If you have an indoor cat who longs for the great outdoors—or an outdoor cat you want to keep safe from predators—adding a catio to your house or apartment may be the purr-fect solution. “Cat patios” allow your feline friends to enjoy sunshine, fresh air, and the sights and sounds of the world around them, while staying fully protected.
Catios are outdoor spaces enclosed in galvanized wire that allow fresh air and sunshine in while providing an escape-proof barrier. They range from small, window-box catios to “cat mansions”—extravagant freestanding catio structures for the upscale feline.
When it comes to catio designs, the options are endless.
—Cynthia Chomos, founder of Catio Spaces, Seattle
If you want something basic, and you’re skilled in DIY projects, you can build your own structure using free catio plans. If you want something grander for your furry friend, you can get an outdoor cat house built by a pro. Some cat owners are going all-out these days, hiring experts to erect big, creative catios adorned with cat trees, cat tunnels, multi-level perches, and other amenities.
Ready to create the perfect catio? Here’s how to get started.
Design your catio
A builder and contractor, Cynthia Chomos first transformed her own patio into an enclosed space for her indoor cat, Serena. They both enjoyed it so much that she built 3 more catios onto her home, and made it a professional specialty.
“I had a flash of insight to combine my expertise as a designer and contractor to create visually appealing catios that complement different homes and gardens,” Cynthia says.
Here are some of her best catio-building tips:
- Pick a sunny location. Cats are sun lovers. So choose an outdoor area with partial sun exposure and stimulating views. A window box, patio, balcony, or garden area make great catio locations.
- Decide how your cat will enter the catio. If the structure will be attached to your home, plan to install a cat door in a window, wall, or standard door for easy cat access. For structures farther away, you can build a tabby tunnel from your home. And if you want to hang out with your cat on the catio, plan a second, larger door for human access.
- Determine the catio size. Figure out the approximate size you can accommodate. And don’t forget—even in a small home, you can always build upward. Your perch-loving kitty will thank you.
You might need written approval from a landlord or homeowners association to build a catio. Also, check with your city to see if a permit is required for the catio size you have in mind. If you need to dig during construction, call 811 to place a utility-line locator request. Someone will mark your yard with paint or flags so you don’t accidentally hit a utility line.
DIY your own catio
Do-it-yourselfers with basic carpentry skills can build a catio in just a weekend, according to Cynthia. In addition to building materials, you’ll need a few essential tools, including a circular or chop saw, wire cutters, and a heavy-duty staple gun.
You can find DIY catio plans online, or purchase one of Cynthia’s, with step-by-step instructions. Her designs include the Window Box (a compact, veranda-style catio that can be built off a slider or sash window), the Haven (a multilevel, 3-sided catio for a patio or deck), the Sanctuary (a multilevel, 3-sided catio with space for human seating), and the Oasis & Tunnel (a stand-alone catio with space for human seating and a tunnel for your cat to get there from a cat door).
Hire a catio pro
If you prefer to have a catio built for you, hire a professional. A good handyperson can build a simple catio, but you’ll need an experienced building contractor for something more complex.
While researching your options, look for a contractor who:
- Is licensed and bonded
- Has experience building outdoor structures
- Adheres to local building codes
- Has positive reviews on Yelp
- Can provide client referrals
Find out if your contractor has built catios before, and ask for photos of previous outdoor projects. “It’s a bonus if your contractor is an animal lover,” Cynthia says.
The contractor should know which permits are required in your area, and may handle the applications—but you’ll still be responsible for any fees.
Keep safety in mind
Whether you’re DIYing or hiring a pro, it’s important to take safety precautions for both you and your cat. They include:
- Avoid blocking a bedroom window or emergency exit, unless you build a human door for your catio.
- Keep household doors closed during building so your cat doesn’t get out.
- Create a level and stable foundation.
- Make sure your cat can’t slip out of the catio, but also that it can’t be breached by predatory animals.
- Avoid protruding screws, sharp wire, and loose knot holes on shelves.
- Don’t use vinyl-coated wire or artificial grass, which can be choking hazards.
- At the end of the project, make sure no sharp metal objects have been left behind. You can find them by swiping the area with a construction magnet (available in home-improvement centers and online).
Enjoy your new catio
Now all that’s left is for your furry friend to bask in fresh air and sunlight. If you want to accessorize, add a cat tree, interesting floor textures, a cat bed, scratching posts, and other items your cat loves.
Find a handyperson or building contractor in your area.
