Cat enclosure in Exeter
Professional cat enclosure services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
Quote required
Typical Duration
Full day+
Location
Exeter, Devon
Custom cat enclosure built to your space and budget. Secure outdoor access for cats without roaming risks - from simple window catios to large garden runs.
Safe Outdoor Time for Indoor Cats
Indoor cats are safer (no traffic, fights, or getting lost), but they miss out on outdoor enrichment - sunshine, bird watching, fresh air, grass under paws. A cat enclosure solves this perfectly.
Whether it's a window box catio giving a glimpse of the garden, or a full walk-in enclosure with multiple levels and enrichment, proper construction is essential. Cats are escape artists - any gap, weak point, or climbing opportunity and they're gone.
💡 Pro tip: Catios work brilliantly in urban areas where letting cats roam freely is risky. Your cat gets outdoor time, local wildlife is protected, and you don't worry about them crossing roads.
What Makes a Good Cat Enclosure
Here's what separates a secure, enriching catio from a waste of money:
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Fully escape-proof mesh (cat tested!) | Gaps big enough for cat to squeeze through |
| Multiple levels and perches | Flat empty box, cat gets bored |
| Weather-resistant materials | Rots or rusts within a year |
| Attached to house for easy access | Cat needs carrying in and out |
What You Get
🔧 The Build (example for medium enclosure)
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Planning | Site measured, design agreed, materials ordered |
| Frame | Timber or metal frame constructed |
| Mesh | Cat-proof mesh secured to entire structure |
| Enrichment | Shelves, perches, scratching posts installed |
| Access | Cat flap or door fitted for cat access |
📦 You're Left With
- Fully secure cat enclosure
- Weather-resistant construction
- Multiple levels for climbing
- Safe outdoor access for your cat
Pricing Guide - Quote Required
Every cat enclosure is different, so I quote individually:
| Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Window box catio (1m x 1m) | £400-£700 |
| Small garden enclosure (2m x 2m) | £800-£1200 |
| Medium walk-in run (3m x 2m) | £1200-£1800 |
| Large multi-level enclosure (4m x 3m) | £1800-£3000+ |
Price depends on size, materials, enrichment features, and site complexity. Call for free site visit and quote.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Indoor cats - give them safe outdoor access
✅ Urban areas - cats can't roam safely
✅ Wildlife protection - keep cats from hunting birds
✅ High-value cats - pedigree breeds too valuable to free roam
Why Choose Us for Cat enclosure in Exeter?
Custom-built to your space and needs
Secure mesh construction
Safe outdoor access for cats
Includes shelves, perches, and enrichment
What to Expect
Step 1: Site Visit & Quote
I'll measure your space, discuss what you want (size, features, budget), assess any challenges (sloped ground, access issues), and provide a detailed quote. No charge for this initial visit.
Step 2: Design & Planning
Once you accept the quote, I'll finalise the design - exact dimensions, materials, enrichment features, and construction timeline. If planning permission is needed (rare but possible), I'll advise.
Step 3: Construction
Build the frame, secure mesh, install enrichment features, and connect to your house via cat flap or door. I work section by section, testing as I go. Weather permitting for outdoor builds.
Step 4: Cat Introduction
Quick handover showing you how everything works, how to maintain it, and tips for introducing your cat to their new space (usually takes treats and patience!).
🔧 DIY Tips
Building a cat enclosure is ambitious but doable. Here's the basics:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Saw (for timber frame)
- Drill and screws
- Wire cutters (for mesh)
- Staple gun (heavy-duty)
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
📐 Design essentials
- Frame: treated timber or powder-coated metal
- Mesh: welded wire mesh (max 25mm holes) or cat-proof netting
- Roof: essential (cats climb!)
- Door: for you to access for cleaning
- Multiple levels: shelves every 40-50cm
🪵 Materials checklist
- Treated timber posts and rails
- Welded wire mesh or cat-proof netting
- Heavy-duty staples or mesh clips
- Weatherproof screws
- Roofing (clear corrugated sheets or more mesh)
- Timber for shelves and perches
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Mesh holes too big (cat squeezes through)
- No roof (cat climbs out)
- Untreated timber (rots quickly)
- No enrichment (cat gets bored)
- Poor attachment to house (gap creates escape route)
💡 Pro trick: Test mesh with your cat BEFORE building the whole enclosure - let them investigate a sample piece. If they can chew through or squeeze gaps, that mesh isn't cat-proof enough.
🐱 Enrichment ideas
- Shelves at varying heights
- Scratching posts (sisal-wrapped)
- Hiding boxes or tunnels
- Cat-safe plants (cat grass, catnip)
- Hammocks or beds in sunny spots
- Toys on strings
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🐱 Planning permission? Most small catios don't need it, but large structures or those visible from the street might. I'll advise based on your specific setup. Better to check than build something you have to take down.
Materials matter - Cheap mesh with big holes won't contain a determined cat. Untreated timber rots in Devon's damp climate within 2 years. Spending properly upfront saves rebuilding later.
Multiple cats? Build bigger than you think you need - cats like personal space even in shared enclosures. One cat: 2m x 2m minimum. Two cats: 3m x 2m. More cats: add 1m² per additional cat.
Devon's weather means covered areas are essential - cats won't use enclosures in heavy rain. Partial roofing (clear corrugated sheets) gives shelter while keeping it bright and appealing.
Older Exeter houses often have perfect spots for catios - unused side returns, flat roof access, conservatory attachment points. I've built catios in all sorts of awkward Victorian house configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a cat enclosure?
Also called a 'catio' - it's a secure outdoor space where cats can enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and outdoor sights/sounds without the risks of free roaming (traffic, fights, getting lost). Can be attached to the house with cat-flap access, or a standalone run in the garden.
How much does a cat enclosure cost?
Varies hugely based on size, complexity, and materials - from £500 for a simple window box catio to £2000+ for large walk-in enclosures with multiple levels. I'll quote based on exactly what you want. Best to discuss your space and budget.
Can you build an enclosure attached to my house?
Yes - most cat enclosures attach to a window or cat flap so cats can come and go freely. I'll assess your house and work out the best attachment method. Some need planning permission if large or visible from the street, but most don't.
What goes inside a cat enclosure?
Shelves at different heights, climbing structures, scratching posts, hiding boxes, and sometimes cat-safe plants. I include basic shelving and perches in the build. The more vertical variety, the more your cat will use and enjoy it.
How long does it take to build?
Simple window box catio: one day. Medium garden enclosure: 2-3 days. Large walk-in run: 3-5 days. Weather can affect outdoor construction, especially for concrete bases. I'll give you a realistic timeline when I quote.
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