Catio Ideas: 70+ AMAZING CATIO IMAGES

catio-ideas

All cat owners want to keep their feline friends safe but also give them the best life possible. If you want to let your cat explore the outdoors in the safest way possible take a look at these catio ideas we collected. As a bonus we also included some expert advice about what to consider when planning to invest in a catio.

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Every Cats Dream Catio

dream-catio

If you have a large amount of space in your backyard, then why not use some of it for a large catio? Viking Joinery surely understood the assignment when they made this large feline playground, with playful colors and a cat-sized hammock to complete the look!

Enrichment for Cats

Many catios feature scratching posts to help cats blow off the steam and keep their claws healthy. This catio by Custom Cat Creations is no different – as shown on the video, the scratcher acts as an enrichment tool, and it looks great in this composition of greens and wooden shelves.

Shelf System

green-catio

Bespoke Aviaries brought another inspiration for catio interiors – this creation features a rather simple shelf system with a cozy getaway cave and scratching posts – what else would your kitten need? And to make it more outdoorsy, the green carpet covering the shelves gives your cat the impression that they are walking on the backyard lawn!

Complex Catio with a Bridge

Photos wouldn’t do justice to this wonderfully complex catio realized by Bespoke Aviaries. This video shows the interconnected areas all around the garden, all the way back to the house, allowing the cats to move freely between the different play spaces. And those gorgeous cats seem to be enjoying the freedom!

The Spacious Catio

white-catio-idea

Let’s take a look at this exquisite project by Custom Cat Creations. This catio is spacious enough to be considered your feline’s own backyard, while incorporating scratching posts and a climbing tree as well. Perfect for those who want to go all the way out!

Catio in a Rose Garden

Another elaborate creation, also by Bespoke Aviaries features this interconnected catio built around a rose garden – it shows how you don’t have to make a choice between building an artificial cat enclosure and leaving nature’s delights untouched.

Playground for Cats

catio-with-playground

This creative project by Viking Joinery might be a great catio inspiration for those who want to create an enclosure that is not only safe for their feline, but also intellectually stimulating. By adding colorful scratching posts and steps, this catio looks really pleasing to the eye, while keeping your cat entertained in the meantime.

The Stylish One

white-cat-enclosure

For those looking for more sophisticated catio decor ideas, this all-white design by Custom Cat Creations shows that a cat enclosure doesn’t always have to stick out like a sore thumb – in fact, they can look like they have been part of your house from the start!

For the Love of Pink

pink-catio

Does your kitten love to be the center of attention? Then this vibrant catio created by Bespoke Aviaries is just the perfect choice! Besides brightening up your backyard, it will also ensure that all eyes are on your feline when they are spending time in this catio.

Catio on the Balcony

balcony-black-catio

Is there an unused balcony in your house? Why not turn it into a catio? This project by Bespoke Aviaries shows how you can convert a balcony of a two-story house into a cat enclosure to give your feline a little breath of fresh air during their playtime.

Two-Storey Cat Enclosure

black-cat-enclosure

If you have been looking for ideas for catios that incorporate both levels of your home, we have just found you the perfect inspiration! Also created by Custom Cat Creations, this two-story catio allows your feline to decide on the height they wanna observe the outside world from today.

Obstacle Course Designed for Cats

cat-shelves

Sometimes the exciting part of a catio isn’t just the way it looks from the outside. If you have already decided on building an enclosure and are looking for catio shelf ideas, Viking Joinery has got you covered! This project looks like an obstacle course designed for felines – your cat will surely enjoy spending time in it.

Extended Porch

catio-extended-porch

If you are looking for DIY catio ideas that do not include extending your house, you should take a look at this stunning creation by Fundamentally Feline. This project intends to fill your unused porch area, creating a cat-safe balcony for your furry friend to enjoy.

Freestanding Purple Catio

purple-catio

This cat enclosure created by Bespoke Aviaries is a completely freestanding project, as it isn’t attached to a house. It could be a great idea for those who have an uncommonly shaped backyard, allowing them to make use of the space more efficiently.

The Perfect Match

white-catio

This is another one of Custom Cat Creations’s work – a catio designed to blend into the main building perfectly. This model has multiple hidey hole boxes and shelves to entertain your feline, and it fits the house corners perfectly!

The Elegant Catio

elegant-aviary-style-catio

Cats love being able to explore multiple places within a catio, so this white-painted creation by Bespoke Aviaries will surely be a thrill for them. The colours blend in perfectly with the garden, while the multiple shapes make it fun for felines as well!

For the Purple Lovers

purple-big-catio

This is another great example from Bespoke Aviaries of making use of the space – despite the differences in levelling, this catio looks well-compositioned and space efficient.

Shelves are Important

catio-shelves

For some close-up inspiration, this beautiful catio by Custom Cat Creations shows how to incorporate shelves in an effortlessly elegant way. By wrapping the posts with sisal rope, you can achieve a stunning finish, while also allowing your feline to use them as scratching posts.

Add Branches

Catios can bring out the wild cat instincts of your feline, with all the opportunities to jump around as they please. Custom Cat Creations took this a step further and added branches to the catio that double down as scratchers. This way, your cat can practice their climbing skills while keeping their claws sharp and healthy.

A Colorful Choice

colourful-cat-enclosure

This creation by Bespoke Aviaries combines bold colors with a beautiful addition of flowers, giving out the vibe of a fairytale cottage. Surely your cats would feel like the main character in this one!

Catio and Protected Porch at the Same Time

protected-porch-catio

This catio by Fundamentally Feline serves a double purpose – besides allowing your cat to roam outside safely, it can also act as a porch area protected from mosquitoes that are trying to ruin your summer evening. And what else would make your summer evening better than having your cat cuddled up on your lap?

Catio Inspiration: The Third Iteration

Bernie and Frankie are enjoying their 10′ wide x 5′ deep x 12′ high catio, especially the height, which gives them a great view of the neighbor’s cat and dog. The catio features an old log for claw sharpening, a roof made of tinted PVC panels, and black steel wire mesh for protection. For more details on the DIY process and inspiration, check out the original article: My DIY Catio – An Outdoor Enclosure for Our Cats.

Princess Palace of the Kings

Safe Cat UK‘ got this purrfect catio that mixes vintage vibes with playful pastel colours, turning it into a cosy little palace for the royal furballs. From lounging in their own pram to exploring quirky corners, these pampered kitties (mostly tomcats with sass) are living the dream – check out their page check out their page to see more of their bespoke, heavy-duty steel creations, all made from scratch!

Cadbury Catio

Safe Cat UK has done a great job with this catio – simple but clever all made from scratch. It keeps cats safe outside with a partial roof to keep the rain out of the house when the window’s open. Plus, it has colourful toys and shelves for added fun and style. Want your own purple enclosure for your cats? Just book a call with them! They can powder coat it in any colour you choose. They also offer a premium bespoke timber range, incorporating steel gates and supports for extra strength.

The Ultimate Catio Lounge

The black metal mesh gives this catio a sleek, stylish look while keeping the cats safe outdoors. Made by Safe Cat UK, it features a leopard-print exercise wheel and a cosy lounge area, making it the perfect hangout for both cats and their owners. Check out their Instagram page for more fabulous designs.

In the Jungle, the Mighty Jungle

In the jungle catio, the peaceful jungle catio, the lion sleeps tonight… This unique space was designed by Safe Cat UK and is filled with vibrant greenery, hanging baskets, and a multi-level cat oasis. Incorporating plants that are safe for felines not only adds to the aesthetic, but also creates a tranquil atmosphere for both cats and their owners.

Samsara Lanai

This elegant catio by Square Paws is a true heaven for André and Gaston. Taking inspiration from traditional Japanese garden tea-houses, it features a miniature Torii gate and a small pagoda which offers a shaded perch for lounging, while potted plants and stone elements enhance the tranquil, Zen-like atmosphere. Perfect for curious felines who enjoy a serene retreat with a hint of adventure! To read the full story, check out this article.

Woodworking Treatment

The best enrichment for indoor cats? A catio! In this article by Canadian Woodworking, Kim and Terry provide a step-by-step guide to building a DIY wooden catio with wire mesh, featuring multiple levels, ramps, and platforms. The guide offers customization tips for any space and budget, making it accessible for woodworkers of all skill levels.

PVC Playpen

This catio, built by Lori at Our Repurposed Home, measures 74″ x 55″ x 90″ and is made from garden fencing and PVC pipes. It features a plastic roof for rainy days, while letting the sunhsine in. The enclosure also includes a custom cat tree and toys for a fun space. Get the full details here or download the tutorial.

Kirby’s Home

This cozy side of house catio, designed by Backyard Catio Builder, features multiple platforms, plants, and a charming cat house, creating a perfect outdoor space for Kirby. The enclosed area provides a safe and stimulating environment for him to explore and enjoy.

Finishing Touches

Every paw parent’s dream is to let their little fur babies go on a fun catventure. Backyard Catio Builder creates their catios with the cats’ happiness in mind. Here, cats can enjoy the sunshine, savour a bit of freedom, and explore ramps and perches to their heart’s content.

Meownt Olympuss

Crafted by Hellas Custom Catios, this 12’x16’x9′ high structure features 92 feet of catwalk encircling the entire yard, providing a grand and thrilling playground for the resident cats: Zeus, Athena, Apollo, and Spartacus. Built from sturdy wooden beams and wire mesh, the enclosure offers multiple levels with platforms, ramps, walkways, and cosy cubby holes for the cats to explore and relax.

Feline Heights

This catio by Hellas Custom Catios is a multi-level outdoor structure attached to the side of the house. Made of durable metal wire mesh, it features wooden platforms at various heights, allowing cats to explore and climb. The design includes two 4’x4’x8′ high catios, joined by a central jump-up tower. Purrfect for the adventurous cats, Sky, Rosa and Arrow!

FurRVenture Catio

Cat owners who love to travel now have the perfect solution for bringing their feline companions along on their adventures: the RV catio built by Hollywood Catios. This custom enclosure, made of sturdy wire-mesh, can be securely attached to your RV, providing a safe and comfortable space for your cat to relax and enjoy the great outdoors while you’re on the road. On Britt Griffitsh’s TikTok page you can find even more unique designs that showcase his genuine enthusiasm and dedication for creating innovative catios.

The Scottish House Mafia

Judi and her husband live in Fort Pierce, Florida, where they’ve built a tropical paradise for their four Scottish Folds. The 6′ x 12′ catio is filled with cat-safe plants, ramps, perches, and even a koi pond. Their cats enjoy custom features like a hidden litterbox and grazing patches, turning the space into a cozy haven for their feline family. Learn more about this unique setup here.

Purrfect Balconio

The Second-Story Spacious Luxury Catio, designed for four cats by The Catio Company, features bubble dome beds, hiding boxes, a tall scratching post, ramps, perches, and a window pet door insert. With a natural cedar stain, durable mesh, shaded polycarbonate roofing, and side panels for added rain protection, this well-crafted catio ensures both safety and comfort for cats to lounge and watch birds and other wildlife.

Fairy Lights & Feline Nights

Millgate Sheds Ltd has created a charming catio, complete with twinkling fairy lights, a cosy hammock, climbing shelves, and rope bridges for the cats to enjoy. The design is both stylish and practical, offering a safe play area for the cats while seamlessly fitting in with the patio. For more shiny catio inspiration, check out Millgate Sheds Ltd ’s Facebook page.

Heaven is Here

Eight cats of the haus can enjoy all their nine lives in this heavenly made catio, surrounded by cat-friendly leafy plants which add a lovely aesthetic to the environment. They can enjoy multiple climbing structures, including a tall scratching posts, a wooden cat tree, a tunnel for play and hiding and a ramp. This beautifully designed space not only offers entertainment but also allows them to connect with nature.

Le Meow Chalet

When passion meets perfection, Boy Bespoke’s catio comes to life with a sleek wooden frame and secure wire mesh, providing the perfect outdoor sanctuary for cats. Natural wood shelves and a polished floor enhance both style and functionality, making it a standout piece for any home.

Paw Perch: Feline Fortress Edition

This multi-level catio, crafted from IKEA shelving and secured with hardware cloth, gives Trixie and Jake a safe, elevated outdoor experience. Complete with waterproofing and strategically placed doors, it’s designed to keep raccoons out and your feline friends in. Explore Cleopawtra Cat Services‘ full project here.

Out of the box

Julie from Build Sew Reap designed and built a spacious, multi-level catio for her cats, Amelia and Teddy. This outdoor cat enclosure features a ramp, shelves, and various lounging spots, allowing the cats to safely enjoy fresh air and watch the chickens. Read the full article here

Very Demure, Very Mindful

This elegant catio, built by Catios by Clear Choice, provides an elevated outdoor space for cats to relax and observe the surroundings safely. It features cosy resting spots, a secure wire enclosure, and easy access from a house window.

Ailurophile Dream

Every cat lover would appreciate this spacious, sun-filled catio by Catios by Clear Choice, designed to keep cats safe inside while keeping bugs out. With large windows, cosy seating, and a seamless connection to the garden, it provides the perfect indoor-outdoor space for feline enjoyment.

Paws in the Sky

This stunning catio by Catios by Clear Choice features a spacious outdoor extension connected by a tree-mounted bridge, allowing cats to safely explore the garden from above. From this elevated perch, felines can rule over their humans and observe them from above, just as they prefer.

Shangri-Lovely

Shangri-Lovely created by Catscape is a tiered enclosure with an overhead walkway I call “skytunnels”. It’s a tricky enclosure because of a sidewalk that descended in a hairpin turn, and required the skytunnel to step up a few times to avoid people bumping heads. The terraced garden with tree roots and rocks also posed some challenges but the end result turned out well! Discover more about this elegant design on Catscape’s Facebook page.

Round the Tree

As explained by John Creviston from Catscape, Round the Tree is actually quite a large enclosure, featuring a Skytunnel staircase that spirals around a London plane tree. He typically avoids including trees within enclosures because they move in the wind and continue to grow, which can damage the structure. However, smaller trees that are kept pruned can work very well.

Canyon View phase two

John Creviston from Catscape explains that Canyon View phase two was particularly challenging to build, as no two angles were the same, and it had to conform to a sloping, uneven rock outcrop. He also mentioned that he modified a foam paint roller to replicate the bark of nearby pine trees. The site is located in an area where cougars (mountain lions) frequently roam, posing a significant risk to cats, but Creviston emphasised that all of his enclosures are predator-proof.

For the Mint Lovers

green-mint-catio

Prefer the mint, but not the stand-alone version of it? Worry not – this interconnected catio by Bespoke Aviaries joins different play areas, giving you (and your cat) plenty of space to enjoy!

Easy Access

cat-tunnel

If you do not have a safe way to incorporate your doors into your cat enclosure, we got you covered – luckily you wouldn’t be the first to encounter this issue, so there is some inspiration for you to get you started! Our Tiny Homestead came up with this fun way to connect their utility room window to the rest of the cat enclosure they made.

Black as My Soul

blackest-black-catio

They say that cats are a perfect reflection of their owner’s personality – why wouldn’t this be true for catios as well? If you feel like this fancy black coloured enclosure by Custom Cat Creations is the best match to your style, don’t be afraid of showing that to the world!

All Metal

omlet-cat-enclosure

This image shows how one of Omlet’s custom catios had been decorated by one of its customers – it blends perfectly into the green space of the backyard, adding a natural atmosphere to the enclosure.

Perfect Summer Evening

summer-evening-catio

Looking at this photo – courtesy of Cat Topia – we can’t help but imagine sipping a drink in this garden during a warm summer night. The best part about it is that no member of the family has to miss out on the fun, as this catio allows your feline friend to join in and enjoy from the top viewing spot.

Miniature Adventure Park

cat-outdoor-playground

Is your cat like a child to you? Then you will surely be in awe once you see this stunning creation by Viking Joinery, wondering about which lucky cat gets to enjoy this beautiful woodwork and creatively arranged shelves. Talking about spoiling your feline!

For the Green Lovers

green-catio

Got a taste for a touch of green? Look no further – Bespoke Aviaries has just the perfect catio design to satisfy your needs! Besides matching the green highlights of the garden, this project also features a storage box that doubles down as a bench. This way, you can soak up that summer sun along with your feline friend!

The Classic Black

classic-black-catio

This is a different pitch-black design by Custom Cat Creations, connecting your outdoor catio to the rest of your home with a bridge-like passway for your cat. Talk about leaving in style!

A Sophisticated Wooden Look

wooden-look-catio

This area is part of an interconnected cat enclosure created by Custom Cat Creations, offering a sophisticated wooden look, combined with scratchers. It’s safe to say that the cats must feel spoiled by their owners!

Together with Nature

grape-vine-catio

Wanna offer your kitten the possibility to spend the summer afternoons napping outside in a shady spot? This catio created by Our Tiny Homestead combining nature and safety can offer just that, while also looking stunning from the outside.

A Classic Choice

classic-simple-catio

Kerri from I Am The Maven shared her experiences of coming up with her own DIY catio plans and building a catio for her beloved felines. She highlights the importance of having large perches in your catio, as well as having a sleeping place, food, water and outdoor litter for your kitten to feel at home in their outdoor world.

Add a Bridge

bridge-catio

Another close-up photo taken by Viking Joinery featuring a tiny bridge as part of a catio – the details and design are just stunning and the cat using it must be a lucky one!

Creating Ambience

catio-with-lights

This gorgeous project by Bespoke Aviaries shows how much difference the lightning can make in your catio. With creatively organized interior and neatly arranged shelves, this catio has everything your feline desires – and it doesn’t lose its charm even when night rolls around!

Branching Out

branching-out-catio

This catio by Cat Topia features plenty of climbing opportunities for your kitten who can feel right at home in nature. It combines safe and well-organised climbing spaces with lots of branches to hop on to and feel like a true wildcat!

Add Some Hammocks

hammock-catio

A close up idea for cat hammocks is featured in this stunning catio created by Viking Joinery. These little chilling/napping spaces are not only adorable but surely comfortable as well – and you can even DIY them if you’re feeling creative!

A Clean Design

clean-design

Viva Le’Purr Exotics presented this simple freestanding catio purchased from C&D Pets – they praised it for being easy to put together and reasonably sized, so purchasing one may be a great choice for those thinking about getting their first catio.

A Pop of Color

mint-colour-catio

Have you ever felt like your backyard needed a pop of colour? If you did, then you will surely like this mint-green standalone catio created by Bespoke Aviaries that is guaranteed to attract everyone’s attention.

Fun Catio with Colourful Accessories

rainbow-cat-scratching-post

This close-up photo of one of Viking Joinery’s creative catio ideas shows how the incorporated colourful scratching post is being put under inspection by a pair of professionals. And it surely passed the test, as who wouldn’t love this beautiful scratcher?

Sneak Peak

look-out-the-window

This photo features a nice little addition to an outdoor cat enclosure created by Viking Joinery – a little cat-sized window, offering your feline a sneak peak to the outside world.

Simple but Effective

simply-effective-catio

This classy catio is the creation of Laurie from Craft Room Time. She used screen doors with pet guards to create the walls of the catio, which could be accessed by her cats through the cat door attached to the window frame. We surely love the results!

Hideaway Area

hideaway-catio

These cats are enjoying the time spent outside in their catio created by Viking Joinery, making use of the hideaway area featured in this design.

A Clever Idea

If you have the right distance between your house’s wall and fence, this could be a perfect place to create an enclosure for your cat similar to Viking Joinery’s creation. It doesn’t take up too much extra space, but it still allows your kitten to spend some precious time outside.

Recreating a Natural Habitat

diy-catio

Another gorgeous creation is the catio built by TeeDiddlyDee incorporating a large amount of space, plenty of greens and enrichment opportunities. Tee’s DIY cat enclosure has been tried and tested by her felines and according to her, they absolutely love spending time in it!

The Repurposed Catio

repurposed-catio

Although catios are useful creations, they undoubtedly can come with a hefty price tag. However, this project by The Habitat for Humanity ReStore shows how you can build your own DIY mini-catio for under $50 – this project was made using repurposed materials such as a shipping crate, old wood sash window and some natural birch tree branches.

Oasis in the Garden

stylish-catio

Eileen M. Stark from Real Gardens Grow Natives is a true cat lover – so she decided to create a lovely playing space for her four-legged friends. It took them 5 months to build this space, but from the look of it, it was surely worth it. They removed the enclosed wooden porch/greenhouse in their home and replaced it with a beautiful cat enclosure. The space looks really cozy and the cats are surely having the time of their lives in it!

Catio Steps

ginger-catio

This is a close up photo created by Bespoke Aviaries of some aesthetic looking catio steps, giving off the impression that your feline is walking on blocks of grass.

A Violet Creation

violet-catio

This violet creation by Bespoke Aviaries allows plenty of space for your kitten to run around and experience the safe side of outdoors.

You Can’t Beat a Hammock

Does your cat like to show off how good it is to sleep all day in different parts of the house, in the most comfortable positions? If you secretly love being jealous of their comfort, this hammock added by Custom Cat Creations is a perfect addition to your catio as well.

Window Hopping

This lovely enclosure by Cat Topia features two separate parts, connected together from window to window, allowing your feline the choice to decide which perspective they would like to experience the world from any given day. The second part features some enrichment options, including a branch to climb on to, making it a perfect match for a curious kitten looking for a taste of adventure.

Dark Mahogany

This cat enclosure by Custom Cat Creations takes up the entirety of the porch of the house, creating a highly sophisticated look. The dark mahogany compliments the house’s colour palette, making sure to leave all your guests in awe!

Playful Colours

When building a catio it is very important to incorporate some features that will stimulate your cats and keep them occupied so Viking Joinery made sure to create a feline playground, with playful colors and shelves to climb on.

Simple Catio Plan

catio-plans

Finally, if you still haven’t found the perfect catio inspiration, you should consider downloading one of Catio Spaces’s easy DIY catio plans and getting creative along the way! This design is a simple but great way to start your catio-building journey.

We asked cat experts, veterinarians and behaviourists what would be their best advice when it comes to building a catio for your feline friend.

Cats Protection

‘Catios’ may be useful in some circumstances however they should not be seen as a replacement for giving a cat free outside access where it can chose where to go and control its own movement. It is still recommended that cats will ideally be allowed outside access. Cats can have a home range that far exceeds the space available in a ‘catio’ and as such may become frustrated if their outside space is restricted to the space of a ‘catio’.

The cat should be able to access the ‘catio’ as and when it choses with direct access to it from inside the house. Cats Protection does not encourage small cat pens or ‘catios’ that the owner is required to pick the cat up and place them into. This act alone is stressful for many cats but further to this, some cats may feel trapped or exposed if they do not have access to an escape route. Particularly small pens in the garden with no escape can leave a cat feeling particular exposed.

Cats should always be provided with a covered hiding area in the ‘catio’.

As with all cats, cats with access to a ‘catio’ still need to be microchipped, vaccinated and neutered.

Cats Protection still recommends that indoor only cats are provided with enrichment/puzzle feeders and toy play throughout the day to prevent boredom and frustration. The ‘catio’ does not serve as an alternative to good enrichment practices in the house.

– Richard Barker, Veterinary Team

International Cat Care

“For people who feel the risks of letting their cats outdoors outweigh the benefits, a catio can provide the cat with fresh air, an opportunity to sun bask, and some of the mental stimulation the outdoor environment brings. If big enough, it can even provide an opportunity for additional physical exercise, especially if the vertical space is optimised with lots of climbing structures.

When designing a catio, it’s important to think about the cat’s
senses – what can it see, hear, smell, taste and touch from the catio. If you have visiting cats to the garden, these could cause stress to the cat(s) in the catio so remember to provide hiding places and areas where the catio cat(s) cannot be seen. You may even consider low level screening. Offering lots of perching and resting places up high will also help the cat(s) feel safe and give them a good vantage point from which to survey the outdoors. Providing plenty of places to scratch and facial rub are also important and these behaviours help the cat feel familiar with the space. Consider somewhere comfortable for you to sit within the catio so your cat(s) can enjoy social time with you in the fresh air as well as indoors.

Finally, it’s important not to think that the catio is the cat’s sole place in the home and the only place for all things cat-related. The catio should be viewed as an extension of their home and thus resources such as beds, litter trays, toys and scratching posts should still be distributed throughout the indoors too.”

Dr Sarah Ellis, Head of Cat Advocacy,

Katzenworld

“When building a catio ensure to take the needs of your cat(s) into consideration. It should be large enough for your cat to freely roam the catio and also provide climbing areas to be more exciting! And lastly having a secure bed / hiding area is great in case your cat would like to take a nap out of sight from passerbies.”

Marc,

The Conscious Cat

“Make sure you use screening material that is designated as pet safe. Pet screens are stronger than regular window screens, which not only prevents your cat from busting through the screen, but will also result in fewer rips or tears from your cat’s claws.”

– Ingrid King, Author, Cat Expert and Publisher

PetGuide

“Catios provide enrichment for any cat. Our feline friends are made to climb and leap, and catios let them do what they’re meant to do, all while giving them a front-row seat to the smells and sights of the great outdoors.”

– Amy Tokic

Tuxedo Cat

“Catios are a great idea for many reasons; they prevent your cat from harming local wildlife while allowing them to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors.”

– Dan

The Fluffy Kitty

“We’re big fans of catios for several reasons, but one reason, in particular, is because they provide safe outdoor exploration for cats — no birdies or critters can be injured or killed for play, and our pets stay safe from harm. In our eyes, it’s a win for everybody!”

The Purrington Post

“Outdoor enclosures known as catios are the best solution for pet cats as they offer a safe environment. Safe outdoor living keeps the cat away from most dangers and yet provides a more stimulating environment with potential for more normal feline behaviour.”

The Discerning Cat

“Make sure your cat can climb within the catio. A cat will quickly get bored with a flat space even with toys. It would be ideal to put some kind of cat tree in the catio to allow your cat not just movement but the ability to see out of their catio from different heights.”

– Amanda OBrien

TassieCat

“I think that ensuring adequate stimulation is available to the cats within the catio is a key consideration. Any cat owner can attest to buying expensive things, only for the cat to ignore it and play with the packaging instead. Ensuring that the catio is stimulating will go a long way in making sure it gets used and your cat remains happy while doing so.

Climbing posts, scratch posts, elevated perches with a good vantage point, and toys are all great additions to a catio.”

– Jess

Cat Topia

“Catios, or cat patios, are a fantastic way to provide your feline companions with a safe, secure, and stimulating environment to explore the outdoors. When designing a catio, keep in mind your cat’s preferences and interests, ensuring you include elements such as climbing structures, perches with various heights, and hiding spots. Use sturdy, weather-resistant materials like wood or metal for the frame, and enclose the space with a durable wire mesh to prevent your cat from escaping and to protect them from potential predators.

Additionally, make sure to provide ample shade and a water source for hot days, as well as comfortable resting areas for relaxation. Regularly inspect the catio for any damage or potential hazards, and maintain a clean environment to promote your cat’s health and happiness. By thoughtfully designing and maintaining a catio, you can significantly enrich your cat’s life while keeping them safe and secure.”

Simon Fox

Further Reading

  • DIY Cat Proof Fence – Step by step instructions on how to make your fence cat proof so your cat doesn’t escape your yard 
  • How to Cut Wire Netting – Learn how to cut wire netting for a DIY catio using the right tools 
  • DIY Catio – Building a catio can be a simple and enjoyable project. Follow this guide to learn how to create one for your cat.
  • How to Cat Proof a Balcony – Let your cat safely enjoy the outdoor view from your balcony with the help of this guide.
  • How to Build a Cat Enclosure – Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build a cat enclosure using chicken wire.

 

8 comments

  1. I must admit: the thing I love most about a catio is just how sustainable the whole endeavour is: from the materials used to the way a catio keeps our cats safe, happy and entertained while saving maybe thousands of small birds and mammals each year. Catios are simply the best!

    1. Hi Emil, it’s wonderful to hear your appreciation for catios.

      They truly embody sustainability in every aspect, from their construction using eco-friendly materials to their positive impact on both the environment and the well-being of our feline friends.

      Not only do they provide a safe and enriching outdoor experience for cats, but they also play a crucial role in preserving wildlife by preventing our furry companions from hunting small birds and mammals.

      It’s heartening to see how catios promote harmony between our pets and the ecosystem, making them a truly remarkable addition to any cat lover’s home.

      Kind regards,

      Erno

  2. I absolutely LOVE #8, 15 and 35! How much do Catios typically cost?
    I have 2 cats; Pricilla and Misty who always gaze outside longingly.

    1. Hi Lily,

      They indeed look really good and catios are a lovely addition to cat owners’ homes.

      If you are planning to DIY a catio, we have a guide on our page which can give you a really good idea on what you would need and how you would need to do it.

      You can find the guide here: https://www.wirefence.co.uk/diy-catio/

      This approach is generally cheaper and more customizeable, but it also requires some time and DIY skills.

      If you are planning to buy a catio however, generally speaking the price starts at around £300 or $390.

      Hope this is helpful.

      Erno

  3. I live in a Hurricane prone area. I am trying to figure out how to use a small window in my home in the bathroom to give my cats access to a catio but to be able to cover the window if a storm should be predicted. The cats are indoor only right now and I want to expand their world.

    1. Hi Sharon,

      Thank you very much for your comment.

      You could install a small pet door insert in the window that has a removable or lockable panel. That way, your cats can access the catio when the weather is good, and you can securely close it off if a storm is coming.

      Another option is a custom plexiglass or wood panel with a sliding or hinged cover that you can quickly secure when needed.

      Hope this is helpful and please let me know if you have any further questions.

      Kind regards,

      Erno

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