Nowadays, one can increasingly observe the trend of building enclosures for cats near private houses and cottages. This is due to the fact that many owners worry about their pets, who may get lost, especially if they previously lived in an apartment. The fashion for such designs came from the USA, where there are enclosures for cats in almost every yard. At the moment, there are many designs of enclosures that differ from each other. This article will discuss their features and design options.
Design Features
A cat enclosure is essentially an area of a certain size, fenced with rods or mesh. It is preferable to make it spacious so that the animal has personal space. If the enclosure is equipped with everything necessary - food and water, a play area, a bed and a toilet - the pet will not feel like a “prisoner”.
Domestic cat in an enclosure built by the hands of the owner
It is important for an animal owner to learn to distinguish between enclosures with playpens and cages. All designs have a similar structure, but there are also fundamental differences. The last two designs do not have conditions for a pet to spend time comfortably.
Variety of models
Stationary design Source pinterest.com
Grand decision Source hatchfest.org
Aviary with a wooden frame Source idei-dekoru.com
With a combined floor Source idei-dekoru.com
Loft style Source pinterest.com
The aviary can fit into any landscape Source pinterest.com
What does a standard design look like?
DIY enclosure for alabai: dimensions
Enclosures are divided into outdoor and indoor. If you need to separate space in an apartment or house, then simply install a partition. Residents of private and country houses are recommended to give preference to spacious structures on the streets that resemble cat estates. As a rule, they are equipped with several types of multi-level play areas.
Important! Due to the changeable climate, it is not permissible to keep a pet outdoors all the time. Such structures are suitable only as a seasonal or temporary measure.
Home enclosure for cats
How to hide a cat's litter box
Often, owners of “indoor” cats and cats think about how to make sure that the pet’s litter box, on the one hand, does not spoil the look of the room and the smell of the house, and on the other hand, is always available to the animal.
To create such a special place, you can use, for example, an unnecessary old cabinet, a box with a lid, or a container of a suitable size. All you need to do is cut an opening in one of the cabinet walls through which your furry friend will enter his personal toilet.
Necessity or whim
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By nature, all felines are predators, so they always need a large space for games and training. An aviary may be the most suitable solution. Loving owners can build entire towns and playgrounds for pets from budget materials.
With the arrival of warmer weather, many people move to their dachas and take their pets with them. While no problems may arise during transportation, difficulties in the form of neighbors' cats will certainly occur. Dogs and cars pose another serious threat.
Pets do not always know how to react correctly to potential danger, which causes death. It follows that an aviary in an apartment is most often nothing more than a whim, but in private houses and dachas it is a necessity.
Beds for dogs and cats
For a pet to feel comfortable, it must have its own corner in the house where it can sleep sweetly and feel safe. It’s not difficult to make a sunbed: just take a container of the right size and cover it with a towel, adding unnecessary rags. A cardboard box, chest of drawers, suitcase, etc. will do.
You can make a whole house for a cat. See how unwanted clothes can be turned into a great tent for your pet.
Houses are made from tires and cardboard, and if you are a fan of handicrafts, it will not be difficult for you to knit a warm, cozy house for your pet.
Your pet will certainly appreciate the hammock, which is very convenient to nap or hide in, because the easiest way to make such a hammock is under a chair or stool, attaching the edges to the legs.
Tools and materials
DIY dog enclosure: drawings and dimensions
An enclosure for a cat in an apartment or in a country house can be built using the necessary materials and tools. To make the structure you will need the following materials:
- metal pipe;
- crushed stone sand and cement;
- chain-link mesh, and also necessarily wire to strengthen it;
- self-tapping screws;
- wooden beam;
- slate nails and slate.
Materials for the walls are selected depending on the location of this structure. In most cases, outdoor enclosures are made from chain-link mesh. At home, the walls of the enclosure can be formed from dense fabric.
As for the tools themselves, the builder cannot do without the following devices:
- plumb line;
- shovel;
- screwdriver;
- welding machine;
- drill.
Deluxe Cat Home
Important! Wooden fragments must not be varnished or painted.
It is strongly recommended that structures be made from natural materials. The sizes depend on the preferences and desires of the owner. To decorate soft parts, rags, foam rubber, etc. are used.
Main varieties
All types of animal fences are divided into three main types:
- Cells. Mobile, convenient fencing for installation in an apartment. They are made of wood or light metal grating.
- Playpens. Can be made of fabric, wood or metal mesh. As a rule, these are folding models, easy to store and transport.
- Aviaries. A solid-sized structure for open spaces is made according to an individual project and equipped with everything necessary for the life of an animal.
Cell
The three-story Cat Playpens cage, with dimensions of 91.4 * 58.5 * 127 cm, will appeal to any pet or several cats at once, since there is enough space here. There will be drinking bowls and feeders, trays, as well as numerous equipment for animals. The cage is metal, black, with two doors. If necessary, animals can be isolated from each other. Has the following advantages:
- at the bottom there is a plastic tray that is easy to clean;
- 4 wheels with lock available;
- The cage is completely dismountable and can be assembled without difficulty.
Manege
The Triol model represents an octagonal-shaped enclosure-tent for pets. The playpen is made of synthetic environmentally friendly material (100% polyester) and has dimensions of 740*740*345 mm. Under the fabric there is a rigid metal frame, the structure is foldable. When assembled, the playpen does not take up much space. If necessary, a removable roof made of rubberized fine mesh is placed on top, which closes with a zipper. All 8 large windows around the perimeter are equipped with the same mesh. The waterproof bottom is removable and can be easily and quickly secured with adhesive tape.
The playpen is perfect for a cat before giving birth and for keeping a kitten with her. Can be used both at home and in the garden.
Manufactured in three sizes. The price, depending on the size, ranges from 2,900 to 4,470 rubles.
Aviary
Galvanized enclosure for kittens (Dog Land). Reliable coating will last for a long time. Sold in sections, which can be easily assembled into any desired shape on a summer cottage or on the site of a country house. The size of one section is 60*55 cm. The segments are fastened together with plastic ties. The price of five sections will be 1,200 rubles.
The enclosure is suitable for keeping cats and dogs in open areas.
The enclosure can also be used for kittens.
How to make an aviary for kittens and cats with your own hands
You can make a shelter for kittens with your own hands both for a summer house or cottage, and for apartment conditions. There are no fundamental design differences.
The sequence of actions on how to build an enclosure for cats in the country is as follows:
- In the selected area, indicate the markings according to the selected drawing, and then dig holes at intervals of 1-1.5 meters for installing pillars in the form of metal pipes. Their height depends on the roof slope.
- At the next stage, it is necessary to insert columns of a specific length into the holes, securely fix them in a vertical position, using concrete and crushed stone.
- The same pipes are welded to the upper parts of the pillars along the entire perimeter, which will serve as a frame for the roof.
- Using welding and wire, install the mesh around the entire perimeter.
- A wooden beam is securely attached to the upper frame with self-tapping screws, on which slate is placed and secured with slate nails.
- Separately, you need to make a gate, which is later hung on one of the posts using welded hinges. It is important to equip the gate with a latch so that a curious pet does not run away during a walk.
The design of the floor depends entirely on the preferences and financial capabilities of the cat's owner. An elementary option is ordinary lawn grass. Other available options include rough natural stone paths, boardwalks, pavers, or poured concrete.
Note! Outdoor structures must be equipped with a waterproof roof. It will not only protect the animal from bad weather, but will also prevent it from jumping over the net.
Pre-built Trixie Cat Homes
Builders also recommend equipping the structure with drains to avoid the accumulation of liquid on the floor.
Interior arrangement
Floors can be:
- Concreted.
- Seed with lawn.
- Plank.
- From gravel.
- Combined.
The latter option is preferable, since the Maine Coon is not comfortable on concrete and may catch a cold. It is better to cover part of the enclosure with wooden boards and sow the rest with lawn. Walking on gravel helps strengthen the ligaments and train the pet’s muscles, so if there is free space, it is poured onto the ground in a layer of 10 cm.
It is not necessary to install a cat house. However, if the cat is outside most of the time, he needs cozy, dry housing.
In it he will hide from rain, snow, scorching sun and will be able to relax. It’s easy to make a house with your own hands from sanded boards. Bowls for food and water are placed on a hill, on a special stand under a canopy or in a shaded place. Next to the house or wooden floor, it is necessary to sew up part of the walls to protect the cat from the wind.
Only safe materials are used in the construction of the enclosure. They should be:
Some types of wood emit harmful substances when heated. Therefore, they buy alder and larch, and then dry the boards well before use.
Various plants are often planted in enclosures to serve as decoration or create shade. The following can cause harm to the health of cats:
- Gardenia jasmine.
- Hippeastrum.
- Holly and silver ivies.
- Boxwood is evergreen.
- Ficuses.
- Hyacinth.
- Lilies.
- Iris.
- Lily of the valley.
Most trees, climbing roses, and lawns are safe for the Maine Coon. To diversify your pet’s stay in the fresh air, install shelves, ladders, and booms. They are made from processed wood with your own hands or purchased at a pet supply store.
Ready-made enclosures
Pet stores probably have a wide range of enclosures for cats. Their cost is considerable. But the finished product allows you to introduce pets into it immediately after installation of the structure. The most popular designs are:
Deluxe Cat Home
Produced in the USA, the initial cost is 7,500 – 7,800 rubles*. Suitable for installation inside residential buildings and apartments. They can also be installed as temporary structures for exhibitions of breed animals. The structures are mobile because they are equipped with wheels, and also have multi-level play areas, hammocks and seats. Designed for 2 adult animals.
Trixie Cat Homes
It was invented and manufactured in the USA; it is a wooden case covered with mesh. Can be used outdoors. The peculiarity of the building is that it is equipped with unusual holes, where the cat can hide if she wants privacy. The initial cost starts from 32,000 rubles.
cat tree
During the summer season, many cats love to climb trees: it is healthy, fun and interesting. But with the onset of cold weather, such entertainment ceases to be available, which is why pets accustomed to an active lifestyle can begin to damage furniture with their claws and climb onto shelves and curtain rods, tearing off curtains and turning everything upside down.
There is a way out - a tree for cats, which you can easily make with your own hands. Here are some ideas for a functional and beautiful cat tree.
Selecting slats and creating doors
After choosing a specific mesh, you will need to purchase wooden slats. It is recommended to paint them before use. From this material you need to make a frame for the mesh.
If it was decided to attach the enclosure to the house, it is necessary to make a door. One will be enough. If the structure will stand separately from the house, it is recommended to provide a special vestibule for the pet. It will prevent the cat from running out when the owner exits the door. In such a situation, there should be two such elements - from the street to the vestibule and from the vestibule to the enclosure.
Aviary for cats in the country
The long-awaited summer has arrived, the summer season begins. We are looking forward to the weekend to go to the country and take our pets with us. We want not only to enjoy the fresh air and the gentle sun ourselves, but also to do something nice for our cats. Before you go to the country with your animal, be sure to visit a veterinarian and get an annual preventive vaccination. Read how to prepare a cat for the dacha here >>>.
Why do you need an enclosure for cats in the country? After all, it is generally accepted that a cat walks on its own; it does not need a leash or a cage. Cats living in the village do not need this. From kitten age, they know their territory and have the skills to survive in the environment. A domestic cat, especially a purebred cat, is another matter. Although no one has canceled the innate instincts, in the conditions of a city apartment, they are dulled. Remember, a cat faces many dangers on the street - stray dogs, neighbor's cats, rodents that are carriers of dangerous diseases. Therefore, caring owners of four-legged pets build an enclosure for cats on their summer cottage.
Of course, you can keep cats in the house, as well as in a city apartment. But at the dacha, my elderly parents often forget to close the front door, and the cats are still on duty near it. At the first opportunity they run out into the street, there are so many interesting things around - the sun is shining, flies and birds are flying. With an aviary, there is no need to be afraid that our furry pets will accidentally run away from home. In the enclosure you can observe life happening around. Of course, this is a limitation of space for the cat. But in the city, our pets are also limited to the confines of an apartment, albeit larger than an enclosure. But in the enclosure, the cat can observe life from the outside and breathe fresh air. And if you buy a harness, you can take her for a walk on the green grass. You will learn what types of harnesses there are and how to train a cat to walk on a harness by reading the article Harness for cats.
In 2020, we started a huge construction project at our dacha. Along with adding a kitchen to the house, a utility block and an enclosure were built. I thought for a long time about how to place several buildings on six dacha acres. As a result, they decided to make the outbuildings and the enclosure into a single building. It turned out very convenient. The entrance to the enclosure was made not from the street, but inside the utility unit, in case when the door was opened, one of our pets decided to escape.
This is the kind of construction we ended up with.
The first time we took our cat and male cat with us to explore a new enclosure was during the June holidays. The weather was good, the sun was shining and it was quite warm. Our enclosure was not yet fully equipped. There were still no shelves on which you could jump or just sit, watching what was happening from the outside, the floor was not equipped, we had not yet laid linoleum on it, and the walls were not lined with clapboard. Therefore, we took with us from home a scratching post-house, in which two cats can easily hide.
Any change of environment for a cat is very stressful. I can’t say that the cats were delighted with our idea of placing them in an enclosure. They immediately hid in their house. Even the cat’s fat butt quickly disappeared into the hole.
On the first day, our pets got used to the change of environment, they were frightened by unfamiliar sounds from the outside, and only after making sure of their safety did they begin to show interest in their surroundings. The cat turned out to be bolder; perhaps female curiosity overcame fear. She went out and began to examine the new home.
After some time, the cat came out. He carefully looked and sniffed everything around, but when he heard the steps of daddy’s feet shuffling in rubber galoshes, he quickly hid back.
During the day, our cats did not touch food or water, and did not go to the toilet, sitting most of the time in their shelter. At night, I covered the enclosure mesh with a covering sheet for beds, which allows air to pass through but protects from the wind and various midges and mosquitoes.
Apparently at night, when everything around was quiet, the cats felt calmer. They ate the food left for them and did all their business in the tray.
In the morning, when we approached the enclosure, they came out to greet us.
On this day we went to explore the open space outside the enclosure.
And then we had a little photo shoot
Soon our pets got used to walking in the enclosure, and sitting comfortably on the shelves, they rested during the day.
And in the evening we took them into the house.
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Cozy corner for a kitten
The appearance of a small kitten in the house is always pleasant, but still a hassle. The baby also needs his favorite corner and he must be taught this from the first days of his stay in the new territory. The more good habits a pet is instilled in, the fewer problems the owners will have later. Kids need not just a home, but a whole play complex, because they will grow and develop.
The kitten will be most comfortable at first in a soft cubby house. It must be attached not too high from the floor so that the pet can easily climb into it.
You cannot make large wooden structures. They will be uncomfortable.
A small house made of durable materials is too expensive to build. In addition, in a few months you will have to build a new house, and this is an additional expense.
A house for growth is also unacceptable. What may please an adult cat will be uncomfortable for a small one.
Usually the first home for a kitten is the large box in which its mother cat brought it into the world:
- A box from a microwave or vacuum cleaner is suitable as a base. The main requirement is that it must be high.
- Place water-repellent material or a baby absorbent diaper on the bottom.
- For the mother living with the kitten, make an entrance at the top of the box. A small kitten should not jump up to it.
- You can use cardboard or thick fabric as a roof.
For the first time, a baby separated from his mother will feel comfortable in a shoebox lined with fabric. Next, the box should be replaced with a pillow or soft bed.
A children's pet house differs not only in size, but also in service life.
Posting rules
When placing an enclosure in an open space, certain rules should be followed:
- the cage should be located in the shade;
- minimal exposure to wind should be provided;
- locate the structure on a hill to prevent flooding;
- placement preferably in a quiet, secluded corner of the garden.
We suggest you read: How to tell if a hamster is pregnant
We hope that our tips will help in caring for your pet.
Pet house
If you decide to build a large structure, provide a small house for your pet. It will provide shelter from rain or extreme heat. There are several options. You can build a house in the shape of a doghouse. It is worth placing it on a small pedestal so that the pet has to climb into it.
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Also, a house for a cat can be large, human-sized. To create it, you can use lining.
