Okay, so I’ve been meaning to build some decent pens for my cats, you know, give them a proper space. I finally got around to it, and let me tell you, it was a bit of a journey.
Getting Started
First, I spent ages just looking at designs online. So many fancy setups! But I needed something practical and, honestly, something I could actually build myself. I’m no carpenter, that’s for sure.

I decided to go with a simple wooden frame design. Seemed straightforward enough. I grabbed some lumber from the local hardware store – nothing fancy, just regular pine. And, of course, I got a ton of chicken wire. Gotta keep those kitties contained!
The Build
Building the frames was… interesting. Let’s just say my sawing skills aren’t exactly top-notch. I ended up with some wonky pieces, but hey, it’s all about character, right? I managed to screw them together, though. Thank goodness for power tools!
- Cut the wood (somehow).
- Screwed it all together (with some effort).
- Attached the chicken wire (ouch, pointy!).
The chicken wire was a whole other battle. So many sharp edges! I poked myself more times than I’d like to admit. But, I persevered and stapled that wire on tight. No escaping for these felines!
The Finishing Touches
I then added some outdoor then paint them to protect the wood.
Finally, I added some shelves and a little cat-sized hammock inside. You know, gotta give them some comfort. And of course, I threw in a bunch of their favorite toys.
It’s not perfect, not by a long shot. But the cats seem to love it, and that’s all that matters. They’re spending hours in there, lounging and playing. Success! It was definitely a learning experience, and I’m pretty proud of myself for actually pulling it off.