Outside cat enclosure?

[Felicia4517]

We want to build a new enclosure for a colony of cats we care for. The one they're currently in isn't holding up too well anymore. I was hoping I could get some input on our ideas or suggestions from others. We live in Alabama where we have hot and humid summers and winters have temps ranging from teens to 35.

- The enclosure will be built on a raised deck due to unlevel ground and will have 4x4 posts for support, along with 2x4s for framing, a corrugated panel roof (should we attach wire under the panels or will the panels by themselves be safe enough?), hardware cloth wire and planks and what not for vertical space.

- Should we build a shed for their housing or just block off one end of the enclosure (with plywood, fence posts, etc) and give them totes stuffed with straw for housing?

*NOTE: the cats currently have totes stuffed with straw but will not stop using the bathroom in the straw despite having a designated bathroom area. Is there a way to stop this or a different kind of bedding we can put down that will still provide warmth?

- If we should build a shed, should we go all out with LP Smartside siding, fiberglass insulation, tongue and groove wall planks, vinyl floors, a window heat and A.C. unit, etc
..OR should we keep the shed simple by just attaching corrugated panels on the outside, no insulation on the inside walls with plain plywood sheets attached, no window unit, etc.

We don't want to do overkill due to limited funds but we also don't want to do underkill.
Thanks for any input and suggestions!

 

[Welshies]

Just a question- why an enclosure? Cats are really self sufficient and don't need that.

 

[Felicia4517]

They've lived an enclosure for several years now. Outside cats who were being threatened by wildlife, etc and the enclosure was built so they would be protected but still be able to live outside. The one they're in needs torn down and replaced so we're building them a new one first.

 

[Welshies]

They've lived an enclosure for several years now. Outside cats who were being threatened by wildlife, etc and the enclosure was built so they would be protected but still be able to live outside. The one they're in needs torn down and replaced so we're building them a new one first.

Funny. We've had 3 outside cats and lived in rural canada. Bears, hawks, coyotes, foxes, wolves, other cats, you name it and ours have been fine with just a cat house. I guess every cat is different.

 

[PirateGirl]

I have looked at these for an outdoor cat. They come in different sizes. I think they only activate below a certain temperature and sense when an animal is laying on them. One of these in a small dog house/cat house that's also sheltered from wind would probably be cozy.

https://www.chewy.com/kh-pet-produc...zVrBbq2vevGXPXaJm-MaAvBdEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[PirateGirl]

Also what about old towels/blankets for bedding instead of straw. They *may* be less inclined to use it as a litter box. I wonder however if it's a marking issue if you have males. My male indoor/outdoor kitty sprays the dog beds to claim them as his own. It's the only marking he's done in the house really. If you have multiple cats you may need multiple sleeping areas and multiple litter boxes so they can have their own territory within the enclosure even if they are all friends and get along.

 

[sfaith102]

Funny. We've had 3 outside cats and lived in rural canada. Bears, hawks, coyotes, foxes, wolves, other cats, you name it and ours have been fine with just a cat house. I guess every cat is different.

You can say that again!

 

[dainerra]

Just a question- why an enclosure? Cats are really self sufficient and don't need that.

in many areas cats are subject to leash laws. you can be fined for allowing them to roam. They can also decimate local bird life, lizards, etc. Also, depending on your neighbors, many will shoot roaming cats.

 

[Welshies]

in many areas cats are subject to leash laws. you can be fined for allowing them to roam. They can also decimate local bird life, lizards, etc. Also, depending on your neighbors, many will shoot roaming cats.

Very true on the neighbours (excluding in city limits), although I've not once heard of a cat leash law.

 

[dainerra]

many cities either already have them or are considering them. others have laws that say a cat that defecates on another's property or in any way damages property can be immediately impounded.