Build A Catio ~ a Tiny Screen House for Kitty Cats!

Barb Rosen
by Barb Rosen
Okay, call us crazy cat people and we'll confess to being guilty as charged! Ever since I saw a few ideas on the internet for making cat enclosures for inside cats to enjoy the outdoors, I have wanted to make one.
Luckily, my husband liked the idea even more than I did! So it was time to build a catio! For $280 in materials, our three housecats can now sniff the breezes, watch the birds and feel like queens of the jungle in their own little 3ft by 6ft screened enclosure!
Shadow enjoying the Catio
I drew up plans for a simple rectangular structure that would attach to the back of our house. A laundry room window with the screen removed serves as the portal to adventure!
Finished Catio Frame ready for painting.
If you have ever painted pressure treated lumber, you will know it sucks the paint right off the brush! It took as long to paint two coats on the catio as it did to frame it up! Don't forget to also paint wood strips for covering the stapled screen panels.
Painted Catio frame.
Metal screening was used so it would keep our cat's safe from bugs (and keep insects out of the house!). Our cats don't claw screens. But, if your cat does, weld wire or chicken wire could be used instead.
The finished Catio!
Our cats are loving their new outdoors ventures and we have to chase them back inside some nights. (I do close and lock the window when we are away and at night).
See more pictures and construction details on Our Fairfield Home and Garden's blog post by clicking on the link below.
Barb Rosen
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  • Lovesunique Lovesunique on May 27, 2019

    A small compact space and just enough for enjoyment. Mine is outside freestanding as I don't have a window access like you do. I bought a dog kennel and turned it into a catico. I like how you have a "human" door for easy access for cleaning!

  • Barb Rosen Barb Rosen on May 27, 2019

    Yes, the"human" door comes in very handy for cleaning and changing out kitty toys and beds!

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