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Of course, like a lot of my projects, I kind of just wing them. So, here’s how it went.
BUILDING THE PLATFORM, SHED AND CAGE
I used 2″x4″x8′ AC2 treated lumber and 8′ deck boards for the platform, which was the first step in the building process.
The platform measures 5 feet x 8 feet.
After the platform was built, I had to build and attach the metal shed.
The metal shed was a small, shed kit I purchased online.
I forgot to take a photo of the shed before adding the cage, but you can see from the photo’s it’s attached to one side of the platform and takes up a 3’x5′ section, leaving a 5’x5′ section for the open caged area. It is approximately 6′ high.
You definitely do not need a shed on your catio, but my purpose for the shed is that I want to put cat boxes in there.
The caged section is constructed with 2-inch x 3-inch AC2 lumber and galvanized cage wire with a 2-inch opening. Over the top of the cage, I’ve attached a heavy-duty- mesh tarp for shade.
I also use a small amount of chicken wire on the door because I ran out of galvanized wire.
ADDING PLYWOOD FOR LOUNGING
Next, I used some AC2-treated plywood (AC2 wood that can be used outdoors without rotting) and outdoor carpeting to make lounging stations. I cut the carpet larger than the plywood shape and stapled it to the underside of the wood with my staple gun.
CONNECTING THE CATIO TO THE HOUSE
Once I had the catio all setup, I needed the cats to be able to access it without me having to bring them in and out, so I made a tube out of a deck board and a steel panel, which I spray painted black after it was attached to the house through the basement window.
The basement window was replaced with a piece of AC2 plywood that had a whole cut to fit the tube. I also used spray foam to make sure the tube would be nice and air-tight.
I also had to cut a hole in the side of the shed to fit the tube.
CAT RAMP TO THE BASEMENT WINDOW
Lastly, I needed a way to get the cats up into the basement window to access the tube to get to that catio, and that’s where a ramp came in.
The ramp was made from 1-inch x 10-inch-wide boards, furring strips, and a few shelf brackets.
I stained the 10-inch boards and cut furring pieces from the furring strips to be nailed on the ramp for traction control.
Everything was attached to the wall in our basement, and the cat kids figured out how to use it the right way.
IS IT WORTH IT?
YES!! The cats love having the catio and 24/7 access to go outdoors.
I wish we could just let them run free outside, but unfortunately, we get pretty heavy traffic on our road and have lost two cats to cars over the years.
We also have a lot more homes that have been built in our area, and even though we live on six acres, we still want to be courteous to the neighbors who may not want wandering cats on their properties.
It’s so fun seeing the cats out in the catio watching the ponies and the chickens because from the catio, they have a wonderful view of all the hobby farm happenings.
100% recommend!
I also recommend a kitty playroom. You can see mine HERE.
XOXO
Emily
POST BONUS: Here's shoppable links to some of my favorite cat supplies. I use all of these.
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2. Cat Fountain
3. Furniture Scratching Protectors
6. Pet Carrier - As a past vet tech this is my favorite style carrier because it's easy to remove the lid with those side clamps. It's also a hard case and cats can't scratch through the mesh if they get nervous.
7. Air Purifier - If you have pets, you should own an air purifier. It helpful with dander, allergies and odor.
8. Shark Floor Steamer - Pet Safe Cleaning - I love this steamer mop! No chemicals needed just use distilled water.
You might also enjoy all the fun cat posts under the FOR CAT LOVERS category of the blog.