Ragdoll Cat Forums

We're building an outdoor enclosure adjoining the new house... roof will go between the house eaves and the 6ft fence, fence and gate on one end and proper cat netting at the other end - my question is, would it be safe do you think to use that fine bird netting (that they drape over trees) pulled taut as the roof of the shelter?
I'm thinking it should be fine as they shouldn't be actually touching the roof at all... There's just a part of me that's worried still...

Those of you that have outdoor enclosures - do they have roofs? What are they made of? Do your kitties come into direct contact with the roof at all??

Do not just look at it from the cat enclosed getting to the roofing, but other animals outside can get on it too, including cats. Also keep in mind if you are in an area of rabies, that rabid animals become aggressive and can go to some lengths to get to and attack another animal.

JanH Wrote:Do not just look at it from the cat enclosed getting to the roofing, but other animals outside can get on it too, including cats. Also keep in mind if you are in an area of rabies, that rabid animals become aggressive and can go to some lengths to get to and attack another animal.

I hadn't thought of other cats climbing on it... I don't think they would though - don't cats prefer stable surfaces?? I think it would be too much like walking out into thin air for them - the bird netting is very fine. I think it would also be safer kept taut than it would be in it's usual uses around here - which is just draped over fruit trees... I've seen birds get inside them and freak when they can't get out again. I haven't seen even one possum around here at all since I moved a year ago and they would be my other concern...
We don't have rabies in Australia so that's one less thing to worry about

A whole cat who wants to get to your cat might may well try to get through roofing - and need not just take a stroll across it. (Do not assume animals are not there because you have not seen them. We have foxes, raccoons, deer, coyotes, groundhogs, opossums, cats, dogs, wild turkeys, etc. and seeing them is comparatively rare.) Some animals may be as interested in getting in as your cats may be interested in getting out. Some cats will probably not try, while others will. Same for "wild" animals trying to get in. However, you have to protect against both risks.

Do entire cats try and go after altered cats?? I thought they didn't...

I just assumed no possums in the area because when we were in Melbourne we saw them every night - I guess I figured we'd see them if they were there because we did in Melbourne. I know we get foxes and stuff but they don't climb do they?

I have a fish koi pond,that I cover with a fish net to keep leaves from getting in my pond and to protect them from other animals and I still have a problem with wild animals trying to get to them like snakes.
Do you plan on leaving them there all the time?

Shades Wrote:Do entire cats try and go after altered cats?? I thought they didn't...

I just assumed no possums in the area because when we were in Melbourne we saw them every night - I guess I figured we'd see them if they were there because we did in Melbourne. I know we get foxes and stuff but they don't climb do they?

HELLO FROM MELBOURNE

I have an outside enclosure for Milo which is made of wire it consists of two cubes one square and one large rectangle and a long connecting tunnel these pics are abit old and not very good but you will get the idea, it also comes apart easily and when we travel to our holiday caravan we use the smaller square to transport the cat in the back of the car. I do not leave Milo in the enclosure unattended or at night time.. we use it for when we are outside in the garden or having a bbq and he wants to be close to us. It fits nicely under the pergola and is weather proof and has shelter from the sun.

When you take your cat outside, and they enjoy it, do you find it harder to then keep them indoors? I always thought if cats are to be indoor cats (and they must be on the cape...too many coyotes) that I would be teasing or mean to take them out on a leash, or in an outdoor cage. Wouldn't they then try to get out of the door more often, or know what they were missing? I am very curious as to everyone's opinion. Thanks.

Gussie, you know I actually never thought about it like that... I don't think so though - in my experience that hasn't been the case - but it may for some cats. I look at it the same way as treats, I'm not going to stop feeding treats occasionally just because my cats may decide they like them more than their regular food... Does that help?

Julie - I looked at the cage modules but the cost was prohibitive for me, we could either make one ourselves or we'd have to keep them inside only with no enclosure at all - I really do like the modules though!!

Linda - they won't be in there all the time, but they will have free access to the enclosure. It's more somewhere to put the big cat tree and the litter trays, with spots to sun themselves, a pot or two of cat grass - and little skinks to chase The house is brand new with no grass or anything yet, just bare soil, and we'll be having sparse vegetation and gravel rather than bushy stuff and long grass so I don't think it would be very inviting to snakes... We do adjoin some empty plots though so I'll see what the recommendation is on the netting website.

Shade what about something like this. This is big I no however you could use this idea with screen top. Just make it to fit your budget. Start small and add on when you have extra cash. I like big tree idea.