house male cat

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I'm developing a new cattery, and will soon have my new male kitten to add to my female population. In the beginning, he will be able to live with the girls, but I know I need to move him outdoors later. I've been looking and shopping and looking and looking, : ) for some sort of system to house him outdoors. I thought possibly a dog run/kennel, but when I look at them, even the ones w/a tarp on top, it looks like there may be room for escape. Any suggestions?

ANSWER: Sue,

If you have an outdoor run and an indoor pen for the cat, you can usually have someone build a sturdy tunnel out of wood to let him have access to the outdoor run.

You might even consider going to your neighborhood pet supermarket for some ideas.

Best regards... Norm.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Not to be condesending, but I think I mentioned in my original question that I had been already looking and shopping, so that's been done. I also mentioned that I"m looking for suggestions to house him outdoors, but when I look at dog runs, even the ones with tarps on top, it looks as if he'll escape.  So please read my question and answer accordingly. I'm very stressed about this because when he becomes "of age", I don't have a place for him and am looking for suggestions.

Answer
Sue,

Many breeders who house whole males indoors have large walk in pens made.  These tend to be custom built and must be made in such a way that any surface he sprays (pees) against is readily accessible and washable.  Most of these pens are made of well varnished wood and fairly heavy plastic coated wire (not chicken wire).

You need to look for something that has a top made of the same material as the pen itself.  If you are looking for something store bought, you might check out:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/pet_supplies.cfm?c=3307+10627

or

http://www.revivalanimal.com/dogcontainment.aspx

BTW, we bought a 4 ft X 4 ft heavy wire pen for our Basenji and also got a 4 ft X 4 ft heavy wire top and bound it to the top using the harness clasps they sent and also cable wraps for added security.  She could come right out of the top without a cover!

Good luck finding something to buy.  As I said before, most breeders have these pens built.  I would think a 6 ft X 6 ft floor to ceiling pen will do the trick for any whole male.

I hope this gives you a little to go on.

Best regards... Norm.