If you’re a cat parent considering a catio to keep your cat safe while enjoying the enrichment of the great outdoors, check out these frequently asked questions below. From why have a catio to types of locations, costs, building materials, and how to get one, we’ve got the scoop.
Got a question specific to your cat or location? Contact us here.
1. Why a catio? benefits and safety
What is a catio?
What is a cat enclosure?
Is a cat enclosure different from a catio?
Who should get a catio?
What are the benefits of a catio?
What does a catio look like?
Are catios safe for cats?
Are catios predator-safe?
Does a catio need to be dig-proof?
Do outdoor cats like catios?
Can cats live in a catio?
Can I have a catio for my dog or other pets?
2. Catio Types, Locations and Cat Doors
What types of catios are there?
How do I choose a location for a catio?
Do I need planning permission to build a catio?
Can I attach a catio or cat enclosure to a window?
Can I put an outdoor cat enclosure or catio on my balcony or roof?
Can I add a run or tunnel to a catio? How do I add more space to a catio?
How does a cat enter a catio?
How do I add a cat door to my catio?
3. How to get a catio and costs
Can I buy a catio?
How much does a catio cost?
Should I buy a catio, hire someone, or DIY and build myself?
Is it cheaper to buy or build a catio?
What types of DIY Catio Plans does Catio Spaces offer?
What is included in a Catio Spaces DIY Catio Plan?
How much does a Catio Spaces DIY Catio Plan cost?
Can I have a catio custom built?
4. Catio Building Materials
What is the best material for a catio?
What is the best type of mesh for a catio?
What is the best wood for a catio?
What is the best floor for a catio?
How do I add a roof to my catio? Is a roof necessary for a catio?
5. Catio and Cat Care for all Seasons
Can I put food in a catio?
What can I put in a catio?
Can I add a litter box to a catio?
How do you clean a catio?
How do I keep a catio safe in a heatwave?
Can I keep my cat in a catio in the winter? How do I winterize a catio?
Can I keep my catio warm in the winter? Can I add a heating pad to a catio?
Why a catio? benefits and safety
What is a catio?
A catio is a cat enclosure or “cat patio” that provides outdoor enrichment for cats in a safe, secure environment. Catios help solve the indoor/outdoor dilemma faced by cat guardians by letting cats enjoy the enriching sights and sounds of nature while protecting them from outdoor risks and safeguarding birds and wildlife from cat predation. Learn more about what a catio is, here.
What is a cat enclosure?
Cat enclosures are any type of fence, pop-up tent, screened area, or catio – small or large, temporary or permanent – intended to give cats access to the outdoors without allowing them to wander freely about the neighborhood. Some enclosures are safer for your cat, songbirds, and wildlife than others, so it’s important to read up on catios and cat enclosures here.
Is a cat enclosure different from a catio?
A catio is a cat enclosure, but not all cat enclosures are catios! A catio is a permanent structure, intended as an attractive addition to a residential home as well as a cat enrichment area, enclosed on all sides so as to be inescapable. Check out the difference between cat enclosures and catios, here.
Who should get a catio?
A catio provides safety and peace of mind for almost every household with a cat, but a catio is especially important if your cat is bored, destructive, overweight, tries to dash out doors and windows, nibbles on houseplants or uses plant pots as a litter box! Check out our top reasons to get a catio here.
What are the benefits of a catio?
Catios help resolve the indoor/outdoor dilemma of how to provide cats with outdoor enrichment while also keeping them safe from outdoor hazards and protecting birds and wildlife from cat predation. Catios also help reduce indoor multi-cat issues by adding more territory and stimulation, and provide a beautiful outdoor room where cats and people can bond. Be sure to read our top 10 benefits of catios.
What does a catio look like?
While there are many cat-enclosure options on the market, a well-built, sturdy catio intended to last for decades will complement your home’s architecture and the layout of your yard and garden, rather than looking and feeling like a cage. It is generally a wood, metal, or PVC framework with mesh, and an enclosed floor and roof so the cat cannot escape and other animals cannot get in. Browse through our photo gallery of catios and check out our DIY Catio Plans here.
Are catios safe for cats?
A well-built, completely enclosed catio is all about safety for cats. When allowed to roam free, cats risk being hit by a car, getting shut in a neighbors garage, being chased far from home or injured by other pets, and more. A catio provides a secure space where your cat can bask in the sights and sounds of nature, without the risks.
Are catios predator-safe?
A primary goal of a catio is to keep your cat safe from wildlife, dogs, and other pets. When looking at catio options, be sure the catio mesh, supports and roof are sturdy, and that the structure cannot be tipped over. Our DIY Catio Plans are designed with safety against predators top-of-mind. Read these tips on how to ensure your catio is predator safe.
Do outdoor cats like catios?
A catio is a wonderful option for transitioning an indoor-outdoor or even a 100% outdoor cat to the safety of indoor/catio life. Even if a member of your household insists the family cat be allowed to roam, build a catio anyway! It’s an attractive addition to your yard that provides a safe indoor option for your cat at night or when you are away. With a catio available, an indoor/outdoor cat has the option to spend more and more time indoors, especially as they age, grow less active, or experience age-related health issues.
Can cats live in a catio?
Cats love having the freedom to access a catio through a cat door so they can have both the comfort of your inside home along with the enrichment of the natural world from their catio. Outdoor catios are not intended as full-time cat housing. In rare instances, carefully constructed outdoor cat enclosures have been used by reputable sanctuaries for long-term housing of relocated feral cats, but even these have a sizable indoor shelter attached.
Can I have a catio for my dog or other pets?
Catios can be constructed with the safety and well-being of other pets in mind, like dogs, birds and even reptiles, in addition to cats. Different species might need their own “me time” in the catio if they’ll be sharing the space. See how catios have provided safe haven for other animals here.
Types of Catios, Locations and Cat Doors
What types of catios are there?
Catios are available in many different designs and sizes for a window, porch, patio, deck, garden or yard. Small window box catios fit almost every home. Large catios provide space for human and feline bonding while you both enjoy the outdoors. Options include custom-built catios, DIY (do-it-yourself) catio plans and mail-order catio kits. Explore the many types of catio and cat enclosures here.
How do I choose a location for a catio
You might be surprised how many options there are for catio locations! They can be attached directly to your house with window access, can be sited on an existing deck, porch, or patio, or can even have a soft grassy floor on the ground. Here are some important points to keep in mind when choosing a location for a catio.
Do I need planning permission to build a catio?
While a building permit is generally not required for a catio, it’s always best to check with your municipality or homeowner’s association. A catio that is part of a new deck or porch, that is located on a roof or balcony, etc., could require permission in some communities. Review these considerations when deciding whether to build or buy a catio.
Can I attach a catio or cat enclosure to a window?
A window makes a great point of access for a catio or cat enclosure. Depending on your catio design, you can open or close the window for access, or install a commercial cat door designed for windows. Learn more about window cat-access and cat doors here.
Can I put an outdoor cat enclosure or catio on my balcony or roof?
Your roof or balcony might be the purrfect spot for a catio! If it is the correct width and height you may be able to use a DIY Catio Plan, however many spaces will need a custom build. Consult a construction expert to be sure your elevated surface can support a catio. This article can help you choose the best type of catio for your home, and you can also check out some urban and high-rise catios here.
Can I add a run or tunnel to a catio? How do I add more space to a catio?
All Catio Spaces DIY Catio Plan catios can usually support an additional run or tunnel, depending on their location. You can extend your existing catio with a DIY Tunnel Catio so your cat can join on the deck for family barbecues, or let them explore further out into your garden. Learn more about how to add an addition like a tunnel to your catio here.
How does a cat enter a catio?
It’s best to have access to a catio directly from the house, so you do not have to risk escape by hand-carrying your cat outside to their enclosure. Cats enter a catio through a cat door insert for a window, wall or door that can allow 24/7 access. There are several considerations when choosing a cat door including the type of window or door, size of cat, single or double door flap, insulation quality, etc. Cat doors can be purchased online or at a local pet store.
How do I add a cat door to my catio?
Cat doors can be added to a slider (side-to-side) or sash (up-and-down) window, a sliding patio door, or through a solid door or wall. Commercial doors are weather-proof, straightforward to install, and can be locked to keep your cat in the house when needed. You can see the variety of catio cat door options here.
How to Get a Catio and Costs
Can I buy a catio?
Catio kits and catio plans are available to purchase so you don’t have to hire a designer or wing it when building a cat enclosure for your cat. Be sure to research type and quality. Read all about the difference between catio kits, DIY Catio Plans, and custom catio builds here, or explore whether it’s cheaper to build or buy a catio.
How much does a catio cost?
The cost of a catio will vary depending on whether you purchase a kit, build your own from a DIY Plan, hire a pro to build from your plan, or have a custom catio designed and built. Let us walk you through how much a catio costs.
Should I buy a catio, hire someone, or DIY and build myself?
All three are certainly an option, but will depend on the type and size of catio you want, the location of your catio, your carpentry skills, and your budget. This article will help you decide if you should buy a catio, build it yourself, or hire someone to build your catio.
Is it cheaper to buy or build a catio?
It’s important to keep longevity in mind when choosing to build or buy a catio. Replacing a cheap cat enclosure that breaks or turns out to be too small for your cat can cost more in the long run. Read our guidance on determining whether it is cheaper to buy or build a catio.
What types of DIY Catio Plans does Catio Spaces offer?
Catio Spaces offers a variety of DIY Catio Plans for a window, deck, patio, garden or yard.
- WINDOW BOX: Compact, veranda-style window box catio applicable for slider or sash windows. (small, medium and large sizes)
- CATIO TUNNEL: a spacious 8-foot x 18 ½” x 20” tunnel with a variety of options including custom lengths, tunnel configurations and mounting options.
- HAVEN: Compact, 3-sided catio perfect for a garden, patio or deck. Space for human access. (3×6, 4×8 sizes)
- SANCTUARY: Deluxe, 3-sided catio ideal for a garden, patio or deck. Space for human seating. (6×8, 8×10 sizes)
- OASIS & CAT TUNNEL: Deluxe, 4-sided catio for a garden or yard with a cat tunnel connecting to a house. Space for human seating. (8×8, 8×10 sizes)
- CATIO LITTER BOX: An exterior-mounted litter box enclosure that’s easy for your cat to access from inside their cat.
- LITTER BOX BENCH: A multifunctional litter box bench with seating on top for use inside your catio or home.
Explore all of our Catio Spaces DIY Plans here.
What is included in a Catio Spaces DIY Plan?
Our DIY Catio Plans include step-by-step instructions including diagrams, a materials and tools list, and tips to acclimate your cat to a cat door and new catio space, tips for safe plants, enrichment, decorating, and more! Find details on Catio Spaces DIY Plans here.
How much does a Catio Spaces DIY Catio Plan Cost?
Catio Spaces DIY Plans are purchased online as a PDF download and range in price from $39.95-$69.95 depending on the size and type of catio. Plans include detailed instructions and a materials list. 10% of each catio plan is donated by Catio Spaces to an animal welfare organization. Gift certificates are also available. You can see all of our DIY Catio Plans here.
Can I have a catio custom built?
Your dream catio may require the help of an experienced designer and builder. A custom catio is an investment. It should complement your home and provide a secure and enriching space for your cat, so be sure your designer has some experience or is willing to research catio builds. Catio Spaces designs and installs custom catios in the greater Seattle area and you can learn more about Catio Spaces custom catios here.
Catio Building Materials
What is the best material for a catio?
Catios Catio Spaces DIY Plans utilize sturdy wood framing, escape-proof galvanized wire, a clear polycarbonate or wire mesh roof, multiple cedar shelves, perches for lounging and space to decorate. Wood framework can be left natural, stained or painted to complement a home. Floor options can include grass, decking, pavers and more. You can learn more about the best materials to build a cat here.
What is the best type of mesh for a catio?
Catio Spaces recommends 16-gauge, 2” x 3” grid-opening fencing wire because it is strong, durable, readily available, and easy to work with. You can read more about what to keep in mind when choosing the best type of mesh for your catio here.
What is the best wood for a catio?
While many types of wood are suitable for catio-building, cedar is very durable, tends not to shrink or warp, and is a sustainably managed resource. Because cedar is costly, standard wood-framing lumber is a commonly used affordable, readily accessible option.
What is the best floor for a catio?
You can build your catio directly upon a wood deck or porch or a paved patio. Other options include grass, natural wood chips, patio pavers, carpet-covered exterior plywood, or cedar decking. It’s important for the surface to be level to provide a solid base for your catio, and escape-proof. Here are some catio mistakes you’ll want to avoid with floors.
How do I add a roof to my catio? Is a roof necessary for a catio?
A catio must be 100% enclosed to keep cats in and wildlife out, so a wire or solid roof is required. A solid, clear polycarbonate roof (full or partial) lets natural light in while providing a spot that’s protected from rain and snow so your cat can enjoy the outdoors in every season. Learn more about wire and solid catio roofs and other building tips here.
Does a catio need to be dig-proof?
It’s important to fasten your catio securely to your deck, porch, or patio, or bury wire around the perimeter if your catio is directly on the ground. It only takes a tiny gap for a cat to squeeze out or another animal to squeeze in, and wildlife and dogs and expert diggers. You’ll find help making your catio safe from digging animals here.
Catio & Cat Care for All Seasons
Can I put food in a catio?
To avoid attracting wildlife and insects, it’s best not to feed your cat in the catio. Even if other animals cannot enter, nose-to-nose contact or stressful conflicts can occur through the mesh. Avoid catio problems with these important catio dos and don’ts.
What can I put in a catio?
To enrich your cat’s outdoor space and make it a comfortable outdoor room where you and your cat can bond together, add potted cat-safe plants, comfortable seating, extra shelves and sheltering cubbies, scratchers, wall décor, and more. Explore the many ways you can decorate a catio and make it a beautiful and comfortable garden space here.
Can I add a litter box to a catio?
An extra litter box in a catio can help reduce indoor smells and reduce multi-cat strife by adding an additional litter box option. Our Catio Spaces DIY Litter Box plans are attractive and can even provide extra seating. Check out our two Catio Spaces Litter Box Plans here.
How do I clean my catio?
A well-built catio can be accessed for cleaning through a human-sized door or a window. The floor can be maintained through regular sweeping, grass-trimming, or a quick leaf-blowing (depending on the surface). Shelves can be wiped with a cat-safe disinfectant. Check out these 5 important tips for cleaning your catio.
How do I keep a catio safe in a heatwave?
You will want to be sure your cat has access to water and shade in their catio, even if they can come and go from their catio at will. Check out these three things to add to your catio in a heatwave, and these essential summer safety tips for catios.
Can I keep my cat in a catio in the winter? How do I winterize a catio?
Many cats enjoy the brisk air of winter and playing in the snow. When winter approaches, clean and check your catio roof, shelves, and floor, and consider adding a windbreak and a weather-proof cubby so your cat can enjoy all season access. Learn how to winterize your catio here.
Can I keep my cat catio warm in the winter? Can I add a heating pad to a catio?
To provide winter warmth for your cat in their catio, consider providing a weatherproof cubby and, if you have a grounded electrical outlet, perhaps even add an outdoor heating pad. Read about catio winter warmth tips here.
Cynthia Chomos is a Feng Shui Consultant, Catio Designer and the Founder of Catio Spaces, creating harmonious indoor and outdoor spaces for her 4-legged and 2-legged clients. She lives in Seattle with her adorable tabby Serena (who has four catios) and is the inspiration for Catio Spaces. Cynthia offers free catio tips, DIY Catio Plans and custom catios to keep cats safe and protect birds and wildlife. You can contact Cynthia at CatioSpaces.com.
