Catio mesh compared
The table lists the mesh we found on retailers' listings, with the opening, the wire gauge and the rolls as each listing gives them, and the tool's check of each one in a lean-to. We list no prices. The lower the gauge number, the thicker and stronger the wire.
| Mesh | Opening | Gauge | Coating | Rolls listed | Check | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 in hardware cloth, 19 gauge, galvanized | 1/2 in x 1/2 in | 19 (1.00 mm) | galvanized | 36 in x 50 ft; 24 in x 100 ft; 900 mm x 6 m; 900 mm x 30 m | Check | Newegg, 1/2 in hardware cloth, F.H. Brundle, 13 mm welded mesh |
| 13 x 13 mm welded mesh, 19 g (1.0 mm), galvanised | 1/2 in x 1/2 in | 19 (1.00 mm) | galvanized | 900 mm x 6 m; 900 mm x 30 m | Check | F.H. Brundle, 13 mm welded mesh, Screwfix, 13 x 13 mm mesh |
| 1/2 x 1 in (13 x 25 mm) welded mesh, 19 gauge, galvanized | 1/2 in x 1 in | 19 (1.00 mm) | galvanized | 900 mm x 6 m | Check | F.H. Brundle, 13 mm welded mesh, Screwfix, 13 x 25 mm mesh |
| 1 x 1 in (25 x 25 mm) welded mesh, galvanized or stainless | 1 in x 1 in | Not stated | galvanized or stainless | Varies; enter yours | Check | BC SPCA catio plan |
| 2 x 3 in welded fence wire, 16 gauge, galvanized | 2 in x 3 in | 16 | galvanized | Varies; enter yours | Fits | Catio Spaces, choosing mesh, Catio Spaces, predators |
| 1/4 in hardware cloth, 23 gauge, galvanized | 1/4 in x 1/4 in | 23 | galvanized | 900 mm x 6 m | Fail | F.H. Brundle, 13 mm welded mesh |
| 2 x 3 in vinyl-coated welded wire, 16 gauge | 2 in x 3 in | 16 | vinyl (PVC) | Varies; enter yours | Check | Catio Spaces, choosing mesh |
| Chicken wire (poultry netting) | Not a grid | Not stated | galvanized | Varies; enter yours | Fail | Catio Spaces, choosing mesh, Catio Spaces, predators |
| Window or porch screen (fiberglass or plastic) | Not a grid | Not stated | none | Varies; enter yours | Fail | Catio Spaces, choosing mesh, Catio Spaces, predators |
What the guides recommend
- Opening: no more than 2 x 3 in, the grid Catio Spaces, predators uses for its catios. The BC SPCA plans use 1 x 1 in mesh, galvanized or stainless (BC SPCA catio plan). Smaller openings, such as 1/2 in hardware cloth, keep out more small animals and stop paws reaching through.
- Gauge: 16 gauge fencing wire, which Catio Spaces, predators recommends against coyotes. 1/2 in hardware cloth is usually 19 gauge: lighter, and sold for pet runs (Screwfix, 13 x 13 mm mesh), so the tool marks it as one to check where coyotes, raccoons or dogs visit.
- Coating: galvanized steel. Vinyl-coated wire breaks down and splits over time, and a cat may chew it (Catio Spaces, choosing mesh).
- Not strong enough: chicken wire, which is 19 to 22 gauge, can leave jagged edges and may rust; window and porch screen is easy for persistent cats and wildlife to get through (Catio Spaces, choosing mesh).
How many rolls you need
The roll width decides how the walls are cut. The tool tries strips across and strips down each wall, keeps the shorter total, overlaps each strip on the last by 1 in, and packs the strips onto rolls. Here is the same window box (4 ft wide, 3 ft tall) and the same 8 x 4 ft lean-to on three roll sizes:
| Roll | Window box, 4 x 2 x 3 ft | Lean-to, 8 x 4 ft, 7 ft at the wall |
|---|---|---|
| 24 in x 100 ft | 5 strips, 13 ft 7 1/2 in, 1 roll | 19 strips, 61 ft 6 in, 1 roll |
| 36 in x 50 ft | 3 strips, 8 ft, 1 roll | 12 strips, 40 ft, 1 roll |
| 48 in x 50 ft | 3 strips, 6 ft 7 1/2 in, 1 roll | 8 strips, 29 ft 9 in, 1 roll |
A 36 in roll covers a 3 ft wall in one strip, which is why 36 in rolls suit window boxes. Open the window box and change the roll to see the count change.
Fixing the mesh
Staple the mesh to the outside of each wall frame, with staples 1/2 in or longer, and cut off any extra with wire snips so nothing sharp is left (BC SPCA catio plan). The tool's shopping list counts a staple about every 3 in along the frame, a washer-head screw about every 12 in round the edge of each piece, and hog rings or stainless zip ties along overlaps that fall between members. Where coyotes visit, lay mesh under the base frame or build on pavers so nothing digs in (Catio Spaces, predators).