How to build a cat enclosure?

I'm building one for a large cat colony and I have a couple of questions if you guys don't mind.

1) How do I determine how big to build? This will be their permanent residence so I want to provide them with as much space as my budget will allow. I was thinking maybe 25 sq ft per cat and then adding some walkways and ramps for vertical space. Will this work?

2) What kind of wire? I love hardware cloth but it's pretty pricey considering how large this will be. But chicken wire seems too flimsy and not very predator proof. Will regular welded wire work? Like what you build a dog pen with? Or what do you suggest?

Thanks so much!!

redfurmom said:

I'm building one for a large cat colony and I have a couple of questions if you guys don't mind.

1) How do I determine how big to build? This will be their permanent residence so I want to provide them with as much space as my budget will allow. I was thinking maybe 25 sq ft per cat and then adding some walkways and ramps for vertical space. Will this work?

2) What kind of wire? I love hardware cloth but it's pretty pricey considering how large this will be. But chicken wire seems too flimsy and not very predator proof. Will regular welded wire work? Like what you build a dog pen with? Or what do you suggest?

Thanks so much!!

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There are quite a few very informative threads on TCS; one of them might give you some insight:

http://www.thecatsite.com/newsearch?search=enclosure

.

I went overboard when I built my enclosure - it was 15' x 40' for two cats.  I probably could have had 15 cats in there, as it was also equipped with lots of shelves for them to climb and all sorts of hiding places - a chicken coop, several Rubbermaid houses, dog houses, a rabbit hutch and three cedar tables.

I wouldn't use chicken wire - it is a bit too flimsy.  I think the wire I used was turkey wire - it had 2" x 4" openings and it was plenty sturdy.  The frame was of 4" x 4" beams that were 8 feet long.  The carpenter sunk them into the ground a foot, which left a 7' high enclosure.  I believe he poured wet concrete into the holes, so they did not sway at all.  The entire top opening was wired in too.

I had a 3' x 4' "foyer" where the door way was.  I used two regular screen doors, to which I stapled wire so the cats couldn't tear the screen.  I was able to go in the first door, shut it and then open the second door.   I thought they would try to escape with just one door but they never did.  I believe they knew they had a good thing.

I also used a raised garden set with Trex sides for their latrine  I lined the bottom with driveway rocks, then added sand.  It was easier than trying to locate their poops and I could scoop it just like an indoor potty.  I also had a litter box inside a large chicken coop that they also used for eating and sleeping in winter.  I had their water inside the rabbit hutch.

Here's my post about it.

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/257002/my-new-enclosure

Depending on how many cats are in there, I think as long as you add climbing areas and hiding places, you'll be fine.