If you have an outdoor cat, or a cat that you want to allow more access around your motorhome, building an outdoor run for him is a good idea. It's also a necessity if you plan to let him out in an area that doesn't allow cats to roam off-property. A fence alone won't keep in your cat, whose powerful legs can jump or climb over many obstacles. Whether it's for convenience or safety, an enclosed outdoor run doesn't have to be difficult or expensive to build.

Choose A Location

The location of your outdoor room is your first concern. It needs to be in an area that allows your cat freedom to move, with a door attached so he can come and go freely. Depending on the style of your motorhome you may want to attach it to the side, or if you have enough space under a deck you can build it underneath. Keeping the location away from any traffic is ideal, as it protects the cat from toxic exhaust.

Materials To Buy

There's no single method for building a cat enclosure, as the setup depends largely on where you plan to build it. Generally the barrier will consist of a wooden structure (pieces of 2-by-4 wood work well for this kind of project) with chicken wire or similar type of netting. You don't want wire that will catch the cat's claws; chicken wire is an ideal width, large enough not to harm tiny claws yet small enough not to allow any escape. If you're attaching a door, you need to either buy one pre-made or use more pieces of wood with a hinge. A staple or nail gun will keep the enclosure together. You may not need all of these items if you're building in an area that already has a natural setup, like under a porch.

Tips For Building

If you're making the room from scratch, build it less than 6 feet high to discourage climbing, and cover the top with chicken wire. While cats aren't usually known for digging under fences, if your cat has this habit you may want to use either a wooden floor or landscape ties to secure the bottom of the run. You can decorate as you see fit, including adding cat trees or scratching posts, and a litter box if you don't want the ground to be torn up.

Be Safe

Safety is a concern when building an addition to your house that includes a door with access to the inside. Make sure the entryway is large enough for your cat yet too small for a robber to intrude. Consider purchasing a door that allows you to lock the run at night to prevent any possibility of entering.

Source:

The Real Owner: Building A Cat Enclosure

Cats of Australia: Cat Enclosure Ideas

More Information:

KittyWalk Systems