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Enclosure full time?

post #1 of 9
1/30/10 at 3:08am
Thread Starter 
I have 3 indoor cats. I am in the process of having an enclosure constructed, comprising an enclosed/protected shed area and an outdoor/wire enclosure. The idea is for them to spend time outside (in the enclosure during the day) in the good weather (we are in Australia, summer at the moment).

We also have plans for reasonably major renovations inside fairly soon, and during that time I was considering boarding the cats, but was thinking that they could possible stay in the enclosure during that time (a few weeks?). I'd still be able to spend time with them and play/pet them during the day but they wouldn't be sleeping in the house. The shed would provide protection from the weather, and a place for food and bedding. There would be room in the outdoor area for their litter tray, and some climbing and jumping activities, scratch post, hammocks etc for during the day.

Has anyone ever had cats in an enclosure full time, is this something that can work?
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post #2 of 9
1/30/10 at 3:42am
As long as it is fairly warm and they have protection from the elements, which it sounds like they do, I don't see a problem. Is it good and secure from any night time preditors? I don't know what kind of wildlife you have. Anything big and strong enough to break in?

Other than that, just visit a lot. I think they would do better at home with you than at a boarding facility. The commotion of construction may stress them, so be sure to watch for that. I would, however, move their litter into the shed at night and close off the outside run to them. Only allow them in it when you are home and during the day. Do you have bats there? They can get in the tiniest hole and carry rabies. Are all your cats utd on their shots?

Good luck to you!
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post #3 of 9
1/30/10 at 3:46am
Oh, I just thought of another thing. Get a baby monitor and set it up between the kitties and your bedroom. Then at night, when you can't be watching them, you will hear any commotion out there. I do that with my kitties outside enclosure during the day. Once a feral cat walked by and all heck broke loose with redirected aggression against eachother!
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post #4 of 9
1/30/10 at 11:07am
I don't know what type of parasites (heartworm, fleas, ticks, worms etc) are common in your area but you might want to consider using preventives for them.
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post #5 of 9
1/30/10 at 12:38pm
So long as it's secure and all the cats get along they should be okay. Just watch the temperature especially in the shed, might need some fans to keep it cool or some breeders use cooling pads in the outdoor runs to keep the cats cool.
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post #6 of 9
1/30/10 at 2:16pm
My cats live outside enclosed in a fenced in area. The fence has the cat fence in system attached. THe fence is chain link. We have had a few possums to get inside, but they go up the pecan tree. They have never bothered the cats and the cats don't bother them.
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post #7 of 9
1/30/10 at 2:39pm
As long as they are protected and cannot escape and you go out and spend time with them, they should be fine. Stud cats usually have very large room-like enclosures to live in because they spray and cannot be allowed to be running all over the house. They are fine with that - they get attention.
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post #8 of 9
1/30/10 at 4:53pm
I have a few of the farm kitties who live full time in an outdoor enclosure. I keep the shed warm in the winter, well ventilated/fairly cool in the summer & spend lots of time with them.
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post #9 of 9
1/31/10 at 1:48pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the replies, some good ideas to think about there. We don't have rabies in Australia (thank goodness) but will check with the vet if there's anything we need to consider beyond regular vaccinations.

I have been out to check the shed temperature in the middle of the day in the heat and it seems to be fine but I will look into seeing if I can do something about ventilation/temperature (will need to access electricity from the house but this should be ok).
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