Cat Fence Mesh

Make sure the posts are straight and facing in the same direction.

Then, pull a string across their top, which will help you keep the intermediate posts at the same height.

This involves digging a 50cm hole and pouring concrete into it, then placing a post in the middle.

Brackets that are angled to the side can be attached to the large hole at the top of the posts. A washer may be required if the bolt’s head is too small for the hole.

Then, connect them on both sides with bolts and nuts.

The holes will be drilled into that side, then aligned with the pre-drilled holes in the bracket.

To secure them together, use bolts & nuts.

Note: Skip this step if you have side-angled brackets as they require no new drill holes.

Note: Skip this step if you have side-angled brackets.

Test it so that it’s securely attached and make sure the overhang is facing inwards.

Note: Skip this step if you have side-angled brackets.

Note: You can use a shorter fence and attach the top overhang with cable ties.

However, you will need to use pegs at 15cm distances to stop cats from pushing underneath the fence.

Alternative: Skip digging and use pegs later.

It helps to have another person holding the beginning of the roll so it doesn’t jump back to its rolled up position.

These should be threaded through the existing holes in the post or tied around the entire post.

Thread cable ties through the pre-drilled holes of the brackets and attach the mesh at every hole.

You can also add more ties and encircle the entire bracket if there are less holes than required.

You can use the same instructions to keep neighbouring cats from entering your garden, just make sure the brackets and the overhang are facing outwards.

This will create a two-way cat-proof fence, stopping foreign cats from coming into your garden while also keeping your own cat(s) within the yard.

As a general rule, you will need to place a bracket at intervals of approx. 2m.

If you have a taller mesh roll, measure out the entire length of the bracket and add 10cm, then cut along the measured and marked line using wire cutters.

Use cable ties to attach the mesh to the pre-drilled holes of the brackets. If there aren’t any, loop the cable ties around the entire bracket instead.

Note: If your fence is not made of wood, you’ll need to use different attachments such as:
– cable ties or wire ties for a wire fencing;
– bolts and clamps for concrete and brick;
– drilled holes and cable ties for palisade and steel panel fencing.

Dig a trench to a 10cm depth and sink a piece of mesh into it, while making sure to attach the netting to the bottom of the fence itself as you go.

Make sure to check the netting everywhere for weak spots – cats are notorious for being escape artists, so no gap or wiggle room large enough should be left for them to squeeze their head or paws through.

• Allocating a minimum of 1-2 square metres of space per cat. Provide as much vertical space as possible!
• Ensuring free access for your cats through an open window, door or a pet flap. 
• If there is no doorway access, you will need to plan out and create a door for you to be able to enter as well.
• Decide on the type of roof you wish to go for: a plastic roofing sheet will provide shelter from the elements and will require an angled construction to allow drainage, while a simple mesh roof will expose your pet to the different weather conditions and can be parallel to the ground.

Make sure to use protective gear while doing this!

You can even use glue for initial hold, as you join the battens together with wood screws and a drill.

Important: pre-drill and countersink your joins for a flush and secure finish!

The backside of the enclosure should be open enough to allow space for the door if the catio has a doorway access.

Allow enough space to add a door from the outside if applicable.

Also create a frame for the roof if you choose to create an open mesh roof.

Make sure to leave the back side open to allow free entrance for your pets.

You will need to make sure the open back of the enclosure is flush to the wall and attached securely.

Important: Make sure the mesh attachments are facing outwards.

Note: Pre-drill and countersink your joins for a flush and secure finish!

Important: If you choose this type of roofing, make sure there is enough shade to protect your felines from UV rays.

Cut and attach a plastic roofing sheet with roof screws to prevent water from seeping into the enclosure.

Create your door just like the rest of the structural frame, but add diagonal braces to make it more sturdy and mobile.

Attach mesh to it from the outside to cat-proof it as well.

Use screws to attach 3 latches to the wooden frame.

Then screw in a latch as well to keep the door closed.

Check all sides and joins to make sure the frames and the mesh are attached properly.

There should be no gaps anywhere for the cats to escape through, the back frame should be flush with the wall and attached securely, and the door should also close well.

Some great options include:

• climbing trees, steps and ladders, shelves;
• hiding spots, beds & hammocks;
• scratching posts (DIY tutorial here);
• feline-friendly plants;
• toys; etc.