How about metal screen fixed to a wood frame? It will probably only set you back a few dollars at the hardware store. If you need to keep in more humidity, you can always place some plastic (from a bag or a tarp) over parts of the screen.

-DH

What about a glass top?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3790

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3781

Thanks for the ideas! As I write this I have twelve pounds of Fox kitty thumping around on top of my terrarium now.lol

deadhampster-I do happen to have screen and wood in my carpentry stash at this time. I'm thinking it could be possible to use thin plexiglass then put the wood framed screen on top to keep kittys from ending up in with the plants and the plexi should not only keep humidity in but also keep the screen from rusting. Hmmm... this could work!

lynette- Would a glass top hold up to 14lbs of kitty? I agree it would have a nicer finished look.

Foxy.

If the glass is thick enough, then yes, it would hold a cat. I also have a cat, and I've got 5/8" thick glass on top of my terr. I'm 100% sure it would be able to hold him! =) Call around to get some prices from glass cutters/suppliers in your area. The price can vary a LOT, so definitely phone around! It shouldn't cost a fortune. I'd estimate $25 for a 20 gal cover of 5/8" glass. Yes, that's a bit pricey, but cheaper than constantly replacing your squashed plants. =)

***Update***

Sorry I haven't come back to this thread for a while. It is a long story what all has happened that involves nearly dieing, months of physical therapy and a surgery. Like I said it is a long story.lol

I ended up coming up with a top for my terrarium. I used wood that I cut to fit and plastic. I cut out an edge around the piece of wood so it wouldn't shift and fall in then I attached plastic to the underside so the wood would not warp. I was able to attach my light fixture to the underside of the lid. Both plants and cats seem to be happy and safe with this solution. Now all I have to do is redesign my pond so it will hold water.

Thanks everyone for the ideas.

Foxy.

It sounds like you have your lights inside now. Watch them closely, if you have a lot of lights you might heat the terrarium up. The last top I made was with a 16 gauge plastic coated steel mesh. It worked like a charm, won't rust and can hold more than enough weight. Hope you are feeling better now.

-DH

Deadhamster: just got around to reading this, but in future for keeping cats away, you can try natural oil such as Eucalyptus or pine. Just a wift and they will run. why these oils are actually toxic to cats (all oils) as they do not have the metabolism to metabolise them... People with chemical injury often use cats to detect toxic fumes before we can detect them... I use this oil for my chest and forget that fact and they take off fast when I come around. Best Sherry

ps (also a good reason not to use the newer pine or cedar litters)

sherryazure they are also toxic to most reptiles and amphibians, making them dangerous to keep near a terrarium if you have frogs/snakes etc in there.

-DH