Kit enclosures range from small runs for one cat to modular walk-in catios that can be extended with extra panels and tunnels. The best ones use solid timber or powder-coated steel frames with welded mesh, but quality varies widely. Many cheap flat-pack runs online are built for rabbits or chickens, with thin timber, weak mesh and staples, and a determined cat or a fox can push straight through them.
Assembly is where kits often go wrong. A kit set on uneven ground twists out of square, doors stop closing and gaps open at the joins. We level the base first, assemble to the manufacturer's instructions, then add what kits often miss, such as better mesh fixings, ground anchors and a solid roof section for shelter. Because nothing is fixed to the house, the whole enclosure can be taken down and moved if you move home.
What is included
- Advice on choosing a kit that is strong enough for cats
- Levelling the ground or laying a slab or paver base
- Full assembly to the manufacturer's instructions
- Ground anchors or base fixings so the enclosure cannot be lifted or tipped
- Upgrades to weak mesh fixings where needed
- Roof covering or shelter added if the kit lacks one
- Check that doors and latches close fully and securely
- Packaging removed and site cleared
Who it is for
- Renters who need something removable that does not alter the property
- Owners trying a catio for the first time before investing in a bespoke build
- Homes where you may move in the next few years
- Level patios, decks and lawns with straightforward access
- Owners who have bought a kit and want it built properly
How much does it cost?
As a guide, a kit cat enclosure in the UK typically costs £400 to £1,500 supplied and assembled, with extra cost for base work or upgrades such as a solid roof and stronger mesh fixings. See our full cost guide.
