Build Your Own Catio: Expert DIY Plans & Design Inspiration

As many of you know, I choose to let Charlie and Trigg outside in our fenced-in backyard.  Whether or not to let your cat outside, can be a hard choice for some.  If you feel that your cat needs to spend time outdoors just as much as you do, then you might consider a catio, which is a great solution for those on the fence (and even those that have indoor-only cats). Even house cats love to lounge in the sun and feel the breeze of the chill wind through their fur. But how do you make sure they are safe outside considering that they are not used to defending themselves from cars, other animals outside, or even other people? The answer is installing a catio.

Jump to:

• What is a catio?
• Build Your Own Catio
• DIY catio plan
• The main parts of a catio
• Building the catio shelves
• Fitting the catio braces
• Catio frame structure
• Catio Design Ideas
• Free catio plans – PDF download
• Catio plan FAQs

What is a catio?

A catio a patio for cats that is closed with special fencing so that your cat will be safely kept inside. It is a great way of letting your cat enjoy the outdoors without you having to worry about their safety. It also means that cats, as natural predators, can enjoy the outdoors without bringing any prey into your home.

Build Your Own Catio

Yes, you most certainly can if you have some experience with building outdoor furniture and fencing. Ultimately, a diy catio can be just as large as you want it to be and you can make it fit specifically in your house. You have to measure the area where you want the catio to be and then make a well-documented plan so that you know what materials to buy.

On the other hand, if you do not want to build your own diy cat enclosure, there are builders that specialize in catios whom you can call. But even in this case, you have to know what type of catio you want to build and maybe even have a design ready. This will make the entire process much easier for the builders, but also for yourself.

How to build a catio:

Catio safety measures Building a catio will be fairly simple, but there are some key aspects you have to keep in mind in terms of safety. You can read more about how to build a safe catio here, but here are some notable takeouts.

Time

The time it takes to build your own catio will depending entirely on your own experience with DIY, and the scale of the project you’re taking on, including how many components you’re adding. A small window box catio could be assembled in a couple of hours by any cat owner who is handy with power tools and a spirit level, but then you will likely need to add a couple of coats of paint to the catio to not only make it look attractive but to help protect it from decay.

Larger structures will take more time, although they aren’t the most complicated of projects to build. You could put one together in a day, although if you aren’t comfortable with homemade structures then hiring a handyman to do it for a small commission once you have everything you need might make more sense.

Tools

Once you’ve completed the first step of the project and planned your build, you need to consider the materials list and also the tools you’ll need. If you’re buying a ready-to-build structure then you will likely just need a power drill with screw bits and possibly a hammer, but if you’re sourcing your own lumber you’ll need a saw to cut pieces to length. A miter saw will make this much easier if you have one, or can borrow one.

Materials

The obvious first choice when it comes to making your DIY catio plans is in the lumber you’ll want to use to make the frame. Cedar is the best choice, because it’s highly durable, resistant to weather and it looks great. Some people prefer pine or other cheaper materials but they will need more maintenance and care over time.

The fencing in the diy outdoor cat enclosure is extremely important – it has to be large-weaved enough to prevent the cat from getting out, but still allow proper air flow inside the catio. The catio must have proper fencing on the entire surface. There should be no interruptions to the fencing because the cat could try to escape through there and end up getting hurt. The upper part of the catio should be made out of a solid waterproof material so that it protects the cat from any unforeseen changes in weather it may encounter.

You also need to make sure it is properly secured to the unit, so adding a couple of roof rafters to fix the top of the catio in place is a good idea.

Finally, don’t forget the most basic materials – screws! Ensure you’ve got the right length to properly fix each piece together.

DIY catio plan

The main parts of a catio

Catios come in many shapes and sizes, but all of them include some basic elements. Here are the main parts of all catios: The cage is made out of fencing – All catios have a fenced exterior which is tailored to fit the space where they are installed. There are even catios for balconies, which can either be the entire balcony closed up with catio panels, or a cage-type catio placed on the balcony or terrace. You’ll also need to plan an entrance.

The entrance to the catio – For catios that communicate with the house through a window or a door, the entrance will be that, but for other cage-type catios, you have to build an entrance. This is typically made out of the fence and it features a solid lock system. Another option for outdoor catios is to connect them with the house through a catio tunnel. The cat gets out of the house and goes through the tunnel to get inside the catio.

The ledges and stairs inside the catio – Once the cat is inside, it will have to sit and lounge on ledges that you install. You can experiment with these, all in the line of safety of course, and build a true amusement park for your cat in the catio by using stairs and indoor tunnels to connect the ledges.

Lounging Areas inside the catio – Your cat will most certainly enjoy playing in the catio, but it also needs a cat bed to sit on and relax inside. You get to decide where to put it. You will also probably want shelves where your cat can unwind too, platforms where your felines can just sit and soak up the sun.

Play Stations inside the catio – Depending on how large you want your catio to be, you can also put in toys, scratchers and cat trees in the catio for your cat’s enjoyment.

Food and Water Areas inside the catio – These are especially necessary for catios that are placed outside and that do not communicate with the house. If your cat does not have access to food and water by going back inside the house, then it is crucial that you supply it inside the catio. Litter Box Area inside the catio – This is a must for catios that do not communicate with the house. If your cat is going to spend time inside the catio and enjoy it, it needs to have a litter box present otherwise, it will become distressed.

Building the catio door

For catios that communicate with the house through a window or a door, the entrance will be that, but for other cage-type catios, you have to build an entrance. This is typically made out of the fence and it features a solid lock system. Just make sure that when you build it, you use a solid latch that is easy to lock and unlock for humans but not for your pets.

Another option for outdoor catios is to connect them with the house through a catio tunnel. The cat gets out of the house and goes through the tunnel to get inside the catio.

Building the catio shelves

Once the cat is inside, it will have to sit and lounge on ledges that you install. You can experiment with these, all in the line of safety of course, and build a true amusement park for your cat in the catio by using stairs and indoor tunnels to connect the ledges.

Make sure that any shelves you build are secured in multiple places, and that the lumber you use is thick enough to support the weight of your cat once it has been secured in place.

Fitting the catio braces

The braces can be different elements. If you’re building a cage that rests on the ground, the braces are what you’ll use to attached the catio frame to your home, or just to solidify the structure in the joints. For window box catios you’d use braces to hold the box up, so there needs to be enough of them to hold your cat’s weight.

Catio frame structure

Now that you know everything a catio must feature, it’s time to see some actual catio models. We hope that these will serve as inspiration for your catio project. Here are some DIY catio design ideas you can actually use: Top 3 Amazing Plans to check out:

1. PawHut Large Wooden Outdoor Cat House with Large Run for Play
2. JAXPETY Large Wooden Pet Cat House Enclosure
3. Aivituvin Large Wooden Cat House Outdoor and Indoor Run 70.9″

Catio Design Ideas

The Window Box Catio

This is the simplest type of catio available, but your cat is guaranteed to love it. It is box-shaped and made out of catio fencing with a waterproof roof. This is a type of catio that you can install in front of a window so that your cat can watch the birds outside in perfect safety. For this type of catio, you will not have space for a lot of toys and you will not need to put in a litter box because it communicates directly to your house window and your cat can go inside whenever it pleases. As for food and water, these are optional for the window box catio. Here you can find the pdf catio plans for this type of catio in three different sizes.

The Window Haven Catio

The window haven catio brings an instant boost in space and options. It is also made to be connected to a house window, it also features a waterproof roof, but it offers much more space inside for your cat. The window connects to a ledge, where your cat can sit on, which connects to several other ledges in the catio, placed higher and lower than the one at the entrance. This catio model also features an outside entrance for you so that you can go inside if you need to get your cat or clean up the catio. The litter box is optional because your cat can run inside the house to its regular litter box, but placing some food and water might be a good idea. You have plenty of space to install toys in this catio model, so you can experiment all you want. Here you can find the catio plan in pdf and this model comes in two different sizes, so you can go with the maxi version and create a true cat haven.

The Extra Large Catio – The Sanctuary

This catio model is the deluxe version of a catio, which your furry companion is simply going to love. It features the main entrance through the window, which is connected to a ledge system leading to large lounging space, where you can even place a cat bed. It continues down to another generous ledge, where it can jump to the floor from. The entrance ledge is also connected to a system of upper ledges so that your cat has plenty of space to explore. The sanctuary model also features a door where you can enter the catio and spend time with your kitty. You even have space to put in a chair and a table for yourself so that the catio is a lounge space for both you and your cat. For this model, you have plenty of space to install all kinds of toys and scratchers for your cat to enjoy.

The litterbox is not strictly necessary because the cat can go inside the house whenever it needs, but considering how much time it is going to be spent in there, placing a litter box might be a good idea. The same goes for food and water. After all the exercise your cat will be doing there, it is going to want to drink some water and it is a good idea to have it there for it. Installing a cat fountain might be a nice touch because it can keep the water cold at all times. Here is the plan for this type of catio in pdf and, like the others, it comes in two different sizes.

The Outdoor Oasis Catio + Tunnel

As far as catios go, you simply can’t get any better than this. The outdoor oasis catio model is a true adventure land for your cat. It offers a very generous cage outside, which is connected to your house through a tunnel. How amazing is that? If you have a kitty door in your house, you can link the catio to the house there via a tunnel made out of catio fencing. The main part of the catio features a waterproof roof and the main entrance where you can go into the catio yourself. The oasis catio is ideal for your ward and your cat is simply going to love it. It offers enough space for you to install some furniture for yourself inside the catio so that you can spend time with your cat outside. It has ledge systems on the upper, middle, and lower part of the cage and on the floor, your cat can enjoy sleeping in the grass. Optionally, you can install a flooring system if you do not want it to be directly on your lawn.

Free catio plans – PDF download

Looking for some free PDFs to help you with your catio plan? Here are some ideas, starting with some window catio plans in various sizes:

Window Box Catio Plans

Window Haven Catio Plans

Extra Large Sanctuary Catio Plans

Outdoor Oasis Catio Plans

For this type of catio, you should put in a litter box, as well as food and water. This is going to be your cat’s new outdoor residence, so you can make it welcoming for it! Here is the pdf plan for this amazing catio, which also comes in two different sizes. As you can see, there are so many amazing options out there for catios.

No longer does your cat have to longingly look outside the window, now it can step outside in its very own catio and you can be assured that it is in a safe space where it will not be harmed in any way. Do you have a catio for your kitty? Which one of these models does it resemble the most? If you’re only just setting up your catio, which one of these would you choose? Tell us all about your catio adventures in the comments section below! If you are looking for options for a whole yard be sure to read our post on Containment Fences too. Shop CatioSpaces.com and use the promo code “FLOPPYCATS”.

Catio plan FAQs

How much does it cost to build a catio?

The cost of a catio can vary quite a lot depending on your chosen style and whether you’re making it yourself or asking someone else to build it for you. The materials for a DIY catio can cost anywhere between $100 and $1000, with lumber prices fluctuating.

Expect to pay at least $300 if you’re asking someone to build one for you, and if you want a completely custom one then the price will likely be higher again, although you may find a cheaper option local to you.

What wood do I need to build a catio?

The best wood for a catio is cedar. It’s strong, long-lasting and durable. You should still treat it, but because it isn’t absorbent it won’t warp under heavy rain, which will keep the structure solid and mean that you don’t have to find a way to cover it during the winter.

You can use other woods or even a metal frame but metal can rust, while other woods may need waterproofing and other treatments.

Are catios good for cats?

Catios are a good option for giving your cat some extra room to explore and allowing them to bask under the sun on a warm day. It’s extra exercise too, especially if you buy or build a larger one with plenty of stairs and shelves for your cat to climb.

Do cats like a catio?

Every cat is different, so there’s no guarantee that your cat will like a catio, but many do. You can make it more appealing by adding play stations and plenty of places where the cat can rest and watch the world go by.

Is a catio worth it?

If you can afford the time and the money, a catio is usually a worthwhile addition to your home. It lets your cat enjoy the outdoors in a space that’s safe and comfortable, while you have peace of mind knowing they can’t escape, attack small animals or be attacked by larger ones.

Is it cruel to have a catio?

It is not considered cruel to have a catio. While some may argue that it could tease the cat if they have hunting instincts and see small animals outside the fencing, it’s no different to an indoor cat having access to a window.
A catio gives your cat the chance to enjoy the outdoors, and extra space to roam, whilst keeping the local wildlife safe. The only time a catio would be cruel is if you confined them to the catio and didn’t give them the freedom to get back indoors.

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