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Cattery idea! (1 Viewer)

Jay H

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https://picasaweb.google.com/104827043392670889977/20131116Cattery

Or basically a funky outdoor cathouse connected to my indoor cat's via an open window (for use in the warmer months of course).

I'm building one and have the side walls completed with some welded steel fencing (not actually done yet, just the frame is done as you can see in the picasa album above).

I am renting so I can't make anything permanent so the sides would have to be removable, my plan right now is to have the house connect through the window in the photo and the overall dimensions will be roughly 6'x8' on the floor and about 6' tall.

I'm just debating the best way to make the structure sturdy and safe yet removable. Which means I am not going to simply wrap the fencing on three sides and the top but rather make the three sides and top four separate panels and put them all together in some fashion (TBD). (and there will be a small framed door on the lengthwise side for me to get in there occasionally to clean, etc..).

I think by making 3 removable sides plus the celing, this will make the structure fairly portable and removable but the question is the best way? I could simply use bailing wire and zip ties to lock the frames together or perhaps there is a better solution that isn't too expensive? A lot of times I just go to a hardware store and brainstorm right there looking at the various options in the hardware section based on the tools I have and the money I want to spend.
So far the entire project only cost me like $101 and most of that is the 2 rolls of 3'x50' steel fencing that I will double to make the 6' height.

Any ideas of a good way to put the walls together? Doesn't have to be super strong, as we're only talking about kitty cats but they probably will check out the walls and hopefully not hang from the ceiling :)

Jay
 

Jay H

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I think this is what I'm gonna do...

1)The side walls will be fenced up an independent of the far wall... I already made these just need to attach the steel fencing to the frame.

2)Far wall will be made of more 2x3s but in the shape of a # sign, such that the extended horizontal beams will fit into the side walls using zinc pieces made for 2x4s that are used for bracing (usually) basement and garage doors from somebody trying to break in. I figure 4 of these (2 on the top, 2 on the bottom) will allow me to lift and drop the far wall into my side walls... Then I can zip tie the far wall if I think it has any chance of slipping up and out... (TBD)...

3) Then all I need is a roof/ceiling that will slide in onto the top and attached to my side and far walls... Done! Might not even need a door if I can get the far wall up and out easy enough... That I can see how it is when it's done. I can easily add a framed door when the project is complete fairly easily if I think it needs it..

Jay
 

Jay H

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Sam Posten said:
It's a cool idea, don't know where I ran into it, I think I saw an article from some Cat website posted on my facebook page a few years ago and then a friend of mine near Springfield, MA has one and I looked at it when I was there and was like. I have the perfect patio for it... I worked on it a bit last night and a run to the hardware store today to get some of the parts of my plan above and will be a project for this winter.. It's obviously too cold to leave my windows open now but it will be ready for next spring! I'll take some pictures of the project.. I think your little kitty needs one too! :)





Jay
 

Jay H

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My cat will eat through string, elastics, etc. I had one on my cat tree I got a few months ago. It lasted like 5 minutes. He goes right for the string!

Jay
 

Jay H

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Yes, thanks FoxyMulder, I've read that and never put up the other hanging ball... it's still in the little bag it came in...

I've also read that if your cat does eat a piece of string.. if you see it coming out of it's ass, do not pull!!! :blink: :eek: :huh:

Jay
 

FoxyMulder

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Patrick_S

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I would make the front wall with one 2x4 as the plate and one for the header and two 2x4s making up the vertical pieces. Sure it means 2 extra 2x4s but then when you connect the front wall to the two sides they come together with no overlap. I would use counter sunk bolts and nuts to connect the walls together which would make it really strong and easy to take down for the winter.For the roof I would lay the 2x4s down flat so when the roof is in place it only adds 2 inches to the height. (I know they are not really 2 inches but you get the idea.) I would also cut 1.5 x 3 strips that I would install as cleats on the interior part of the roof frame. They would be installs so that when the roof is on they would butt up against the interior sides of the walls and front. That way they would act as a guide for assembly and would help prevent the box from getting out of square. As for attaching the roof, I might go with more bolts.When attaching the fencing I would not take it all the way to the ends. I would make some 1.5 x 1 molding strips with a rabbit that would allow you to install them flush to the other wood while covering the the ugly ends of the fencing.It seems like a lot of work but the end result would be something that is functional and good looking.
 

Jay H

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DSCN1517.JPG


[Front wall is on and mounted... The string is for safety reasons (I am working alone) so didn't want the side walls to fall out... ]

Thanks for the ideas Patrick, the way I'm doing it, no bolts would need to be removed at all. I will probably add some more vertical pieces. The front is about 7.5' wide. I'm using 2x3s and not 2x4s, plenty strong enough.

I will make the roof soon. I'll probably add a few "feet" to the side walls so they will stand up better when by themselves but I wanted to know how flat my porch is before I go with the feet. The door braces are pretty deep, more deep than a 2x3 so going to have to shim it when it's done... Going to get a few more 2x3s and return some braces and some misc stuff I don't need...

Jay
 

DaveF

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Looking forward to seeing the final result. Our cats don't have as good of views outside as they did in the old place. They'd go gonzo for something like that!
 

Jay H

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Alright, I was out there in like the 18deg day in the Berkshires finishing off the roof. I layed down some 2x4 u-joists so I can run a horizontal 2x3 to square off the top for the roof. I'll probably buy another 2x3 to square off the floor. But got that cut and centered. I added corner braces to the roof panels, figure it'll make that a lot stronger when the fencing is on.

I need another 2x3 to frame the simple door on the side. I plan on seeing if I can use lighter wood for the door to easy the weight on the hinges.. Before I put on the fencing, I'll get some Thomsons or something and water seal everything...

Jay
 

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