DIY Guide: How to Build an Outdoor Cat Tunnel at Home

Ever looked at your cat lounging around and thought, “Wouldn’t a bit of outdoor adventure do her good?” But let’s face it – the outside world can be a tad too risky for our furry friends. Learning how to build outdoor cat tunnel is just the ticket to a safe outdoor adventure! 

Not only is it a great way to keep your cat active but also lets them safely explore their territory. Whether you’re already savvy with tools or just starting out, creating a DIY cat tunnel isn’t as hard as you might think.

By the end of this blog, you’ll know why these tunnels are tops for cats and how to kick-start making one yourself.

You’ll understand how to size up your backyard space, choose sturdy materials, design engaging paths, and maintain them properly.

Understanding the Importance of Outdoor Cat Tunnels

An outdoor cat tunnel can give your cats a safe spot to explore and play. But why exactly are these structures so important? Cats love their freedom but allowing them to roam outdoors unsupervised comes with risks like traffic accidents or encounters with other animals.

According to RSPCA Australia, an outdoor cat enclosure offers a perfect solution – it lets your cat enjoy fresh air and sunshine while keeping them safe.

An outdoor cat tunnel provides a secure passageway for your cat to travel safely from your house to an outdoor cat house, without the risks of roaming freely. Some of the main benefits of an outdoor cat tunnel include:

Mental Stimulation: Outdoor cat tunnels provide mental stimulation by presenting new environments for exploration. This helps keep boredom at bay which reduces destructive behaviours indoors.

Physical Exercise: Climbing through tunnels encourages physical exercise essential for maintaining a healthy weight and muscle tone. As per advice from RSPCA, this could help prevent obesity-related health issues common in domesticated cats due to their sedentary lifestyle.

Designing Your Outdoor Cat Tunnel

Your pet cat will love basking in the fresh air and exploring a DIY catio tunnel. Start by considering your cat’s personality. Active cats might enjoy more complex structures with multiple branches, while less adventurous felines may prefer simpler designs.

Somerzby, offers pre-made cat enclosures and tunnels. But if you’re into a DIY project, sketch out different DIY sizes and design options to suit your area.

Materials Needed for Building an Outdoor Cat Tunnel

The first step in creating a safe and exciting outdoor cat tunnel is gathering all the necessary materials.

Wire Mesh

This will form the body of your tunnel. It’s important that it’s strong enough to withstand any enthusiastic clawing or climbing from your feline friend but also fine enough so they can’t squeeze through gaps.

Wooden Stakes or Poles

These are used as supports for your tunnel, giving it stability and structure. Make sure they’re tall enough for your cat to move comfortably inside the tunnel.

Heavy-duty Staple Gun and Staples

This tool will help attach the wire mesh onto the wooden posts securely.

Weather-resistant Paint or Varnish

If you are planning on using the tunnel outside, this extra layer of protection helps extend its lifespan by protecting against rust and rot.

Tunnel Length and Height

Considering the length and height of a cat tunnel is crucial to accommodate your cat’s size, promote natural behaviours, and ensure it’s long enough for the chosen pathway, allowing safe passage between areas.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building an Outdoor Cat Tunnel

Ready to give your feline friend a new adventure? Let’s dive into the steps for building an outdoor cat tunnel.

Plan

Decide on the location and design of the tunnel whilst considering factors like length, shape, and the materials you want to use. Grab some chalk or rope and mark out where you want your cat tunnel to go in your yard. Keep it away from any potential hazards like roads or garden items.

Materials

Gather the necessary materials which may include PVC pipes, wire mesh, wooden stakes, a drill and some outdoor-safe paint. For those with more limited building skills, Somerzby offer the ‘Bella Cat Tunnel Kit’– a convenient flatpack solution.

Frame and Tunnel Structure

Cut the timber into pieces of equal length for a clean look. Then, put the pieces together using screws to make the frame of the tunnel. You can choose to build it as a rectangle or a tube.

Paint or Stain The Timber Pieces

Painting or staining the timber is crucial if the cat tunnel will be placed outdoors and exposed to the elements, as it helps protect the wood from moisture, sunlight, and other weather-related damage, extending the tunnel’s durability.

Mesh Installation

Using a staple gun, hammer, or zip ties, attach the wire mesh to the frame to form the tunnel’s walls and ceiling. Make sure it’s securely fastened to prevent any escape and tight enough not to sag.

Entrance and Exit

Install entrance and exit points at both ends, which can be connected to your house and the outdoor enclosure.

Supervision

When introducing your cat to the tunnel, supervise their first few adventures to ensure they are comfortable and safe.

Maintaining Your Outdoor Cat Tunnel

Your outdoor cat tunnel isn’t just a one-time build. To guarantee it remains secure and agreeable for your kitty, you ought to routinely monitor it.

Regular Checks are Key

Like any other pet enclosure, cat tunnels can wear down over time. You’ll want to look out for any loose parts or sharp edges that could harm your kitty.

Dealing with Weather Damage

Australia’s weather can be tough on outdoor structures. Keep in mind that sun damage may cause materials to weaken or fade over time. Also, rain might lead to mould growth if not addressed quickly.

Toni’s Wrap

The adventure of making your outdoor cat tunnel, whether you decide to build it from scratch or go for the easy route with a cool kit like the Somerzby Bella cat tunnel, promises a truly special and fun experience.

From sizing up your space to choosing durable materials and creating engaging paths, we’ve covered everything you need. Remember: regular checks are key for keeping things shipshape.

Above all, let’s not forget that our feline friends deserve a bit of fun too. And with this guide under your belt, they’re sure to get it!