Installing a cat door, also known as a cat flap or cat hatch, can provide your cat or kitten with the freedom and a means to come and go from inside the confines of the home when they want. After all, most domestic cats like to be outside in the fresh air where they can wander around in their own territory, playfully frolic in the long grass and lazily watch birds fluttering in the trees while they lie in the shade away from the harsh mid-day sun.
Fitting a cat door into an existing glass door however can require a measure of expertise and the proper cutting equipment, so engaging a skilled professional contractor would be the best option if you want the job completed to a high standard.

Most homes generally have cat doors installed in a rear door, although this can be a personal choice for the homeowner and would to some extent be governed by where the door concerned is positioned on a property.
Ready-to-go cat doors or cat-flaps can generally be bought at a Pet Supply store or from some large Hardware Suppliers. These days, there are a number of different styles, sizes and designs of cat-flaps and cat doors available. If you are unsure what to buy it can be a good idea to carry out some research online to see what is available before you buy.

If you are concerned that your cat might proudly bring into the home at night-time small prey that has been caught from outside the home, then you may need to consider having a one-way cat door installed that only allows your kitty to exit the inside of your home but not re-enter. This type of cat door will also prevent a stray cat entering and causing a mess or damage to your home.

If you are a DIY person and handy with a skill saw then you might try your hand at installing your own cat door. With a good set of instructions, tools and materials you will be able to save yourself the cost of engaging a contractor to carry out the work.

Having a handy cat scratcher or cat scratching post is a necessary accessory, particularly if you have a young kitten or cat that has a habit of scratching your furniture or other objects inside the home. It is known that scratching is a natural inbred activity for cats so they can exercise tendons and sharpen their claws and is a method used by some cats to mark out its territory.

A number of years ago I had a kitten that had a nasty habit of clawing anything it could get its claws into. On one occasion I can recall walking into my lounge room and to my horror finding it at full stretch on its hind legs raking the back of my expensive recliner chair. As a result, I scouted around various pet suppliers and bought an expensive scratching post and spent many hours trying to train it to scratch it but it was simply not interested. This prompted me to make my own cat scratcher from a length of square wood about 15 inches long that I found in my shed. As a covering I used an old piece of carpet that I wrapped around and nailed securely onto the wood. My cat surprisingly took a liking to this home-made model so I kept it inside for some time where he used it off and on until he eventually decided that scratching trees and other things outside the home was much more interesting.

If you have experienced a similar scenario with your cat scratching furniture inside your home then you may need to be aware that it is not practical to expect your cat to stop scratching or train it to stop scratching. Also, punishing your cat physically for scratching can also tend to cause long term damage to a cat and could cause it to become scared and afraid of you.

It is difficult to know what would be the most suitable type of scratching post for a cat, although it can be a good idea to choose something firm that is wrapped with a cat-safe substance a cat can dig their claws into. Because most cats have a character of their own, it is hard to know whether it would prefer a basic piece of scrap carpet or a solid secure post.

If you have always wanted your domestic cat to have its very own special cat house where it can be kept in a safe environment while you are away from your home, then having an outdoor cat enclosure built to your own specifications can be a good option. If you have more than one cat or you own pedigree show cats and want the best cat house possible for your kitty, then you may need to consider using a builder who has experience and back-ground knowledge in erecting cat houses.

Finding the most suitable tradesperson to undertake the work can sometimes be difficult, however if you have already had previous work carried out by a qualified contractor then the problem is solved. Alternatively, if a builder has been recommended to you who has practical experience in building cat, dog or hen houses, then follow up this source because it can be beneficial knowing the person recommended has the necessary skills and background experience to do the job.

If you have any doubts as to the suitability of a tradesman then you may need to carry out some background checks, such as asking the candidate to supply testimonials from previous clients. This can give you the opportunity to contact them if necessary to find out whether his standard and quality of work met the clients expectations. Some builders in fact anticipate potential clients will ask them for testimonials and will readily make them available along with photographs of work they have completed for other people.

By engaging a builder who already has experience in making cat houses will give you the opportunity to use his background knowledge and talent to design a quality cat house to meet all your requirements. For example, he may be able to outline where to position features such as perches, sleeping areas, walk ways and provide information on landscape, shelter and other areas you may not have considered.

By taking the time to sketch out a rough plan of what you want your cat house to look like can assist your builder on what and how you want the enclosure built. This information along with approximate dimensions and the type of materials you want your cat house to be constructed with will also be a big help to your builder.

Having a proper maintenance plan for your outdoor cat house will ensure your cat is kept healthy when it is left to roam around clean hygienic surroundings. Most people spend a lot of time making the inside of their home clean and tidy so spending time to ensure your kitty is living in a well maintained and clean cat house will help keep it smelling fresh and looking good all year round.

The following are some tips on implementing a maintenance plan –

1. Choose to carry out your maintenance program on a nice fine day while your cat is elsewhere on your property.

2. Get together your cleaning equipment such as a bucket, clean sponges, dry cloths, a scrubbing brush and mop along with a safe non-toxic cleaning detergent and disinfectant.

3. Before you begin remove everything from inside the cat house that is not nailed down. Place all the items such as food bowls, cat toys and scratchers somewhere where they can be cleaned later.

4. Place the detergent and disinfectant in a bucket of hot water and use your scrubbing brush to scrub down the floor and walls so that all signs of food particles, cat hair and grime is removed and cleaned away.

5. Wash down the area you have cleaned with clean water. A garden hose can be a good idea if you have one handy.

6. Wipe down the wet walls and floor with a dry sponge and clean cloth.

7. Leave the cat house to dry for an hour or two.

A maintenance plan also includes inspecting the cat house and fixing any signs of damage or disrepair. For example, this could entail removing any sharp objects such as a nail or staple that could have come loose or a piece of sharp chicken wire that may have sprung open. If the outdoor cat enclosures is made of timber and been painted have a look at the condition of the paint and if there are signs of flaking paint then decide whether it should be repainted. Also, patch up any noticeable holes with wood putty and sand back your handiwork with sandpaper so that the surface is smooth and ready for painting.
After completing your cleaning and maintenance work you will be able to admire your hard work knowing your cat will have a safe and clean place of its own.

If you have decided to buy an outdoor cat enclosure, then the question you will probably want answered is “How much does it cost?” The answer to this question of course varies and depends a great deal on many factors including how many cats you have. If you have a number of cats then you would require a much larger enclosure than if you had just the one cat.

On average an enclosure ranges in cost from between $200-$800. This amount would vary to some degree depending on the size and features required for the enclosure.

DIY – An Alternative Option?
If you think you are reasonably handy with a hammer and other tools then building your own outdoor cat enclosure could definitely be a cheaper alternative. If you do decide to take this path, I strongly advise you to look at other cat enclosures as this will give you some indication what material is used to build them. You will also be able to adopt some of the design elements you observe into your own creation. If you can, carry out some research online for some outdoor cat enclosure plans.

It is important to ensure you do your background research beforehand and obtain if necessary all the tools and equipment necessary to build your enclosure.

Installation
If you are lacking in the necessary DIY skills, then getting someone to install your outdoor enclosure needs to be considered. This will ensure that your enclosure is set up correctly from the beginning and give you peace of mind knowing your enclosure was built by a professional. In some cases the installation cost is included free with the purchase, while other suppliers require you to pay a small sum of money to get a contractor or other person to come to your address to install the enclosure for you.

If you’re unsure whether or not installation is included in the overall cost make sure you read the small print or enquire with the seller prior to purchase.

Where to Buy

Online:

Amazon –Amazon is an established online website that sells a wide range of different products including outdoor cat enclosures. This website has a very good reputation for online trading and have many satisfied customers. Browse through their website and see if any enclosures capture your attention.

Click Here to Visit Amazon

Ebay – The popular online auction site Ebay is another worthwhile place to look at. This is accessed by searching for the keyword “outdoor cat enclosures” and you will have a list of enclosures which are currently up for auction. If you do decide to buy through Ebay remember the product you are getting is most likely second hand (and could therefore be in a used condition) but could save you hundreds of dollars.

Click Here to Visit Ebay

As well as these 2 very well known websites there are also a number of manufacturers and companies that specialize in the creation of cat enclosures. If you undertake research online I’m sure you will find some that may help you in your search for the perfect enclosure you are looking for.

If you have a kitten (or perhaps an older cat) that is prone to scratching furniture or other items inside the home then a cat scratcher is a must have accessory. Scratching is a natural instinctive behavior in cats and they do it because it provides them an outlet for exercise, hones the muscles and tendons of the claws and to mark territory.

Simply speaking cats cannot be trained to stop scratching and it is not practical to expect them to stop scratching entirely, so it is important to remember to avoid physically punishing your cat for scratching furniture as it will cause it to become fearful and frightened of you.

Many cat owners these days make the mistake of neglecting this important accessory in favor of a cat post made out of the wrong materials. For example, if a cat is kept indoors most of the time or even in an outdoor cat enclosure it would not be able to adequately sharpen its claws properly if it only had a fancy fluffy post to scratch.

I am often asked what would be the best type of scratching post for a cat and my usual standard response is something solid and sturdy wrapped with a cat-safe material that a cat can dig their claws into. I have found that most cats have a personality and mind of their own and it is therefore difficult to know whether a certain cat would prefer a tree, a piece of scrap carpet or a strong stable post to scratch.

I recall many years ago when I had a playful cheeky new kitten called “Jody” who had the unpleasant habit of scratching furniture and pawing anything that happened to be hanging from a door or chair, including drapes. I recall spending many hours lying on the carpet trying to cajole Jody into scratching a fancy expensive scratching post I had bought from a local pet store without success.

Although it was a solid scratching post wrapped with durable sisal rope, Jody for some reason took a dislike to it and simply refused to go near it. Despite my efforts and with hands and arms covered in scratches I eventually gave up. Well not entirely, because after some thought I decided to use my home handyman skills and make my own cat scratcher for Jody.

This was a simple matter of cutting a 15” piece of square wood from a length of timber I found in the shed. As a covering I used an old piece of green carpet that I wrapped around it. My home-made effort was a success because Jody was much more accepting of my back-yard scratcher than the shop bought model and over the next few years it was often used inside the home as a scratching post.

This told me that some cats can be very fussy and that a home-made cat scratcher can in some cases be very effective and certainly a good alternative.

Installing a freestanding outdoor cat enclosure in the backyard for a pet cat gives many owners peace of mind knowing their cat will be nice and safe while they are away from the family home for short periods of time. After all they have provided kitty with a bowl of fresh water, a plate of fresh cat food and somewhere safe away from the traffic, wandering dogs and other dangers lurking outside.

Although many older cats are content to curl up into a ball and quietly rest, a young cat of kitten age can be very playful and inquisitive much like pre-school children. If you have a small kitten it will most likely need to be kept occupied, alert and interested in its surroundings.

Some devoted cat owners spare no expense and fit luxurious enclosures with mood lighting, piped music, fountains and rockeries for their felines. However, if you have recently installed or intend building an outdoor cat enclosure, you can use your imagination and creativity well within your budget so the interior can resemble an outside paradise for your fluffy felines.

Generally, apart from being provided with food and water, most cats when left alone in an outdoor cat enclosure appear content and happy with one or two basic comforts and playthings to keep them occupied and entertained. For example, most felines love to climb and feel more secure when they have a high roost where they can look over their environment.

This can be solved by fitting one or two solid cedar basking shelves above the floor allowing your cat to climb up and sit in the shade or bask in the sun. Another excellent addition to any enclosure is a cat tree that can be used to climb and also as a scratching post, although it is advisable to tightly twirl some thick rope around the base. This will give your cat something to scratch while keeping your pet’s claws in good condition.

Also, if there is plenty of room place an old chair inside with kitty’s favorite cushion. Other simple options are to throw in a couple of plastic balls and hang a ball of wool inside for kitty to play with.

Some cat owners are finding that there are a number of advantages in attaching an outside cat enclosure to the back of their house over a free standing cat house that is usually situated in the garden or backyard away from the home. For example an outside attachment can range in size from a small cube-shaped wire cage to a large structure made from wood, plastic or metal material with walkways, scratching posts, rockeries, fountains and other cat comforts.

Before attaching an outside cat enclosure to the home the following are some tips that may help you decide on whether that would be the best option.
Dimensions. The size of any outside cat enclosure will depend on how many cats you have. This will ensure each cat has its own space and is not overcrowded.

Escape-proof. Strong durable materials will need to be used for the structure so your cat can’t get out and no other animal or predator can get in.
Entry/Exit. A cat flap or tunnel from a door or window will be necessary between the house and the enclosure. This will ensure your cat can get back into the house in the event of any outside threat.

Accessibility. To allow access to the enclosure a lockable door will need to be installed. This will enable you to enter the enclosure to undertake repairs and cleaning as required.

Cat shelves. Most cats like to perch themselves above ground level. Building a tall enclosure outside will enable you to install shelves and perches for your cat.

Cat Comforts. To make life interesting and stimulating for your cat a scratching post, hammock, cat toys and anything you think of can be added to the enclosure.

There are now a number of manufacturers who specialize in making maintenance free, durable and escape-proof outside cat enclosures. Many of these designer enclosures are made from galvanized or powder coated steel in easy to install kitset modular portions that can be ordered online and shipped virtually anywhere in the world.

Many cat owners these days realize how dangerous the outside world is and for this reason they are keeping their cats inside. Cats like being pampered and having the freedom to wander around inside the home where they are protected from disease, injury and different hazards like cars and pet thieves. Most cats are also inquisitive territorial animals and generally like to explore their own patch outside, smell the grass, lie in the sun and watch birds landing on the back lawn.

Although many people like to keep their cats indoors safe from outside harm they realize a cat needs to be exercised, stimulated and to be outside in the fresh air with a safe place to hide away from any dangers. There have been many cases of cats being left to run loose outside only to disappear, to be stolen, lost or trapped in a shed or under a house without any food or water.

Providing a safe outdoor cat enclosure is a good compromise because it offers your cat the safety of the indoors and the benefits of the outdoors. These enclosures are available in a wide variety of designs, shapes, materials and sizes from basic cages, inexpensive perches, and cat fences to elaborate innovative and expensive cat houses.

Creating your own outdoor cat enclosure really has a lot to do with what type of living situation you are in because this will have a direct bearing on the space you have to work with. For example if you live in the country on a large block of land then you won’t have an issue with space for an outside enclosure. However, living in an apartment or inner city living where your backyard space may be limited, may require you to purchase or build an enclosure to fit in with the available space.

If your home has a fenced backyard and you prefer your cat to wander around outside your property without wandering off, then you have the simple option of buying and fitting cat fences. These fences can be attached near the top of an existing solid fence either as extensions or freestanding fences and are designed to prevent cats from climbing over the top.