Enclosures for cats in the country: types and photos

Why does a cat need an outdoor enclosure?

For city residents, a trip to the dacha is associated with relaxation from the hustle and bustle, freedom and fresh air. If the family has pets, they will also be in for a journey and a change of scenery. Accustomed to confined spaces, cats find themselves in unknown, but so tempting territory; Their research instinct awakens and most animals are determined to explore the surrounding area. For a pet that is not accustomed to freedom, unexpected freedom can become a source of many troubles:

• The animal may run away and get lost.
• Contact with local old-timers can result in a fight , contracting a dangerous infection or an unwanted pregnancy.
• A valuable cat may be stolen .

Complete security Source fanvid-recs.com

• An animal can be hit by a car .
• The cat's instincts may kick in and she will start hunting for the neighbor's chickens - the owners' reaction may be unpredictable.

No matter how much you strive to protect your cat from the dangers of the outside world, you will not be able to keep it in the house all the time, depriving it of the joys of country life. Sooner or later, your pet will take a moment and slip out. The solution to all these problems has been around for a long time. An enclosure for cats in the country will balance the needs of you and your cats:

• You will calmly go about your business , and your long-awaited vacation will not be spoiled by a series of search and rescue operations.
• The pet will have the opportunity to spend the whole day outdoors in complete safety .

Fresh air and active games Source idei-dekoru.com
See also: Contacts of companies that provide metal structure installation services.

Functions of enclosures

The tradition of keeping cats in enclosures came from North America. This phenomenon is especially common in nurseries with large breeds. Spacious enclosures located in local areas received the name catio from the combination of two terms: cat, patio.

Keeping pets in a fence all year round in domestic spaces is problematic due to the harsh climate. But as a temporary or seasonal measure, enclosures for cats in the country will be an excellent solution to many problems. This is especially true for owners of breeding breeds, when it is necessary to protect the animal from contact with yard representatives of the cat family. An outdoor enclosure in a summer cottage will help avoid unwanted cat pregnancy, infection and fights. At the same time, the pet will frolic in the fresh air, exploring the world outside the apartment.

In addition to spacious outdoor enclosures, there are also small structures designed for installation in an apartment. There are various reasons for purchasing fencing:

• giving birth to a cat;
• for moving small kittens to avoid the risk of injury to the animal;
• if there is a need to isolate the breeding cat from the cat;
• enclosures for apartments are sometimes used as exhibition tents;
• small playpens are convenient for short-term country holidays or when there is a need to keep an animal.

Features of living space: secrets of choice

An enclosure is usually called a stationary outdoor structure, equipped with everything necessary for a pet’s long stay. The first enclosures for meowing pets appeared in North America; there, similar fenced courtyards received a special half-joking name - catio (by analogy with a patio, courtyard). The practical invention quickly spread throughout the world, although in our country it is still not a tradition, but an exotic one. For owners who are thinking about purchasing such a structure, there are recommendations to help them choose the best option. When choosing an aviary, think about the following things:

• Installation location . The best place is protected on one side by a house wall or fence - it’s more comfortable for the cat. If space allows, the structure is installed on a veranda or terrace.

There will be a place for owners too Source houzz.com

• Size . The larger the territory, the calmer and more confident the animal will feel. The fenced area should correspond to the number of pets, especially if you are purchasing an enclosure for kittens and a mother cat.
• Material . Domestic manufacturers offer collapsible structures without a floor on a wooden or metal frame, covered with PVC-coated welded mesh.
• Roof . It not only protects a nimble animal from escaping, but also serves as protection from bad weather and direct sunlight. A flat roof should have a slight slope; the presence of a drain to eliminate puddles on the floor is welcome.

Project with a roof Source ydachadacha.ru

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Using welding and wire, install the mesh around the entire perimeter.
5. A wooden beam is securely attached to the upper frame with self-tapping screws, on which slate is placed and secured with slate nails.
6. 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.

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

Features of an animal's personal space

What functions does a cat house perform? This is certain:

1. A soft, warm bed where your pet can sleep or lie quietly, away from noisy children.
2. A refuge from other family members and their intrusive attention.
3. The house, complete with ribbons, scratching post and tunnels, is perceived by the cat as a playground for entertainment and gymnastic exercises.
4. The observation and observation point allows the furry to monitor what is happening in the room without disturbing anyone.

For an animal to feel comfortable and love its house, it must be:

1. Made from natural materials - felt, cardboard, woolen coverings, wood. Synthetic materials cause pets' fur to become electrified. An animal will feel uncomfortable on a bedding made of artificial fabrics and in a plastic house.
2. Suitable size for cat. In a space that is too spacious, the pet will feel uncomfortable. At the same time, the animal should easily enter the house and be able to turn around in it.
3. Located at a distance of more than 2 m from household appliances, TV, or music center that produce loud sounds.
4. Installed in a cozy place where there are no drafts and always warm.

Place your pet's resting place in a far corner where he will not disturb anyone and no one will disturb him.

A house and nothing more?

Cats, like people, are completely different not only in the color of their fur or its fluffiness, but also in their habits and character. A playful pet definitely needs an entertainment area so that it can occupy itself when the owners have other concerns. Often, for some reason, a four-legged friend begins to intensively sharpen his claws on the furniture. Homemade scratching posts located in the pet's relaxation and play area will help protect expensive bedroom sets, armchairs and sofas from damage. This will also help maintain a good relationship between man and animal.

This means your pet needs not just a house to sleep in, but a whole complex consisting of:

1. Special equipment for the exercise of an energetic cat. Next to the house it is necessary to mark out a structure of posts and tabletops. Pillars wrapped in thick twine will replace chairs and sofas that the pet uses to sharpen its claws.
2. A cat's house must have at least two moves. The second move will be useful for the animal in case of danger and for playing with a friend.
3. The dimensions of the house are in accordance with the size of the four-legged friend. For a medium-sized pet, the entrance diameter should be up to 20 cm. The sleeping area (in the form of a cube) should have a side of at least 40 cm. The larger the cat, the larger the house for it.
4. The scratching post is made of durable material to withstand the vigorous pressure of the animal. The location of the structure should be such that the pet can easily find and use it at any time.
5. The design of the house will differ depending on the breed of cat. After all, each breed has its own behavioral characteristics and habits. Bengal or Siamese cats are given a tall wigwam house. For playful animals who love to hunt, a sleeve house is best suited.

For a mother cat, a two-level design would be an excellent choice. Mom sometimes needs to take a break from the kittens and vigilantly monitor their safety.