How to Enclose an Apartment Patio for Cats

Measure the dimensions of your patio's outlet, which is the side that faces outward, away from the apartment. Note the length of the banister and the height of the walls that enclose the sides of the patio. These dimensions will determine the size of the gridded fencing wire that will enclose the patio.

Mark the gridded fencing wire for cutting using a permanent marker. Add a foot of length to each side of the wire to allow for some slack during installation. To ensure that your cat does not escape through the wire, each square should be no longer than 2 inches on any side.

Cut the wire to size using your wire cutters. Work slowly, and squeeze the handles firmly to make the cleanest cut possible. Check the wire's dimensions for accuracy once you finish.

Attach wire to the banister using the heavy-duty staple gun. Start from the center of the banister, and move outward toward the side walls of the patio. Space each staple one square apart for a tight, lasting hold. Ensure that the center of each staple pins the wire firmly to the banister.

Staple the edges of the wire panel to the patio's side walls, leaving a one square space as you work. Before stapling each edge, pull the wire taught to take up any slack.

Mount the ladder, and attach the top edge of the wire to the overhang at the top of your patio. Pull the wire taught, and leave a one square space as you secure the wire. If you have a wooden patio, attach the bottom edge of the wire to the ground. Otherwise, flatten the wire against the ground so that there is no space for your cat to escape. Weight the wire with potted flowers or cinder blocks.