Cat Run FAQ

How many Fence Extension Brackets do I need?

We recommend one bracket per fence post or a maximum of one per 3m.

How do I use the Hardware Calculator?

Take the guesswork out of your DIY installation. The Hardware Calculator has been designed to calculate the hardware fittings you require, as well as the quantity needed just by entering a few simple details. Simply select the installation area that

What is a Cat run?

A cat run, is a permanent structure designed to safely contain your cat in an outdoor space. A cat run can be built using a number of different materials, including cat netting which is designed to provide an unobtrusive and cost-effective enclosure.

What is a Catio?

A catio, or cat patio, is a permanent structure designed to safely contain your cat in an outdoor space. A catio can be built using a number of different materials, including cat netting which is designed to provide an unobtrusive and cost-effective

How do I build a cat run?

The first step to building a cat run is to find the right area on your property to begin your build. Once you’ve determined the ideal place to set up the cat run, you need to get the measurements for the area to help determine the size of cat netting

How much does a cat run cost?

The average cost to build a cat run depends on the area being enclosed. Most DIY Cat runs average from $350-$1100, however some large areas can cost over $1500 in materials. Balconies and small side alleys tend to be on the more cost-efficient end of

Are catios cruel?

Catios provide many benefits for cats and their owners. They keep cats safe while allowing them to soak up some sun. Catios prevent cats from roaming the streets reducing the risk of disease, fights, foxes, or being injured or killed by a vehicle. St

Why do cats like to be up high?

Cats feel safe when they are up high and they like to sleep and sit in places with high vantage points. This behavior stems from their natural instinct to protect themselves and identify any potential threats around them.

Are cat runs safe?

Cat runs are designed to keep cats safe and protected against the risk of disease, dogs, fights, foxes, or being struck by a vehicle. Cat runs enable cats to get fresh air and soak up some sun from the safety of an enclosed area. Cat runs also provid

Are cat runs cruel?

Cat runs provide many benefits for cats and their owners. They keep cats safe while allowing them to soak up some sun. Cat runs prevent cats from roaming the streets reducing the risk of disease, fights, foxes, or being injured or killed by a vehicle

How much outdoor space do cats need?

This will depend on the cat. If the cat is used to being an outdoor cat and has previously roamed free, then it will adjust faster to a cat run if it is larger in size. If your cat is predominantly an indoor cat and you are looking to provide it with

How many cats can I put in my cat run?

Cat runs are generally large enough to fit multiple cats. If each cat has less than 2 square metres to move around, you should consider building a larger cat run, and should also allow your cats to have indoor access. Within your cat run, it’s import

How wide should a cat run be?

The width of a cat run will really depend on the available space of your outdoor area. While a larger area naturally provides more space for your cat, it’s also important to take into account how this space will be utilised. No matter the size of the

Is a cat run a good idea?

A Cat Run is a great way of allowing cats the freedom to be outdoors, while being contained within their own backyard, keeping them safe and reducing the threat of fights, dogs, foxes, disease, and the most significant risk of being injured or killed

Are cats happy in a cat run?

Cats are happy when they are in a safe and comfortable environment. This is why it is so important to ensure your cat run is set up with vertical climbing space and places to hide, as well scratchers and toys for stimulation. If you have an indoor ca

What do you put in an outdoor cat run?

All cats have basic animal instincts, and when considering what should go inside your cat run, these needs should be taken into account. Research shows that a mentally and physically stimulated cat is happier and healthier, and as a result may live l

Are Catios good for cats?

There are many benefits a Catio can provide.. Catios are a great way of allowing cats the freedom to be outdoors, while being contained within their own backyard, keeping them from roaming the neighbourhood. By allowing your cat to roam around the

What are cat runs?

A Cat Run, also known as a cat enclosure, is a permanent structure designed to safely contain your cat in an outdoor space. They can be built using a number of different materials, including cat netting which is designed to provide an unobtrusive and

How big should a cat run be?

The size of a cat run will depend on the available space of your outdoor area. To maximize the size of your cat run, consider an installation with fence brackets to enclose the entire backyard. The more space the better, however it’s also important t

How much does it cost to build a Catio?

The average cost to build a catio depends on the area being enclosed. Most DIY Catios average from $350-$1100, however some large areas can cost over $1500 in materials. Balconies and small side alleys tend to be on the more cost-efficient end of the

What do you put in an outdoor Catio?

All cats have basic animal instincts, and when considering what should go inside your catio, these needs should be taken into account. Research shows that a mentally and physically stimulated cat is happier and healthier, and as a result may live lon

Are cats happy in a Catio?

Cats are happy when they are in a safe and comfortable environment. This is why it is so important to ensure your catio is set up with vertical climbing space and places to hide, as well scratchers and toys for stimulation. If you have an indoor cat

How much does cat netting cost?

Cat netting costs as little as $4.93 per square metre for standard netting and $7.40 per metre for stainless steel reinforced netting. Cat netting is also available in bulk rolls which can make for significant savings.

How do you attach a cat net to a house?

The most common method used to secure cat netting to a house is the wire rope system. This system is versatile and can be used on any sturdy surface as long as you have the right fittings for it. As wire systems utilise permanent fitments, it’s not a

How tall should a fence be for a cat?

Without an adequate method of enclosing your yard, you should not rely on a fence as an effective way to keep your cat contained. Fencing however can be used to build a perimeter around your entire yard in combination with angled fence brackets and c

What is a Catnet?

Cat netting is an easy and affordable material that can be used to build a cat run or cat enclosure. It can be used to enclose your entire backyard, or smaller areas of your yard or balcony. Netting is an ideal material for cat runs and enclosures as

How much does it cost to build a cat run?

Can cats climb cat netting?

Cats are very good at climbing. They are built for climbing, and will attempt to climb just about anything including cat netting. When building a cat run, it’s important that you enclose not only the side access to your yard or outdoor area, but also

How are your prices so low?

At Catnets you are dealing directly with the importer. Catnets.com.au is operated as a trading business of one of Australia’s largest netting importers, Haverford Pty Ltd. The business was established in 1888, and has supplied netting for events inc

How much will my cat enclosure cost?

On average, D.I.Y installations cost less than half of those fully installed. The majority of self installations cost less than $250. Catnets provide all our pricing online, as we are confident we have the lowest prices available. Our standard netti

I want to install my enclosure myself, but I don't know where to start?

The best place to start would be by browsing our support section, and by viewing some previous DIY projects in our image galleries.

Why should I use netting for my enclosure?

Netting is an ideal material for use as a cat enclosure. It has many benefits including the following: It is very versatile and easy to work with. Netting can be cut to size, shaped around corners and used to fill small holes. It doesn't require any

Is your netting strong & long lasting?

Catnets supplies the highest quality cat netting available, and as a result is the chosen wholesale supplier of 25+ installers and resellers throughout Australia & New Zealand. Our netting manufacturer is an ISO certified company, and we personally

Why should I enclose my cat?

Research has shown that the overwhelming majority of incidents involving cats occur at night. These studies have also shown that cats restricted at night live up to 3 years longer on average. Contrary to popular belief, cats can live and enjoy a happ

I am renting and can't make any permanent attachments to my property?

You have a few options in this case: You can consider one of our Freestanding Portable enclosures. They can be taken down and moved to your new property, and require no permanent attachments. They come up to 5.4m long, which is a significant space, e

Is the netting safe for my Kitten?

Due to the size of the netting squares, Catnets recommend kittens (6 months and under) should not be left unattended for prolonged periods within the enclosure. In regards to cat enclosures safety in general, it is advised that all netting is install

Are birds at risk of becoming tangled in the netting?

No, unlike common fruit tree netting, the mesh is set on the square with small 19mm x 19mm holes. The square mesh combined with the tension of installed netting, prevents the netting from twisting or distorting when impacted or landed on, which preve

Is your netting and/or enclosures suitable for my Dog?

Although occasionally used for Dog containment by our customers, this netting has been designed for use by cats only and is not covered for damage resulting from Dogs or other animals housed in OR outside of the enclosure.

What colours does your netting come in?

Our Low-Vis Black is the most popular colour. As black doesn’t reflect light well, it tends to disappear when installed tight in a backyard environment. For specific light coloured environments, we also offer stone/beige coloured netting and White. (

How can I see the quality before I purchase?

Just let us know your delivery address and we'll mail you out some samples straight away. We are very confident in our product, so we are more than happy to send you out some samples for inspection.