What Is a Catio? Benefits, DIY Tips and Design Ideas

I first heard the word catio from my friend who’s a park ranger. She witnesses firsthand the damage outdoor domestic cats do to ecosystems and endangered species and sees catios — outside enclosures for cats — as the solution.

Cats are the No. 1 threat to birds in the U.S., killing an estimated 2.4 billion every year—20 percent of the total bird population. Domestic cats allowed to roam outside also kill millions of small mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

“Cats are cute to us, but from the perspective of local wildlife, they’re huge apex predators,” says Liz Baessler, senior editor at Gardening Know How.

“That’s why more and more people are opting to install a catio that lets your cat experience the sights, sounds and sensations of being outdoors, all while keeping their would-be prey at a safe distance. It also protects your cat from the dangers of the wide world, from cars to rival cats to the occasional even bigger predator.”

Here’s more about why you might want a catio and how to make or buy one.

What Is a Catio?

A catio, aka cat patio, is an enclosed structure that lets cats hang out in a safe outdoor environment. Walls are usually mesh or wire, and they often include a cat door. They range from small window boxes to large, complex patios.

Types of Catios to Suit Your Space

Catios come in many shapes and sizes, from simple wire mesh boxes to elaborate multi-level playgrounds. They can be DIY, built from a kit or custom constructed by professional catio makers.

“The options for catios are endless,” says Cynthia Chomos, catio designer and founder of Catio Spaces. “If you only have a small area to work with, keep in mind cats love high spaces and you can add lots of shelves for vertical and horizontal movement in a catio.”

You can also add tunnels around the yard at various elevations for further cat exploration.

Stand-alone catios

Freestanding catios are not attached to the home, so that they can be placed anywhere in your yard or garden. One drawback: “Kitty guardians must take their felines and put them in and take them out,” says Yvette Bacha of Hellas Custom Catios. “This is not often requested, as cats usually like to do things on their terms.”

To solve this dilemma, some people install above-ground tunnels between their home and the catio.

Attached catios

Attached catios often include a pet door from the house, which lets cats go back and forth at their leisure. “This is the best for cats,” says Bacha. “If something scares them outside in the catio, they can run back into the home to their preferred safe spot.”

Attached catios can be as small as a removable window or balcony box or as big as a porch, which some people convert into a catio, says Robert Johnston, owner of Catio Bob. He recommends the porch conversion. “Larger attached-to-home and freestanding catios with insect screen overlays are great for kitties and human minions as well,” he says.

Benefits of Having a Catio

Catios are a win-win-win for humans and wildlife because the most significant benefits of outdoor enclosures for cats are that they let your feline soak up sunshine and fresh air— without the risks of free roaming.

• Cat safety: Cats can safely enjoy the outdoors without getting lost, hit by a car or attacked by dogs, other cats and wildlife.
  Entertainment: Physical and mental stimulation means cats are less likely to be bored and develop bad behaviors.
• Wildlife: Protecting birds is becoming more urgent as increasing stresses from climate change and habitat over-development threaten many species.
• Friendliness: Catios help reduce multi-cat issues by adding more territory.
• Bonding: Outdoor space helps with human-feline interaction and bonding.
• Disease: When cats eat wildlife, they can contract and spread toxoplasmosis, a brain parasite. That’s harmful to humans (especially pregnant women) and deadly to many wild animals.
• Smell: You can move the litter box and its odors outside. (Keep an indoor box for when they don’t feel up to going outside.)
• Money: Keeping your cat safe means avoiding vet bills for injuries or illnesses.
• Neighborliness: Your neighbors will probably appreciate not having cats in their garden beds or around their bird feeders.
• Less stress: You’ll have peace of mind knowing your cat is safe and enriched with fresh air, exercise, sunbathing and bird-watching.

“We have not heard or experienced any cons of a catio,” says Bacha. “Even clients who had cats who previously roamed the neighborhood unsupervised said their cats acclimated well to the new enclosure.” Find out whether a barn cat would like to live in a catio.

Catio Faux Pas

The only way to go wrong with a catio is failing to consider your cat’s habits and comfort.

“Catios can be tailored to a cat’s specific needs, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach,” says Chomos. “For example, mobility or sight-challenged cats will benefit from design elements such as ramps and railings, and soft landings such as grass or outdoor rugs.”

Guide to Building a Catio

Before you start, plan out the design, size and features—like scratching posts, climbing structures and built-in toys.

“Make sure the catio is located in a safe and secure area and consider how your cat will be able to access it,” says Lance Harding, owner of Cat-Topia. “Also, ensure that the catio is secure and cannot be easily escaped from or accessed by other animals.”

When planning DIY catios, start by selecting the optimal location. Building a catio is similar to building a house. A level foundation is key and use pressure-treated 4x4s for the frame if you’re building on grass. Looking for more projects? Learn how to build a DIY cat wheel.

Some other aspects to keep in mind:

• Local building codes and Homeowners’ Association rules;
• Appropriate mesh for cat safety and area predators (usually galvanized welded wire);
• Durability and look of the wooden frame (natural, stained or painted);
• Whether the cat can dig underneath it to escape.
• Whether you want a mesh roof or a solid one to keep out the elements and offer shade;
• Type of floor—grass, decking or pavers;
• Personalizing it to your cat’s curiosities, activities and physical capabilities with elements like cedar shelves, perches for lounging and cat-safe plants;
• Steering clear of hazards like vinyl-coated wire (choking hazard) and artificial grass (too hot);
• Environmental conditions. “Location is key,” says Chomos. “Keep in mind, cats love basking in the sun, so an area with partial sun exposure is ideal. Polycarbonate roofing provides year-round enjoyment and shade can be created with awnings, sailcloth, cat cubbies or a bench to lay under.”

Catios for Sale

If you’re not feeling motivated to DIY, there are a lot of options for buying a catio. “Make sure the catio is large enough for your cat to move around comfortably and has enough space for them to climb, play and rest,” says Harding.

Also consider:

• The durability of the materials and ease of maintenance.
• Your budget;
• Features that appeal to your cat, like scratching posts and climbing structures.

For all types of catios, Bacha, Johnston and Harding‘s companies make custom DIY kits to fit your home, budget and cat’s unique personality. “You won’t regret it,” says Johnston. “Like all my customers say, and I mean all, it’s the best thing they ever did for their kitties and themselves.”

FAQ

How much does it cost to build a DIY catio?

The cost of building catios varies widely based on size and materials. Simple window boxes will cost $100-$200 in materials, while larger freestanding structures will cost $500-$1,500. A custom-built professional catio can cost $2,000 or more, depending on complexity and features.

Are catios suitable for all seasons?

If properly designed, catios can be enjoyed year-round. In cold climates, add insulated shelters, heated beds or even small cat doors that can be shut when it’s extremely cold. If you live in a hot region, you should provide enough ventilation, shade and access to fresh water. Adjusting your catio setup seasonally will maximize comfort all year round.

About the Experts

• Lance Harding, owner of Cat Topia, began his journey with a passion in 2018. His knack for business expertise and drive for innovation contributed to the success of Cat Topia. With his dedication, Cat Topia is able to provide safe and stylish outdoor spaces for cats across the country.
• Cynthia Chomos, a catio designer and founder of Catio Spaces, is known as the Catio Queen for her inspiring and unique Catio Designs. Being a cat mom herself, she understands the importance of creating safe and playful environments for the well-being of cats.
• Robert Johnston, owner of Catio Bob, has over 17 years of experience designing, fabricating, and installing animal enclosures in commercial and residential settings. Besides his work, Catio is an animal advocate and loving cat dad. He also supports the animal welfare community through his Refurral Program.
• Yvette Bacha, a Feline Behavior Consultant and Manager at Hellas Custom Catios holds over eight years of specialized experience in animal enrichment and habitat. At Hella, she has advised on several hundred projects that included integrating climbing structures, sensory elements and safety features into catios that respond to natural feline instincts and enhance overall well-being.
• Liz Baessler, a Senior Editor at Gardening Know How—is a professional with years of experience and was destined to become a gardening editor. She was given the position of Senior Editor in 2020 for her hard work and precision. With a love for gardening, Liz is generally seen digging up the lawn and replacing it with vegetables and native pollinators.

Sources:

• Catio Spaces: “What Is A Catio?” 
• NOCO Humane: “What is a Catio?” 
• This Old House: “How To Build a Catio.”
• Hella’s Custom Catios: “Custom Catios.”
• Gardening Know How: “Which Plants Give The Most Color? Try These 10 Colorful Plants For A Bold And Beautiful Garden”