How to Assemble Your Day2Day Catio: Tips, Tools and What to Expect
One of the most common questions we get before purchase is: how difficult is it to put together? It's a fair thing to wonder. No one wants to spend a Sunday afternoon wrestling with an instruction manual that doesn't make sense.
The honest answer is that most customers have their catio assembled and their cat exploring it within a couple of hours. It's genuinely manageable - and this guide will tell you exactly what to expect.
What's in the Box?
Your catio arrives flat-packed with everything you need included: all panels, fixings, connectors, and a clear illustrated instruction guide. You won't need to source any additional hardware.
When your order arrives, the first step is to open the packaging and lay everything out to confirm it's all present before you start. If anything is missing or damaged, contact us before beginning assembly and we'll sort it out quickly.
Tools You'll Need
Assembly doesn't require a toolbox full of specialist equipment. The main things you'll need are:
• An electric screwdriver or drill - manual screwdrivers will work but make the process noticeably slower
• A tape measure - useful for confirming positioning before you start
• A spirit level - optional but helpful for getting the base true on uneven ground
That's it. No specialist tools, no welding, no concrete required.
How Long Will It Take?
For most customers working alone, expect 90 minutes to 2.5 hours for a standard-size catio. With two people, that typically comes down to around an hour.
Larger structures naturally take a little longer, and working on uneven ground can add some time as you adjust for level. If you're confident with flat-pack furniture, you'll find this straightforward. If DIY isn't really your thing, that's fine too - a local handyman can typically put it together in under an hour for around £50 to £80.
A Step-by-Step Overview
The instruction guide that comes with your catio is illustrated and detailed - this overview is just to orient you before you start, not a replacement for the guide itself.
1. Lay out all components and identify each one against the parts list
2. Assemble the base frame first and confirm it's level before building upward
3. Attach the side panels to the base frame, securing each connection point before moving on
4. Fit the roof section last once the four walls are solid and secure
5. Check all fixings are tight before allowing your cat access
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Don't rush the base - if the base frame isn't level and square, nothing that goes on top of it will be either
• Don't fully tighten fixings until a section is complete - keeping things slightly loose while positioning panels makes adjustment much easier
• Don't try to do it on soft or very uneven ground without levelling first - it's worth the extra ten minutes
When to Call a Handyman
There's no shame in calling in a bit of help. If you'd rather not do it yourself, or if you have any physical limitations that would make assembly difficult, a local handyman is a perfectly sensible option.
When you contact them, you can simply describe it as a flat-pack garden enclosure made from panel sections and wire mesh. Most handymen will be familiar with this kind of assembly. Ask for a quote before they arrive and confirm the approximate time it takes (usually under an hour for an experienced handyman).
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