Looking for some thoughts on location and size of a cat run for my two kittens.
I could either, put a run on a section of flat roof we have, plus points are, kittens could access it through a bedroom window when weather wasn't too cold, they would have a smashing view over gardens and fields. Minus points are, it doesn't get a lot of sun in the winter and only in the late afternoon evening in summer and there would only be a view on two sides.
Or
I could put a run in the garden, plus points, lots of birds ( and hens ) to watch, insects to catch, grass under their feet. Minus points, I would have to carry them out there, due to our house being on a slope there are no ground level windows at the back. They couldn't come and go as they pleased.
I could either site the pen next to the hens or further from the house, but that would entail a trip over the bridge and be out of view of the house, but would probably be more interesting for them.I have a secure garden so intruders aren't a worry.
These are obviously indoor cats but I'd still like them to have some outdoor access, especially as they get older.
I'm also unsure as to what size I should get, I was thinking six or seven feet squared, I wouldn't bother with a house as I have some old Vari kennels I could put in.

I would put it on the roof so they could have free access, knowing what cats are like you'd just carry them out there and they'd scream to get back, or you'd just get back to the house with them and they'd want out again :-D There will still be birds and bugs on the roof for entertainment.

Lol, yes that's probably true .

I think they'd prefer the choice. I can tell when spring has arrived by my cats. They start to ask me to open the window that leads to our run from the living room window. In winter and autumn they never bother as they haven't the slightest wish to go out if it is cold or wet! As soon as spring is here they queue up, it never fails. :) Which I'm rather glad about as I'd hate to have the window wide open in winter!!

Marianne, I ve seen your pen on your web site, I wish we could do similar as it looks ideal.

I would let them have the free access - this is what mine have and it doesn't get a lot of sun either but they do like to sit and watch the dogs :-)

Ohh, where did you get your pen from ? We're they local? I can't decide if I should crack the whip and get Ed to do it, or buy something.

Can you access pen on roof? Knowing my two I could see them refusing to come in

My OH is a joiner so he did for me for my birthday :-D

Nothing like a man with a skill !, Ed's very good at DIY, he could probably make one, it's just how long he'd take lol.

The garden sounds more interesting for them, but no use if you have to carry them in and out. Is there any way you could access it from the house? The only place I could put a cat run was a bit beyond the house, because the path that accesses the back door goes along the whole length of the house and I couldn't obstruct it with a cat run. Started off carrying them back and fore but it was a disaster ( wanted out when they were in and in when they were out-- of course!). Then a friend built a bridge within some trellis work so that they have access from a cat flap in the living room window. They walk along this wooden and wire mesh tunnel which crosses the bridge over the path. Even if you don't have a ground floor window at the back of the house maybe you could build a bridge, or wire mesh enclosed steps or something down from an upper window?  The trellis archway is a lovely feature of the garden with roses and honeysuckle, and the cats like sunbathing all along the length of the walkway. As for size of run-- make it as big as you have room and you can afford. Mine's about 15 feet by 10 feet, with rustic poles to climb, platforms to sit on etc.

That sounds brilliant !, I,ll have a think about that, it's not impossible, at the back of our house there's a large patio area where the back door opens onto, it has a large pergola over it, but I think it would be too far to do a walkway, it would need struts to support it before it got to a usable bit of grass.

Jane, you can buy aviary panels and just screw them together.  They are cheaper than cat run panels and exactly the same.

If anyone has a husband/partner/brother to lend out who would help me get my cat housing up & running..please send them this way.  Unlimited toasted sandwiches, cakes & cuppas.

I have a cat run built that I can take them out to, they seem to hate that but if allow them to walk themselves in they're OK with it lol. I paid out on a fancy one that was fitted whilst I was out and was not quite what was advertised, its nice enough but reminds me of a Aviary and funnily enough I've found 2 birds in it, despite not being able to figure out how they got in :-)

Yes Cava, I can access the roof, the window is huge and can open like a door, I could even put a chair out there to sit with them.
Good thinking Christine, I'll look into those.

If you look on Ebay there's a company in Carmarthenshire that supplies any number of aviary panels for making runs - free delivery and the prices look very reasonable. But there might be other places closer to you with a bigger range.

I'll have a look for that one Sue, I found a cracking one in Evesham, just what I wanted, but the delivery to me would be about £120 !, for that price I'd want it delivered by flying monkeys lol.

My run was built by a local fencing contractor-- the framework is 10 ft posts into the ground, framed with wooden rails and covered with wire mesh-- probably much cheaper than ready made panels, and definitely stronger and longer lasting-- mine's been there for more than 20 years. Mine's a good bit away from the house so there is a walkway enclosed in trellising panels after their bridge, and the last bit is a sort of tunnel at ground level.