Building a Catio

I built my catio because my crew desperately needed more room to decompress and enjoy a little personal space. I’ve always known my cats would relish being outdoors, but I never had the stomach to let them roam freely — keeping them indoors felt like my one selfish decision as a cat parent. When I adopted a bold, window-obsessed little female last year who practically vibrated with “I want to go out,” that was the final nudge I needed to stop dreaming about a catio and finally build one.

The project itself was definitely not a one-person job, so I recruited help. We’re moderately handy — not master carpenters by any stretch — but we could read plans, use a circular saw, and problem-solve as we went. I chose the Haven 4×8' model and followed the plans about 95%, but I did have to make modifications because of my old house. For example, the exterior has electrical conduit running along the wall for the AC unit, which meant the catio had to sit farther off the house than designed. It caused a few hiccups, but nothing we couldn’t work around. My only real critique is that some of the recommended materials weren’t available at my local Home Depot or Lowe’s — like the cedar shelves — so I improvised where needed.

I briefly considered screening the structure, but it limited visibility and was too pricey. Instead, I used a sturdy wire mesh (definitely not chicken wire — too flimsy for determined cats).

Thankfully, I have a kitchen window that aligns perfectly with the catio, so all I have to do is open it for the cats to go in and out. Even with the window open most of the day, I’ve hardly had any issues with bugs. I haven’t started flea prevention yet — I’m taking the cautious “wait and see” approach while flea-combing them every other day. I originally wanted to add grass, but it wasn’t the right season for sod, so for now they have mulch. Once the weather cools, I’ll lay down grass so they can feel it under their toes — an experience I really want them to have.

And honestly? They adore it. They spend hours outside, exploring, lounging, and racing across the shelves. My 17-year-old is unimpressed and refuses to participate, but the baby (only four months) is already a regular. Starbuck, however, is the catio queen — every day at 5 p.m. she heads outside to bird watch, nap, and groom until I bribe her back in around 9 p.m. I still close the catio overnight because of local wildlife, but during the day it stays open, and I’ve finally stopped hovering like a helicopter parent. Those first two days I was convinced someone would escape; now, I can leave for work without a worry.

Bottom line: building a catio was absolutely worth it. My cats are happier, more enriched, and have a safe slice of the outdoors to call their own.