Cat Access

Cat Tunnel DiagramAfter deciding we didn't want to have a traditional 'cat flap' in the front or back door, we decided to build a cat access ramp / tunnel. This allows our beloved feline to come and go as he pleases in all types of weather.

By entering a small, elegant door cut into the bench seat Gibson gains access to the ramp which leads down under the floor and out under the deck. A cat flap door at the end of the tunnel stops mice and drafts coming up.

Construction

The difficult parts are getting all the measurements correct and aligning to or avoiding the floor joists and house piles.

Make holes in the floor and bench with a jigsaw

Build a template for the ramp / tunnel out of cardboard. Ideally make it 1:1 scale but anything will help visualise how it will all come together.

 

I managed to make the ramp out of one piece of sheet metal (had tiny corrugations for strength) and then fold it up and fix in place with small bolts.

(click to view photo larger)

Cat Access

Cat Access

Finally a solution that allows the cat to come and go as he pleases.

> No ugly cat flap in the door
> Out of the weather
> Lots of fun
June 27, 2010