Skip to main content

Now’s the time to build a catio — how to do it in a weekend

For your indoor cat, a catio can be a freeing and exciting way to enjoy the outdoors safely. These enclosures can be small areas for your cat to get some air, but some cat owners build elaborate structures that are basically entire rooms located outside. The good news is, you can build a catio yourself as long as you have some basic construction plans — and even better, you can do it in a weekend. If you’re ready to begin, then start looking at some of the different types of catios that other cat owners have created. Then, you can start planning out your own.

Black and white cat stretching while inside a catio
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Plan carefully

When it comes to building a catio, the only limits are really your imagination. Catios can be as simple as a box that you attach to the outside of a window, or they can be large, complex structures that are essentially big kennels for your cats in your backyard. The larger catio will require more money, time, and construction skills to build than a smaller unit. If this is your first time building a catio, consider staying small. You can always build a larger unit once you’re more familiar with how to build a catio.

As you decide which type of catio design is right for your cat, start drafting your plans. Be sure to include measurements on those plans so you know exactly how large the catio will be. Any catio will need a frame made of wood, and it will need to be entirely surrounded by a strong wire mesh for security. You will want to create one or more doors to the catio so you can access your cats and clean the space as needed.

Buy the right supplies

You’ll save time if you carefully make a list of all the supplies you’ll need and can get them all at the store at once. Depending on the type and size of catio you’re planning to build, these supplies may vary. If you’re still coming up with the design for your catio, it’s a good idea to make a list of the materials that you’ll need and then price them out at your local hardware store. Material costs can quickly add up, and you might want to make some modifications, like reducing the size of the catio, to help you stay within your budget.

Chances are, you’ll need some or all of the following:

  • Lumber for framing
  • Wire mesh to enclose the entire catio
  • Hinges and latches for doors
  • Nails or screws
  • Fencing staples
  • Concrete pavers or another material to use as the foundation base
  • Accessories for indoor shelves, climbing units, toys, and more

If you don’t have them already, consider adding wire cutters and heavy-duty construction gloves to wear when handling the wire mesh.

When choosing a wire mesh, look for something heavy-duty and weather-resistant. A galvanized or powder-coated wire will resist rusting, meaning your catio will last longer. It’s important to buy a mesh that’s sturdy enough to withstand predators attempting to get through it. Look for a mesh with small openings since this will be stronger and more secure than a mesh with larger holes.

Cat sitting in a catio enclosure
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Catio construction tips

  • When building your catio, always refer carefully to your plans and measure everything twice before making any cuts.
  • Make sure that you create a strong base for the catio to stand on, since this base will carry most of the unit’s weight.
  • You’ll also want to account for drainage around the catio. Laying gravel or pea stone can help address drainage issues and keep water from washing out the catio base.
  • If you want to speed up your catio construction, have some friends over and host a catio-building party. Everyone can lend a hand with some basic construction, then enjoy pizza (your treat) later.

Building a catio doesn’t have to be terribly difficult, but it is important to plan out your project from the very beginning. The more detailed your plans and measurements are, the better the chance that your catio will be a success. When you’re building the unit, always think about safety. The catio needs to be predator-proof, and it also needs to safely keep your cat contained without risk of his being able to open the door or otherwise escape. Take your time building the catio and make sure that it’s strong and secure. Chances are, your cat will use it for years to come.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
Why do cats like to sleep on the bed with people? This common behavior explained
Does your kitty adore sleeping on your bed? Here's why that's so normal
Orange cat sleeping on a bed covered by a blanket

Few first-time cat owners expect their cats to be affectionate, yet many cats seek their owner's attention. Compared to dogs, cats are typically thought of as more standoffish and less loving. That's certainly not always the case. You may be surprised when your otherwise aloof cat prefers to sleep in your bed over any other place in the house, but cats have many reasons for wanting to sleep in your bed. Read on to learn why your cat likes sleeping in your bed and the pros and cons of letting them do so.

Reasons your cat likes sleeping on your bed
How did your bed become your kitty's favorite sleep space? Several reasons could be in play.
Your cat loves you
Though they sometimes act indifferent, cats love people just as much as dogs do. Sleeping in your bed may be your cat's way of letting you know they care. When your cat sleeps with you, they show that they enjoy your company. This is especially common if you met your cat during the first four to nine weeks of their life when imprinting occurs. If you were a stable and caring presence during this time, you've likely imprinted on your cat and gained their complete adoration and trust.
Your bed is oh-so-comfortable
Cats can sleep up to 15 hours a day -- they are sleep pros. They’ve probably tried to nap in every spot in your home, so they know the comfiest, warmest, and best locations for napping. It makes sense that they would try sleeping in your bed. And all the blankets and pillows you put on your bed for yourself only make it more enticing for your cat. After all, you find your bed comfy, so why wouldn’t they?

Read more
Cat begging for food? How to make it stop for good so you can eat in peace
6 essential tips to nip cat begging behavior before it gets worse
Car eating from a food bowl

If you have a cat obsessed with food, you're probably all too used to hearing them beg for food constantly, especially anytime you go into the kitchen. However, if your cat begging for food is getting out of hand, you'll need to step in and make some changes to discourage this begging. Plus, some foods aren't safe for cats to consume, anyway.
Cats may beg for food because of boredom, habit, or hunger, so getting to the root of your cat's behavior is essential when trying to change it. These tips can help you better understand how to get your cat to stop begging for food, so mealtimes become much less stressful for you both.

Start with a trip to the vet
If your cat is always begging for food, it could indicate a health issue. Worms and intestinal parasites could be feeding off your cat and making them feel like they're always hungry. Hyperthyroidism is a common health condition that can also make cats feel continuously hungry. Other health issues like cancer and diabetes can have a similar effect.
If your cat has recently developed this new behavior, it might indicate a physical issue. Make an appointment with your vet to have your cat checked over, just in case. In many cases, treating the underlying health issue can leave your cat feeling satisfied again and make the begging behavior disappear.

Read more
Why is my cat peeing on my bed? The real truth (and how to stop this gross habit)
Causes and solutions for when your cat pees where you sleep
Striped cat sitting on a bed in the bedroom

No one likes to ask, "Why is my cat peeing on my bed?" Noticing that your cat peed on your fresh-out-of-the-washing-machine sheets is of the most irritating things she can do. There are a lot of different reasons besides your cat just being a jerk that explain why she would do such a thing. Understanding the "why" will help you figure out what is really going on inside of your furry feline’s head, so you can then determine how to stop this unwanted behavior.

While many believe the primary reason cats pee on the bed is because they're just being sassy, this is usually not the case. Read on to learn why your cat has picked up this undesirable habit and what you can do to put an end to it.

Read more