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Outdoor enclosures

post #1 of 16
Thread Starter 
Wasn't sure where to post this, but does anyone know of how to build or where to purchase an outdoor enclosure that is virtually escape proof? My first crew of cats used to get to roam free, as we don't live on a main road and it wasn't very dangerous at the time. Now the neighbors have mean dogs (which they keep in an invisible fence, but still they can and have gotten loose). There are also coyotes around. Marshmallow was an outdoor cat before we adopted him, and he still longs to be out. If he had the upper body strength to turn the doorknob, he would be out, because he tries. I just can't take any chances; even though we probably can't build one now, it would be great to try to fix something up for this summer. Your thoughts and ideas would certainly be appreciated.
post #2 of 16
Here is a link to the one I built this past summer.
post #3 of 16
There are quite a few choices from do it yourself kits to giant interlocking cages to professionally installed.

There's those type that over hang and make the cat fall right back to the ground if she tries to climb out.

I know someone who uses the "cage" system adding on as they can afford a new piece.

If you run some searches you'll get lots of ideas. Let us know what you decide!
post #4 of 16
We use the cat fence in system. You can Google it. We have it attached to a chain link fence. The cats have insulated dog boxrs they sleep in. They have a sandbox for litter purposes. I turn them onto my screen porch for feeding and never leave food outside because of the odor and attracting unwanted animals. On extremely cold nights, they sleep in a big cat cage in our garage.
post #5 of 16
Quote:
Originally Posted by white cat lover View Post
Here is a link to the one I built this past summer.
I LOVE that!!!! Looks like a good project for anyone handy. And more affordable than those cages or other systems.

I'd like to have something that secure some day. Though none of the cats ever try to jump over the six foot fence, and they wear harnesses with a length of poly rope dragging behind, they can never go out on their own, I am always with them.
post #6 of 16
post #7 of 16
You can use a large aviary for an enclosure, and add a run to it for even more space.

Enclosures are very popular here, ideas can be found on the sites below
http://www.catsofaustralia.com/cat-enclosures.htm
http://www.cat-world.com.au/cat-encl...ade-enclosures

We also have many companies that build enclosures, cat parks or cat proof fences. Surely something like that exists in the US?
post #8 of 16
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by white cat lover View Post
Here is a link to the one I built this past summer.
That is amazing!

Quote:
Originally Posted by otto View Post
I love the one with the water feature. Someone has an artistic eye and a great imagination.

Quote:
Originally Posted by missymotus View Post
You can use a large aviary for an enclosure, and add a run to it for even more space.

Enclosures are very popular here, ideas can be found on the sites below
http://www.catsofaustralia.com/cat-enclosures.htm
http://www.cat-world.com.au/cat-encl...ade-enclosures

We also have many companies that build enclosures, cat parks or cat proof fences. Surely something like that exists in the US?
I've only started to look, but I bet there are places here in the US. (The economy is so bad here that surely some local carpenter would be happy to build a cat enclosure, even if it's not something they've done before.)

I hope we are able to do something so that Marshmallow and Speck can go outside this summer, even if we just screen in our back porch. Speck is kind of afraid of the outside, but interested. He was a kitten when we adopted him, so I don't know if he's lived outside or not, and he probably doesn't remember.

Poor Marshmallow is pining away...he lived outside for maybe three months at DH's office, but DH was feeding him and fixed him a shelter. He thought he was the king of cats, and not knowing how tiny he was, managed to bully everyone with attitude alone. I really feel sorry for him because he thinks we're holding him prisoner...which we are.

Daisy shows no real desire to go out. Having lived the roughest life (she was a stray at the business next door to DH's before being sent to the pound), Daisy has had to live by her wits...she even found a way to sneak into a secure building with an alarm system. She knows where she's got it good and is happy in the warm, comfortable house.

Thank you all for your responses! You've been very helpful and I can't wait to show DH your suggestions!
post #9 of 16
We purchased this one several years ago as an enclosure for one of our stud cats who was a major sprayer. I installed a flat panel ceramic heater in the house section for the winter months.
The A frame roof allowed lots of space to instal high perches for hanging out.
Escape proof and he was very happy in there.



post #10 of 16
How much are you looking to spend?

How large does it need to be? - smaller enclosure or would you like part of your yard done? And if the latter do you have an existing fence?
post #11 of 16
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kai Bengals View Post
We purchased this one several years ago as an enclosure for one of our stud cats who was a major sprayer. I installed a flat panel ceramic heater in the house section for the winter months.
The A frame roof allowed lots of space to instal high perches for hanging out.
Escape proof and he was very happy in there.




That looks very nice...and escape proof is a great thing. I mentioned my aunt's outbuilding with the cat enclosure after I took your survey. Yours is a lot like hers was, except hers had some type of green fence and was very difficult to see into - she wanted people to think there was some sort of big mean dog in there. She even posted "Beware of Dog" signs.

Wonderful news! I showed DH everyone's pictures and he has decided to get our back porch screened in before summer. I don't think it will be very difficult (and hopefully not too expensive), since there is already a roof over the porch. It will involve closing in my kitchen window , but sacrafices must be made for the kitties.
post #12 of 16
We just have a tall fence (6 feet tall) around part of the back yard and Jake is a fatty so his climbing skills aren't very advanced. He loves it out there and every weekend he meows to be let out- usually we only let him out on weekends when someone can be out there with him to make sure he's all safe.
post #13 of 16
Quote:
Originally Posted by ut0pia View Post
We just have a tall fence (6 feet tall) around part of the back yard and Jake is a fatty so his climbing skills aren't very advanced. He loves it out there and every weekend he meows to be let out- usually we only let him out on weekends when someone can be out there with him to make sure he's all safe.
You may still want to look into something like the already mentioned cat fence to attach on top of your fencing - if it's chain link. If wood, there's another, cheaper, DIY solution.
A scared or very determined cat will not be held in by a regular fence. Even the worst climber is far quicker and more agile than a human will ever be. (and even front declawed cats can scale a 6ft fence)
post #14 of 16
Quote:
Originally Posted by ut0pia View Post
We just have a tall fence (6 feet tall) around part of the back yard and Jake is a fatty so his climbing skills aren't very advanced. He loves it out there and every weekend he meows to be let out- usually we only let him out on weekends when someone can be out there with him to make sure he's all safe.
That's what I have, too. My cats all wear harnesses and drag an 8 foot length of lightweight polyrope behind them. And of course, like you I never let them out unsupervised.

They never ask to go out in winter, really they never ask to go out at all, even in summer, they simply wait until I am free to take them out.

I work in my gardens or read my book while they do their catly things.

(in parts of the yard I let the grass grow long so they have Jungles, and of course they have the cat nip bushes to make Forts out of

post #15 of 16
Otto, those harnesses sound nice and safe. I should try to train Jake ...
He's been very sheltered all of his life, came to me at 5 weeks old, I don't think jumping over the fence has crossed his mind. One time the neighbors dog came to bark at him on the other side of the fence and he just stared at the dog like "well, that isn't very smart"..he didn't even move.
And whenever he explores new territory he has to smell every inch of the ground before he makes a step forward...but you never know I'd really love to be 100% safe with a harness..
I don't think I could build anything lol..
post #16 of 16
I like the security of the long lengths of rope. If someone did slip through the gate some how I could just step on the rope, not that anyone ever tries.

Dragging the string does slow them down a little, too. Except Mazy, she's never had a moments trouble with harness or string.

My set up is nice, because my door opens right into the yard. I installed the fence that way, using a section of fence also for the gate. If a cat gets spooked, they simply dash to to the door and into the house.
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