Cat L-Entry Vestibule
A small floorless box fitted in front of the entrance: the cat enters from the side and turns, so wind does not blow straight into the shelter. Alley Cat Allies mentions an L-shaped entry as weather protection.
A warm shelter that gets damp can be worse than a simpler one that stays dry.
“Data validated” means only the data and calculations are checked; the model has not been built or tested physically.
This model has no 3D view; the drawing and dimensions below fully describe the construction.
- For more experienced makers with power tools.
- For one cat, including community cats.
- As a sleeping shelter: this is an auxiliary structure.
- For young, old, sick or unacclimated animals without extra protection and supervision.
- Required tools
- Hand saw, Jigsaw +1
- Budget class
- Low
- Location
- Exposed outdoor spot
- Supported calculations
- Geometry, Bill of materials, Cut list, Sheet nesting, Cost estimate, Drawing, Build guide
Dimensions
| Outside size (W × D) | 340 × 300 mm |
|---|---|
| Height front / rear | 320 / 300 mm |
| Raised off the ground | 0 mm |
| Interior | 316 × 276 × 298 mm |
| Entrance | 1 × 150 × 180 mm, sill 80 mm |
| Chambers | 1 |
| Geometry type | derived from canonical dimensions |
What you have and what to obtain
Quantities come from the model geometry; items marked as assumptions are planning allowances. Reused material must pass the checklist.
Fill in “My workshop” to see what you still need to buy.
My workshop- Exterior plywood1 sheetssheet nesting · 1 × 2500 × 1250 mm (planning format; check with your supplier).
- Solid softwood (battens, studs)1.31 mfrom geometry · Total length from the cut list + 10% allowance.
- EPDM membrane0.15 m²assumption · Roof area + 15% for overlaps and edges; match overlaps and slope to the product instructions.
- Sealant1 packassumption · Sealing exterior edges and joints.
- Wood screws1 packassumption · Exterior screws; shorter than the wall build-up so they do not protrude inside.
Parts to cut
shell-frontFront wall · Exterior plywood340 × 308 × 12 mm1shell-rearRear wall · Exterior plywood340 × 288 × 12 mm1shell-sideSide wall · Exterior plywoodsloped top edge276 × 307/289 × 12 mm1shell-side-openingSide wall with opening · Exterior plywoodsloped top edge276 × 307/289 × 12 mm1shell-roofRoof · Exterior plywood380 × 341 × 12 mm1corner-batten-frontFront corner batten38 × 38 mm · 308 mm2corner-batten-rearRear corner batten38 × 38 mm · 288 mm2Parts on sheets
Sheet formats are planning assumptions; check your supplier's format. Sloped parts occupy their rectangular envelope.
Exterior plywood · 12 mm1 × 2500 × 1250 mm
Weather exposure
A warm shelter that gets damp can be worse than a simpler one that stays dry. This is an explanation, not a condensation calculation.
- Ground contactThe floor is close to the ground; raise it onto a dry base.
- Rain splashRain splash from the ground can reach the floor and lower edges; protect the edges.
- Roof drainageThe roof falls from the entrance to the rear, so water runs off away from the entrance.
- Rain at the entranceThe entrance sill is 80 mm above the floor.
- DryingWithout a service opening drying and cleaning are harder; change bedding through the entrance.
- Absorbent materialInterior surfaces do not absorb much moisture.
- Maintenance accessLeave room around the house for checks and cleaning.
Cost estimate
Quantities come from the model. Prices are not fabricated: enter what you actually pay locally and the estimate stays in your browser.
Sheet, XPS, framing and hardware quantities come from the compiler. The estimate still excludes delivery, tools, labor, local taxes and unforeseen losses beyond the stated allowances. PROVISIONAL and product-specific items remain explicitly labeled.
Check the spot
This is not a safety certificate for the spot: it only means none of the listed questions is ticked.
What goes inside
- RecommendedStrawRepels moisture and stays loose. Replace when damp, compacted or soiled, and when seasons change.
- Not recommendedHaySoaks up moisture, turns cold and can mould. If already in a shelter, replace it with straw.
- Not recommendedBlanketAbsorbs and holds moisture; a damp blanket chills. Wash and swap as soon as it is damp.
- Not recommendedTowelAbsorbs moisture like a blanket. Wash and swap as soon as it is damp.
- Not recommendedWood shavingsPartly absorbs moisture. Change when damp or compacted.
- Not recommendedWashable dog bedDepends on fabric; textile absorbs moisture. Dry or swap as soon as it is damp.
- Not recommendedNo beddingNothing to absorb moisture. Not applicable.
Inspection schedule
- MonthlyCheck the roof covering, overlaps and that water runs off at the rear, away from the entrance.
- MonthlyCheck that screws and nails are tight and no tip protrudes.
- MonthlyCheck edges: no splinters, cracks or swollen areas.
- Each seasonClean the interior; service access must allow cleaning without dismantling.
Where to go next
Each step states what you add, what you gain and what stays limited. A new model has a new plan ID; changing an existing build has no canonical plan.
No upgrade path is defined for this model yet.
Don't have this material?
- OSB/3 boardThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
- OSB/4 boardThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
Build steps
Progress is stored in this browser against the exact plan ID; it works offline once the page has been opened.
Cut the outer panels
Following the cut list, cut the floor, walls and roof from 12 mm exterior plywood. Side walls are sloped: 320 mm overall at the front and 300 mm at the rear, so the roof falls to the rear.
Cut the entrance
Cut a 150 mm × 180 mm opening through the front wall and every inner layer, with the sill 80 mm above the floor so rain and snow stay out. Face the entrance away from the prevailing wind. Cover or sand sharp edges.
Assemble the box
Front and rear walls run the full width and the sides fit between them. Join the walls on the floor with corner battens, glue and screws shorter than the wall build-up.
Roof
Fix the roof. Fit the roof covering per the product instructions, with overlaps and protected edges.
Protect the outside
Coat outside faces and edges with a wood protection finish and let it fully cure before use.
Raise the shelter off the ground
Set the shelter on a dry, level base, about 0 mm above the ground, so the floor does not touch cold, wet ground. Check that it does not rock.
No bedding
In summer leave a clean, cool surface without heat-holding bedding.
Choose the spot and secure it
Set it against a wall or fence, out of the wind, away from roof runoff and roaming dogs. Weight or secure lightweight shelters. Check the spot with the placement checklist.
Sources and verification status
A source supports a guideline or material value, but it does not confirm this specific model. Container sizes are assumptions and build time is a planning estimate.
- Data validatedcurrent
- Geometry validatednot confirmed
- Engineering reviewnot confirmed
- Physical prototypenot confirmed
- Field validationnot confirmed