The Great Outdoors Cat Catio

Carol Truman
by Carol Truman
5 Materials
$250
4 Days
Medium

We wanted our cats to enjoy the birds in our rural back yard without worrying that they might wander away or be endangered by our local wildlife so we built a catio.

The finished project is 4 feet deep, 10 feet wide and about 7 feet high at the back wall.

Levels for perching on

We built 2 cat trees for them to climb and play on then mounted a cat walk on the back wall that leads to a wooden box that they spend hours in watching the birds.

We started with a couple of free pallets which we framed out to create a floor, placed on a gravel base leveled and secured to the house. We painted with an outdoor deck paint.

Adding wire mesh

Wire mesh being stapled in place with an air stapler. A wood framed door (on the table) was also made to fit the opening. We used Tremclad red paint and a quality grey paint for durability.

Catio floor partially painted with deck paint

We ripped 2x4's as needed and measured everything carefully to not waste materials. We are not carpentry pro's by any means but pretty happy with our framing efforts.

Happy cats

With a variety of levels to choose from, our cats get lots of exercise and fresh air.

Suggested materials:
  • 2x4's   (local lumber store)
  • Metal roof panels   (lumber store)
  • Cage wire   (lumber store)
See all materials
Frequently asked questions
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  1 question
  • DebWor DebWor on Jan 27, 2019

    Is there a way to build this so snakes can't get in? I have moved to the the South and we have coral, copper heads water moccasins and rattlesnake. Have only seen them dead in the roads not on the property. I have seen black snakes which I have been told eat the others. My friend has screened in pool and corals came up around cement and steel sides. My concern is for them seeing something move and playing with it and getting bit.

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