Does anyone have any ideas on how to build a secure cat play area outside?
Question:I cant let my kitty outside due to the dangers of the road and possums, I'm thinking of using chicken wire, got any ideas?
Answers:
I would do it something like this...But without the chickens..LOL
http://gladstone.uoregon.edu/~nfantasi/c...
I like to use some chain link fencing. I put two pole's up by a window, and make a box with the rest. Make sure that you put a top on it. We got the idea from the local SPCA when we got the Cats. When we leave the window is left open just enough for our cats to go out as the please. They love it and I am working on mounting a pet door in the window so they can come and go as they please.
Assume for a moment that cats enjoy climbing, and most often also enjoy being as high as they can get.
The play area need no be large, but should offer a decen size for perhaps a scratch post, certainly water dish, some toys, maybe levels of stuff to climb on,,,AND be wired over, or covered on top.
Cats do not tend to be Diggers, but you might consider some edging at ground level.
Chicken wire would allow the cat to poke a paw out, and may be strong enough to contain it, if framed properly, but it may also rust rapidly, and break up...not only allowing sharp pieces of wire, but possible escape areas.
It's likely however that it can be purchased as galvanized which would prolong its life, or you might look for a slightly more substantial wire fence material. That might be especially important given that invading critters might be more an issue than your cat escaping. The cat won't be botherd by the "tightness" of the "weave" as long as it has visual access to birds, etc.
Obviously regular monitoring will be what you should do, and perhaps you might build the enclosure large enough in height at least for a cat tree and You being able to enter the enclosure.
You can frame it in various ways as well. 2 inch PVC pipe/ galvanized chain link fence posts/ plumbing pipe/ treated 2x2's or 2x4's. You may decide to have it attach in some way to the exit from the house, but need a secure doorway in any case.
Please though fence in the top,,,and if you want the extra effort and security, the floor area as well. Horseshoe nails, or a good staple gun and 3/4 staples might work with most wiring. On PVC or pipe you can use clamps or aluminum wire to attach,,,as long as the cat cannot gain access to the end cuts with its paws.
Steven Wolf
With no offense at all, I also offer this. I'm not in favor of outside for cats. None of mine ever have been, other than years ago on a farm. With all due respect, please allow that your cat has its shots, and be aware that "Fleas" do exist, even in the grass.
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