Our Work: A Bespoke Outdoor Cat enclosure For Our Lovely Clients In Cameron Park

Our lovely clients in Cameron Park approached us after seeing our work on our Instagram account and were very interested in an outdoor cat enclosure (or Catio as we like to call them). 

A CATIO FOR TWO DESERVING RESCUE KITTIES

Our clients had recently adopted two very high energy young male cats.

Eager to give these new additions to the family a wonderful home, our clients were scrambling to create an environment that kept up with the boys’ desire to explore, as well as give these felines a variety of positive and acceptable channels for them to pour their many buckets of kitten exuberance into. 

With several excellent cat trees, cat tunnels, and all manner of chasing, clawing, and noise making toys, it was time to expand their play area to the great outdoors.

PERFECTLY SAFE AND PURR-FECTLY SATISFIED

Our client did not want their boys roaming the neighbourhood under any circumstances. The fear of dogs, snakes, traffic and nefarious people was just too great, so when they came across Purrfect Palaces on Instagram, they were very interested!

The important points of the brief were this: a place where the cats can get fresh air, have room to play, and enjoy the sunshine and great view in the backyard. The area must be completely safe and secure, enough so that the cats can have full time access to the Catio, even while no one is home, without any concerns of escape or injury.

Since the Catio was going to be under an existing roof off the side of the house, the side which provides the main access to the back yard, keeping a wide and easy to use though fare was also very important. 

With these parameters we set about designing the Catio!

BUILDING A BESPOKE CATIO

For two of the sides of the Catio, we chose aluminium slat screening.

We chose this because it looks great, never needs painting, comes in a wide variety of colours, and offers great privacy and some shade. We used this on the front of the Catio to offer privacy from the street, and also down the side to screen the area where our clients kept their caravan.

For the doors we wanted to maximise access width so we custom made timber french doors covered in cat mesh. These doors kept the access at the full 1200mm width off the path and also allowed airflow, sunshine and visibility for inside the Catio. 

Our clients’ existing pergola was Woodland Grey so the aluminium slatting was ordered in this colour, and all timber framing was painted to match.

The timber framing was made to seamlessly blend with the house, pergola and retaining walls to give an aesthetically appealing result that also has no gaps larger than 4cm, our minimum specification for all Catios.

The two edges where the Catio met the lawn were edged with H4 treated pine sleepers, which is rated for in-ground use, and gives a neat and tidy edge to whipper snip to without fear of damaging the netting.

CAT ENRICHMENT TO FINISH THINGS OFF

For the finishing touches we added an outdoor cat hammock in the prime position for both views and sunshine, and an outdoor scratching post. 

We have has been informed that the boys are loving their new space, and spend the majority of their time there.

Our clients are thrilled that their beloved kitties have access to fresh air, sunshine and even more room to run. 

Squarepegs Handyman Does Outdoor Cat Enclosures

All of the Outdoor Cat Enclosures, or Catios as we like to call them, are 100% custom built and uniquely tailored to meet the needs of your family and, most importantly all, of your fabulous feline. Contact us here to organise your free, in-person Catio estimate. We are so looking forward to working with you and your cat!

WHERE WE WORK

You’ll find Squarepegs Handyman in and around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, the Hunter and beyond. Contact us to find out if we service your area. 

We cannot wait to work with you!

More from Squarepegs Handyman