush fit. Make sure to wear protective gloves during this process to prevent any injuries from the wire.

Secure with Staples and Screws

Use staples to attach the wire mesh to the frames. Space the staples a maximum of 15 cm apart and hammer them securely into the wood. This will hold the mesh in place. Additionally, use screws to connect the sides of the frame to the back, ensuring at least four screws per side. Pre-drill and countersink the joins for a smooth and secure finish.

Flush Against the Wall

When attaching the enclosure to your house, ensure that the back frame is flush against the wall and securely attached. This step is crucial to prevent any gaps that your cat could escape through. The open back of the enclosure should provide easy access for your pets while maintaining a secure attachment to the wall.

Finishing Touches

Finally, decide on the roofing option. You can choose between weather-protective plastic or an open mesh design. If you opt for the latter, remember to build a roof frame to support the mesh. Additionally, consider adding a safety barrier underneath the mesh roofing to prevent accidental falls, especially if you plan to climb on it for maintenance.

Adding a roof

Planning the Roof Structure:

Before starting, decide on the type of roof you want. You can choose between a weather-protective plastic roof or an open mesh design. If you opt for a plastic roof, consider using roofing sheets made from materials like polycarbonate. For an open mesh roof, you can use wire mesh or chicken wire.

Materials and Measurements:

If you're using plastic roofing sheets, cut them to size, ensuring they cover the entire roof structure. For a mesh roof, measure and cut the mesh to overlap the wood framing by a few centimetres. This will ensure proper attachment and prevent gaps.

Attaching the Roof:

If you're using plastic roofing sheets, secure them to the roof structure using roof screws. This will create a watertight seal and prevent water from entering the enclosure. For a mesh roof, use staples or washers and Tec screws, depending on the mesh size and loading. Space the staples no more than 15 cm apart and hammer them into the wood to attach the mesh securely.

Additional Considerations:

• Access to Sunshine: Cats need access to sunshine, so consider the orientation and coverage of your roof. Avoid blocking sunlight completely with an opaque roof.
• Shelter from Sun: Provide areas with shade, especially during hot summer days.
• Guttering: If water runoff is a concern, consider installing guttering and a downpipe to manage excess water from the roof.
• Safety: Ensure the roof structure is sturdy and secure. If using polycarbonate roof cladding, consider installing a safety barrier underneath to prevent accidental falls.

Remember to follow specific fixing instructions provided with your chosen roofing materials and always ensure the roof is securely attached to the enclosure.

Finishing touches

Once the structure of your cat enclosure is in place, you can add the finishing touches. If you've opted for an open mesh design, build a roof frame and lay the wire mesh on top, ensuring it overlaps the wood. Cut along the wood and attach the mesh with staples, spaced at most 15cm apart. You can also use battens to anchor the mesh to the base structure. Make sure the back of the enclosure is open for easy access for your cats and flush against the wall, securely attached.

If you're using PVC pipes, you'll need to measure and cut them to the correct length, taking into account the length added by fittings. Sand the pipes if you're not confident about getting a straight cut. To avoid the T fittings adding length to the enclosure, mark a line 1/4" left and right of each segment before cutting. After cutting and inserting the T fittings, put the frame back together.

For the chicken wire covering, roll out the wire and toss it over the top, pulling it taut and securing it with zip ties. You'll need to do this twice for the long side, and you may need a small piece in the middle to close it off. For the small sides, cut a flap for cat entry and exit, which can be held up with bungee ties.

Finally, add some personal touches to the enclosure, such as your cat's favourite toys, a scratching post, and platforms at different heights. You can also add a cat door or tunnel to provide access to the house and ensure your cat has plenty of social contact.

Frequently asked questions