Cuckoo4Design

Connected outside cat enclosures with an enclosed tree 

Cat DIY

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I’m always searching for new outside cat enclosures inspirations that I could add to my own enclosure and frequently watch videos about this subject on YouTube. This is where I came across today’s featured cat enclosure. What intrigued me so much about this catio is that it is made up of several connected outside cat enclosures and features an enclosed tree. I should maybe even describe it more as a wrapped tree because the wire mesh was used in small patches and weaved together throughout the crown of the tree, so the cats can use the large tree for climbing.

When I asked the owners and creators of this combination of outside cat enclosures if I could feature a little glimpse of their set up on my blog, they agreed and I’m happy to share it with you guys because I know a lot of you would love to have an enclosure as well or maybe would like to add some features to their catio.

So here is what they had to say…

Connected outside cat enclosures with an enclosed tree

“Recently we experienced an increase in coyote sightings in our neighborhood. It was heartbreaking seeing multiple lost pet signs and watching our neighbors search for their missing cat or small dog. Knowing that this was our new reality pushed me to take a look at some alternative, safe outdoor options.

After searching the web including YouTube, we found several examples of homemade DIY cat enclosures or catios. I must have looked through a hundred including Julia’s and was determined that I could come up with my own design.

Armed with a plan and a contractor we went to work.  In fact, the design plans continue. Our three kitties Chester, Simon, and Grayson are seen in our YouTube videos. The cats have multiple destinations, platforms, stairs, places to hide, places to scratch, places to climb in the sun and shade.

outside cat enclosures for your cats

cats using their outside cat enclosures

 

Cat tunnels connecting the outside cat enclosures

tunnels connecting outside cat enclosures

high tunnels connecting outside cat enclosures in yard

stairs in outside cat enclosures

The connected outside enclosures

multi level outside cat enclosures

outside cat enclosures with roofs

outside cat enclosures under trees

Our goal was to include aspects of their life as it once was outdoors.  We have installed several cedar trees and enclosed a live tree too.  The wiring took some time and patience as I used two sizes of ladders, to enclose up to 14 feet of the tree.   Armed with my favorite pair of bolt cutters I weaved and patched small sections at a time working around the many branches with a green fence wire to create a dome from within. 

(below you can see the enclosure with the wrapped tree crown which is a little hard to see)

outside cat enclosures with enclosed trees

 

The outside enclosed wrapped cat enclosure tree

cats climbing in their outside cat enclosures

(I love how the wire patches seen below are free-formed out of the top of the cat enclosure.)

enclosed tree in outside cat enclosure

My YouTube videos “colossal catio home part 1 and 2” lists specs for the project. This spring I have planted cat grass and fresh catnip into the destinations.   Stay tuned as colossal catio home part 4, Springtime is in the making.  In the meantime take a look at our most recent video below:”

cat tunnels connecting outside cat enclosures with enclosed tree

 

So what do you guys think? Pretty cool right? In their videos you can see the tree a little better and how the cats love climbing it. I would love to add something like this to our set up.

For those of you who don’t like to DIY things, I have mentioned before that you can buy a larger chicken coop/chicken run and connect it to the house with my outdoor cat tunnel DIY  and a cat window insert door.


 

or these…

 

That’s it for today and make sure to check out their videos. Love how the cats are enjoying what they have created for them.

Tschüß,

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Julia says

      Yes I agree that their cats have a fabulous life. I want to make mine bigger now too.

  2. donna says

    I absolutely love that people (including you!) go to all this work to give their cats a great life. What lucky kitties. And it is so much healthier when they can safely get fresh air, sunshine, and all that exercise. Thank you for showing us another example of a catio!!

  4. FeralLover says

    Thanks so much for sharing this. It’s wonderful that you have taken the time to make such a lovely safe area for your kitties. I’m so glad there are people like you who care about and love their cats so much.

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