DIY Window screens - keeping the cat in!

*miaomiao*

Hello,

Before I get to work on a new project I thought I'd ask the MSE forum for advice on creating a window screen / flyscreen in order to keep the cat inside this summer!

The window in question is UPVC and the area 100cm x 100cm for the screen fitting. I've had a look at purchasing a screen but at approx 35 GBP I'm wondering if I should make my own by doing the following:

• purchase some wood strips
• cut to size and join together
• staple fibreglass screen mesh to frame
• attach to window frame using either turn buttons, magnetic fixings or magnetic tape.

Has anyone done anything similar before or know of a DIY shop at which you can purchase supplies or the kit for a reasonable price? All advice gratefully accepted!

Thanks!:A

pusscat

I know of a catering premises that used these

http://www.flyscreensuk.co.uk/?gclid=CLaWm4eMk6ECFQIslAodUg_0Ow

They do DIY kits which seem reasonable. May be worth contacting them - or at least having a look at their designs for inspiration.

Puss
xx

*miaomiao*

Thanks so much, Pusscat.
I had a peek at that company's earlier, but am trying to do something more on budget as those are nearly 50 quid for our window : (

pusscat

*miaomiao* wrote: »

Thanks so much, Pusscat.
I had a peek at that company's earlier, but am trying to do something more on budget as those are nearly 50 quid for our window : (

Oooh ouch!

I would be surprised if a fly screen would keep a determined cat in - mine have hurled themselves through a locked cat flap before now......smashed cat flap all over the drive

I am supposed to be writing an essay, but your fly screen dilemma is much more interesting...

how about this?

http://www.newblinds.co.uk/content/flyscreens_profile_3403

or

http://www.newblinds.co.uk/content/mesh_window_fly_screen/

worth having a browse through the site - prices seem more reasonable

Puss

Natty68

I use the willow trellis that you can buy from Wilko's at under £5.00. I normally attach it with duct tape on the UPVC window inside. It has stopped my two horrors getting out and it also means we can open the windows - hopefully your windows will open up outwards.

I have this trellis over the house at the windows in the summer, upstairs and downstairs and in the kitchen. I also bought a mesh travel baby gate for the french doors and have that up to stop them from getting outside, propped up against the gate I have my continental airer that is shut up.

If you need a pic give me a yell and I will pop one up for you tomorrow

Gloomendoom

I was told to keep my cat in for two weeks after we moved to a new house. He nearly drove me nuts trying to get out. At one point I had to drag him back down the chimney by his tail. Eventually, he escaped by jumping out of the upstairs loo window... two and a half stories up.

I'd managed to keep him in for less than seven hours.

Good luck!

Igol

Did he survive and if so did he return?

Gloomendoom

Igol wrote: »

Did he survive and if so did he return?

Yes. I must admit I was worried though and couldn't sleep a wink. He came trotting back down the lane at 5 o'clock in morning.

I didn't bother after that. We took him camping with us too and never had any problems.

*miaomiao*

*miaomiao* wrote: »

Hello,

Before I get to work on a new project I thought I'd ask the MSE forum for advice on creating a window screen / flyscreen in order to keep the cat inside this summer!

The window in question is UPVC and the area 100cm x 100cm for the screen fitting. I've had a look at purchasing a screen but at approx 35 GBP I'm wondering if I should make my own by doing the following:

• purchase some wood strips
• cut to size and join together
• staple fibreglass screen mesh to frame
• attach to window frame using either turn buttons, magnetic fixings or magnetic tape.

Has anyone done anything similar before or know of a DIY shop at which you can purchase supplies or the kit for a reasonable price? All advice gratefully accepted!

Thanks!:A

Hi everyone,

I thought I'd update this post as I've now built the cat screen.

I did go about building it with the materials listed above (bought the wood, a saw & mitre box, a staple gun from the local diy shop and the mesh was purchased online) but I added some flat L-brackets to the inside of the screen to keep it from warping. To hang it we used some heavy-duty velcro strips (cut to size).

The screen looks great and works really well. The cost would have been a little higher than I first hoped for but at least we keep the tools for future use. It was also a great solution for a large window opening (1m x 1m).

Thanks for the comments!