A fur parent's guide to building an outdoor cat house

Most cats, if not all, are fun, loving creatures that add joy to any home. If you treat them more like family rather than pets, they deserve an outdoor cat house. Although there are cat enclosures you can buy from the market, a DIY outdoor cat house allows you to personalise for you and your cat’s needs.

An outdoor cat house, also known as a cat patio or catio, is perfect for safe outdoor browsing and preventing cat attacks. Whether you plan on building an attached or freestanding cat enclosure, this how-to page has your back.

Materials and tools

Constructing a cat outdoor house requires patience, skill, time, and some supplies. The materials and tools will depend on your outdoor cat shelter preference. You can settle for a simple cardboard cat house or go big and set up a heavy-duty one. Here are the essentials for your DIY outdoor cat shelter:

• Base - Wood is a great base for an attached cat house. But with a freestanding cat house, you can go natural and let your cats enjoy the grass. Or you can put bricks, tile, or other decking materials to elevate your cats, giving them better protection from ticks and roaming feral cats. Plus, it can prevent muddy paws, especially during rainy or bad weather.

• Wire - There are various wires in the market for your DIY outdoor cat house, such as galvanised welded wires or fencing wires and vinyl-coated ones. Since they will act as walls of your cat’s outdoor house, purchasing good-quality materials is best.

• Roof - Galvanised wiring is suitable for open-roof styles. Meanwhile, you can consider shingle, metal, or greenhouse roofs for a closed one or if you need extra shade. Whatever your choice, consider one that can withstand extreme temperatures to keep cats warm during the cold weather and cool in the summer.

• Frame or panels - Your frame makes up the structure of your outdoor cat house. Some cat owners use wooden cat enclosures and panels. But you can also find a plastic outdoor cat house and a metal one in the market.

• Shelves - Wooden materials, like tight-knot cedar and plywood, are good for shelves in your DIY cat house. Ensure they’re sturdy enough to support your cats when hanging out on the shelves. You can also add carpeting for a smoother finish.

The necessary tools can vary, but you should have the basics: a nail gun, measuring tape, a drill, a bolt cutter, and a circular saw or jigsaw. You may also need other materials, such as wood glue, screws, a pencil, a pet door, a door lock, cardboard boxes, a ruler, and a staple gun.

How to make an outdoor cat house

Step 1: Settle your cat house plans

Are you making a freestanding cat patio or an attached outdoor cat house on your terrace or balcony? Other important considerations are size, shape, design, colour, preferred materials, and budget. Remember to include cat accessories in your blueprint and a door that gives you easy access to your cats.

Consider your cat’s needs, especially if you plan to have kittens on board. Planning all the details of your DIY cat house and getting advice from a cat care expert will help make the entire process easier and faster.

Step 2: Select and set up the site

A freestanding cat house may need some cleaning and pre-work before starting the build. If your chosen location has grass and plants, inspect and remove anything poisonous to cats. Examine the area for outdoor cat enclosures attached to the house and clear out any blockages or hindrances.

Step 3: Gather all the materials

Before you begin your DIY cat house, ensure you have everything you need, including your tools. It’s also best to do the prep work, if any, such as resizing pallets, painting certain pieces, and coating necessary parts.

Step 4: Build your base

Using wood pallets, set up the floor of your cat’s home. Make it big enough to support all the panels and check for gaps or spaces to prevent tiny paws from getting stuck. Establish a heavy-duty base, as this will be the house’s foundation.

Step 5: Create your cat patio frame or panels

Whether building your cat house panels from scratch or buying one you can assemble, make sure they’re solid. Your DIY outdoor cat house will stand the test of time if the frame or panels are made of rigid materials and properly installed. Remember to include a door (your easy access) by allotting a specific panel.

Before proceeding to the next step, remember to install the pet door. With a connected enclosure, your outdoor cat house with flap will allow your feline friends to come and go as they please. You can build your own, purchase, or avail of cat door installation services.

Step 6: Put everything together

Add fencing or mesh wire to each panel. Secure the wire by screwing or stapling it into each panel. Ensure a firm fit to prevent your cats from escaping or having stray cats and other animals break into the outdoor house.

Screw the panels into the outdoor cat house base. Then, nail in the shelves to give your cats vertical movement. Finish it off by adding and securing a roof over the cat house.

Step 7: Childproof your project

Just as you would make your home safe for children, do the same for your cats. Ensure no nails or sharp items are sticking out to avoid harm. Sand any rough patches and double-check all the nooks and crannies of your DIY outdoor cat house.

Kitty cat house ideas and tips

Besides building a solid and sturdy outdoor cat house to keep your cat safe, you can also turn it into a cosy place. Add some accessories to make your cats love their home even more.

• Toys - Scratch posts, catnip balls, cat towers, hammocks, and colourful springs will catch your cat’s attention and turn your DIY outdoor cat house into fun.

• Essentials - Food, water, bowls, a litter box, and a cat bed should be a priority in any cat house. But if you have multiple cats, stock up on these items to keep everyone happy. Another thing to note is to have enough room in the kitty house.

• Water fountain - Although having a bowl of water is good enough for cats, you can go the extra mile with a fountain. Some cats tend to drink more when they see moving, flowing water. Water fountains would be the perfect way to encourage lazy drinkers.

• Plants - Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat, plants add life to a cat shelter. Steer away from plants toxic to cats and stick with safe ones, like catnip, wheat grass, and basil. Place them in a plastic flowerpot instead of a fragile one to avoid breakage.

• Insulated shelter - If you live in a chilly place or have cold winter months, install an insulation board on the panels and place a polycarbonate sheet on the roof. These help cats stay warm and comfortable. A heating pad is also great for adding extra warmth to your cat’s outdoor shelter.

• Good location - Consider the best spot for your feline friends while making your cat house plans. A shaded or partially shaded area is best. But if you’re in a sunny space, invest in a good roof to add shade. A cooling pad can also do wonders during scorching summers.

• Recycle materials - A limited budget calls for a resourceful attitude. Have you considered a styrofoam box the perfect solution to cold winter woes? A styrofoam cooler or cardboard box is an affordable alternative to keeping your cats warm. Fill the kitty shelter with blankets and old t-shirts so your cats can relax and sleep better.

• Cleanliness - Just as cats love to clean themselves or you regularly take them to your trusted pet groomer, they also love a tidy home. If you want a happy kitty, keep your outdoor cat house clean, especially their litter boxes.

Bell the cat (house)

Even though you might get your hands dirty in building your feline friend’s home, taking it step-by-step makes it possible. With enough planning and prepping, you can achieve your cheap outdoor cat house in no time. You can find a reliable cat house and fence builder from Airtasker for the best results. Send this blog post to cat moms and dads to help them with their outdoor cat house needs.