Keep your cat happy by giving it a decent sized cage.
Many cat owners know how hard it is to gain the affection of felines. Cats are often moody and will change temperaments in a moment's notice; however, you can keep your furry friend happy by constructing an oversize cat house. This enclosure, also referred to by cat owners as a "cat condo," can be constructed with several levels and is big enough to accommodate several cats, if necessary. A spacious enclosure not only will give your cat a place to play, but will keep the rest of your house in order and free of cat hair.
Instructions
1. Place a sheet of 24-by-72-by-1/4 inch plywood flat on the ground to be used as the base of the cage. Mark a 2-by-2-inch square in each of the four corners of the plywood and use a hand saw to cut out the corners. The vertical beams (in step 2) will be placed in these corners. Lay four pieces of 2-by-2-inch wood along the edges of the base and glue into place. (Use a 20-inch piece along each of the short ends and a 68-inch piece along each of the the longer ends). Hold into place with clamps and use an electric drill to secure the 2-by-2s to the plywood, placing one screw every 6 inches around the base. Remove the clamps after the screws are secured. The plywood should be perfectly framed, except for the corners.
2. Build the walls of the cage by creating two identical "H" frames. Place two 72-inch-long 2-by-2s side by side, spaced 20 inches apart. Attach the beams at the center point (35 inches) with a 20-inch piece of 2-by-2. Screw it into place.
3. Lay the base of the cage on its side. Fit one of the "H" frames into the base so that each of the posts matches the corners that were removed (in step 1). Attach it to the base by screwing the frame into the 2-by-2 border of the base. Repeat for the other side and set the base and frame upright. Cover the surface of the base by fitting a piece of carpet and laying it flat on the wood.
4. Build the roof of the cage by creating a frame around the 72-inch-tall beams. Place 20-inch-long 2-by-2s to connect the short sides of the frame and place 68-inch 2-by-2s to connect the longer ends. Screw into place at each of the upper corners. Add additional support by repeating the framing process at the halfway point (35-inch mark).
5. Create a removable lid by building another 24-by-72-inch frame out of 2-by-2s. Screw together and cover with a piece of chicken wire. Use pliers to cut the chicken wire to fit the lid and attach it using a staple gun. Slide the lid of the cage into place.
6. Cover the exterior of the cage with chicken wire, except for the upper half of one the "H" frames. This area will be used as a door. Use two 32-by-2-by-2s and two 16-by-2-by-2s to build a small frame that fits the inside area of the upper half of the "H" and attach using 2 metal latches with screws. Cover the door with chicken wire and attach with staples.
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