Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

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

Paige Cerulli
By

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.

Recommended Videos

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.

Related

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
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…
Lap time, nap time: Why your cat chooses to sit on you
Find out the real reasons your cat lies in your lap
Cat sitting in a lap

As a pet parent, nothing is better than when your cat decides to curl up for a nap on your lap. Sometimes it can be slightly irritating when you need to get some work done, attempt to move your fur baby, and they look at you like you've not only offended them, but also the entire domestic cat species. But it's impossible to say no to their adorable noses and whiskers, so you let them stay. Have you ever wondered why so many of our feline family members become lap cats? We'll tell you everything you need to know about why cats love to sit on you.
Reasons your cat loves to sit on you
Wonder why your lap is your cat's favorite place to sleep? Here are some of the most common reasons.
Cats sit on you because they seek connection and attention
Despite their reputation for being aloof, most cats crave attention, especially from their favorite people. Cats get lonely when you’re not around and will beg for attention when you are. One way they do this is by sitting on your lap; it’s hard to ignore them when they’re right on top of you! They also come to you for connection and love. Usually, a cat on the lap gets affection, so your cat may come to you when they want to be petted and feel loved.
Cats get on your lap because you’re warm
Whether it’s by the radiator or in a sunbeam, kitties love napping in warm spots. One of the coziest places in your home happens to be wherever you are because of the heat your body emits! This could be why your cat likes sitting with you. They may choose to sit on your lap because they want to soak up all your body heat. Luckily, it’s not a one-way street; your cat’s body heat and fur can help keep you warm, too. With your lap cat, you’ll both stay nice and cozy.
Cats sit on you because they trust you
Sitting on top of you is a cat's ultimate sign of trust. Cats only sit in the laps of people they really feel safe with. This is especially true if they nap on you. Your cat is essentially saying they trust you to protect them from any predators while they're napping. To build even more trust with your pet, make sure you’re not forcing them to sit on your lap, and you’re giving them the option to walk away when they want. By acknowledging their freedom and leaving your lap open to your kitty, you're encouraging them to trust you even more.
Cats like the way you smell and sound
Your body is like a white-noise machine for cats. They find the noises human beings naturally make, like breathing and heartbeats, to be very soothing. It helps them relax into an easy slumber. Your cat may also be attracted to your unique scent. Smelling you may make your cat feel safer, making it easier for them to fall asleep. This can also explain why your cat always seems to love sleeping on your clothes, bed, and other possessions.

Your clothes feel nice to a cat
Have you noticed that your cat sleeps on your lap only when you’re wearing certain things? Cats love to nap in warm, comfy spots. They’re also sensitive to certain textures, favoring soft, fuzzy materials over scratchy ones. If you’re wearing a fluffy fleece sweatshirt or a soft bathrobe, your cat may be more likely to cozy up to you. But if you’re wearing a vinyl raincoat, they may not be as interested.
Of course, your cat likes you
In addition to trusting you and wanting your attention, a cat sitting on your lap usually means that they like you! Lots of cats choose a favorite human. Cats have many ways of showing their affection, like purring, nudging you, and sitting in your lap. It’s high praise coming from a cat. They’re more likely to rest next to their favorite person than anyone else in the room.
Your cat is marking their territory
Many cats naturally feel the need to claim their territory, which might include you and your bed. Cats rub their heads and leave behind pheromones on whatever they feel is theirs. Then, when other cats come along, they can smell those pheromones and will recognize that they’re in another cat’s territory.

Read more
Why do cats stick out their tongues? Here are several surprising (and mostly harmless) reasons
Health concerns to harmless changes: Reasons cats stick out their tongues
Side view of a cat sticking out its tongue

Have you ever wondered why cats stick out their tongues? Maybe you've noticed your cat doing it and wondered if something might be wrong with them. Try not to worry about it. Most cats stick their tongues out occasionally, leading to this behavior being called a "blep" in internet slang. (Search for cat bleps online when you're feeling down; the adorable images are the perfect pick-me-up.)
What causes cats to blep? We'll explore a few potential reasons behind this strangely adorable behavior.

Why do cats stick out their tongues? Do you need to worry or not?
Your cat is exploring with their tongue
One of the most common reasons for an exposed tongue is that your cat is quite literally exploring their surroundings. When your cat leaves their mouth open and tongue out, they're collecting pheromones on their tongue -- this is called the Flehmen response. Those pheromones give your cat important information about other cats around, including whether they're in heat. Your cat may be assuming this strange posture simply to get additional information about the surrounding cats.

Read more
6 common reasons your cat sleeps under the covers and how to prevent it
Suggestions to help you and your cat get a good night's sleep
Gray cat curled up under a fluffy blanket

If your cat sleeps under the covers with you, you're not alone. While having your fur baby curled up against you sounds like a cozy way to fall asleep, it's not always good for your sheets -- or your health. Not only can cats leave behind some of their hair, but there's also the possibility that they'll bring in traces of litter into your bed. Yuck! Keep reading if you've been wondering how to curb your cat's undercover cuddling behavior once and for all.
Why does my cat sleep under the covers?
You may be wondering why your cat sleeps under the covers. Here are the six most common reasons, as well as some suggestions to help you put a stop to this habit.
1. It's warm and cozy
Your cat may seek out the bed because it's a warm and cozy sleeping spot. He might just be snuggling up for a nap and knows that under the covers is the warmest place.

What to do: To discourage this, consider giving your kitty a cat bed in a warm and cozy spot of his own, like in a sunny window or near a heating element. You can also give him a heated cat bed, which will help keep him toasty.
2. Your cat wants to play
Some cats who get under the covers are looking for a chance to play. This can be particularly true if your cat burrows under the covers while you're trying to make the bed, and then rolls or races around as you adjust the sheets and blankets. Your cat is probably feeling frisky and looking for a way to get your attention.

Read more