Having an outdoor run cattery in the UK lets your cats be safe and independent. They’ll be breathing fresh air and getting exercise, which is something they need. If you’re a breeder or cat lover, you should consider this type of cattery outdoors too. It has all the benefits of outdoor exposure while keeping them safe with an enclosure.

What is an outdoor run Cattery?

An outdoor run cattery is a series of connected enclosures. This way, your cats can roam around their controlled outdoor space safely. The structures provide shelter, play areas, and resting spots within an enclosed space that keeps them safe from predators and other threats like traffic or animals.

The Real Cost of an Outdoor Run Category:

Construction and Setup:

Depending on the size, materials used, and complexity of the design used to build it, it can be quite expensive to build this type of cattery. But you should get professionals involved so that they understand how important security is for your cat.

Maintenance:

Cats are prone to diseases so make sure you clean your run litter daily to prevent anything from spreading. Always inspect the play area and resting spots regularly as well, because there may be damage or wear and tear that accumulates over time.

Licensing and Regulations:

To have a license for pets in your outdoor run cattery, you’ll need to go down to your local council in the UK to get one. They will let you know how many cats can stay in the cattery per license and at what cost.

Staffing:

Depending on the size and number of cats accommodated, this type of cattery might need staff members to make sure everyone is well taken care of in terms of feeding, cleaning, providing enrichment activities, and monitoring each cat’s health.

Insurance

Just a note in case any injuries happen to the cats or visitors, damage to property, or loss of cats due to theft or escape.

Marketing and advertising:

You have to advertise and market your outdoor run cattery! Some examples of this would be creating a website, printing brochures or flyers, doing online advertising, and participating in local events or cat shows.

Miscellaneous Expenses:

And now for the final expenses. Consider utilities such as electricity and water. As well as waste disposal, bedding materials, toys, and food.

Benefits of an Outdoor Run Cattery:

The Cat House on the Kings recently shared footage of their new garden cattery. The video shows cats exploring the garden and climbing on structures, as well as taking rests in little cat houses. Other animals, including chickens and geese, wander around the space

According to the Humane Society of Utah, outdoor runcatteries offer numerous benefits. It improves cats’ physical and mental health by providing an outlet for natural behaviors like climbing and exploring. They’re exposed to sunlight more often so they can synthesize vitamin D better. And when it comes to respiratory health, fresh air is vital.

Cats also become happier and less stressed when in these environments because it gives them mental stimulation that hones predatory instincts while keeping them entertained so they never feel bored at all.

Setting Up an Outdoor Run Cattery

Building an outdoor cat run is all about the design. There are many things to account for when building such a structure. For example, the location of the cattery is crucial.

It should be out of heavy foot traffic areas as well as away from large streets. Keep in mind that the cattery should have shade and sun throughout different times of the day. This will provide a comfortable environment for the cats in different weather conditions. The perimeter should also be very secure, keeping predators away from harming the cats. Additionally, consider how close it is to your home.

Construction designs should follow the same simple path that any other project follows: Safe and durable materials, so you can expect to get your money’s worth.

The structure should be sturdy! Use wire mesh or fencing with small gaps so no cats can escape while also not letting any other animals come in. Proper space for cats to move around is important, including climbing structures and hiding spots. Water and shade should also always be available to them. Natural elements such as trees and plants could provide a stimulating environment for them.

Safety:

• Regularly check fences, doors, gates, or anything else in place that has access points
• Make sure there are no signs of break-ins and damages
• Lastly, make sure there are no predators or foreign animals in your pet or cat’s space

Supervision and Care:

Whether professionally boarding your cat or having a personal cattery, someone must give proper care for cats safe for them daily.

Professional Boarding:

• Staff members regularly check on cats
• Minutes at a time (serve food, change water)

Personal Cattery:

• Daily checks from owners’
• Minutes at a time (serve food, change water)

Maintenance and Cleaning

Disease prevention starts with cleaning litter boxes daily and disinfecting surfaces regularly. Bedding materials should be replaced as often as safely possible, as they can become health hazards if not.

Securing the Feline Enclosure

We want sturdy locks to prevent escapes or unauthorized entry by other animals. Likewise, we want reinforced mesh or wire that cannot be easily broken.

Preventing Safety Hazards

A simple inspection can go a long way in preventing harm. Look for loose wires, toxic plants, or unsafe decorations that could harm your cats in any way, shape, or form. If there are sharp edges, consider smoothing them out so they don’t accidentally cut themselves on them.

Providing Environmental Enrichment

Some great examples of this would be toys, scratching posts, and perches. These items will be designed to keep your cat stimulated while in the cattery.

Protecting Against Harsh Weather

Unfortunately, weather is unpredictable so it’s important to install waterproof roofing to keep rain out of the cattery creating a dry environment for your cat. Additionally, strong winds can create an uncomfortable environment so windbreakers are important as well.

Lastly, insulated sleeping areas will help regulate temperatures inside the cattery, keeping your cat warm in colder weather and cool in hotter weather.

Regulating Temperature and Ventilation

Monitoring the temperature inside the cattery and maintaining proper ventilation are essential. Consider installing temperature control systems or using insulation materials to regulate temperatures and prevent extreme heat or cold. Proper air movement and ventilation can help prevent stuffiness and odor buildup. Windows, vents, or fans can all contribute to good airflow.

Establishing Secure Fencing

Secure fencing is required to protect your outdoor space from intruders. It should be high enough to prevent cats from jumping over it, as well as free of gaps or holes that allow cats to squeeze through it. Consider adding a wire mesh along the bottom of the fence, too, to discourage cats from digging underneath it.

Installing a Monitoring System

Monitoring systems are useful for keeping an eye on your cat in the outdoor cattery while you’re not around. This is usually done by installing cameras or motion sensors that alert you when there’s unusual activity. With this installed, you don’t have to worry about being away from home for some time.

Understanding the Cost of a Garden Cattery

When planning for a garden cottage, cost should always be taken into account, as it can incur hefty expenses.

Initial Investment

This involves purchasing the cattery itself along with all other required equipment.

Building or Purchasing the Cattery

The difference between building a cattery yourself and hiring professionals makes a huge difference in price because one option is cheap and one is expensive.

Additional Equipment and Accessories

This includes things like bedding, feeding stations, toys, technology for monitoring cats, etc.

Ongoing Maintenance and Upkeep

After everything has been set up, there will still be costs associated with the maintenance of the cattery.

Cleaning and Sanitization

Cleaning supplies will need to be bought regularly, as well as professional services now and then. This maintains hygiene within your system, which is crucial if you want healthy, thriving animals.

Repairs and Replacements

As time goes on, parts of the cattery might need repairs or replacements due to wear and tear.

Veterinary Care for Resident Cats

Cattery cats need vet care. Vaccines and check-ups are important for your cat to be healthy and safe enough.

Legal

Make sure you’re following the rules or else they’ll shut you down. The authorities will come in unannounced and that will cost you money. Money that could have been saved if you followed the rules in the first place.

Cost

Cheap material can be good sometimes. If you’re okay with a discount approach, look into what’s best for your specific needs before construction starts.

It’s hard work to set up a cattery. Especially an outdoor one. You need permits, pricing, design, and so much more. But once all that’s out of the way, there’s so much reward for your cat and yourself! A garden cattery can be a haven for them. It can also bring joy to their owners, as long as everything is planned out perfectly.

Last Updated on January 30, 2024 by soubhik