“I’ve had cats for twenty years and I’ve lost at least two to coyotes. I can’t stand it when I see them bring in birds so I figure a catio is a win/win. They can’t get eaten up by coyotes and they can’t kill other little animals. I feel like they are really safe.” ~ Carol

Cat + Patio = Catio!

Catios can be simple or elaborate; inexpensive or extreme.

They have the common goal of keeping a cat safe while allowing outside time, but otherwise come in many different forms. Consider these design ideas then see below for a list of links to resources. We do not recommend any particular style or brand but hope to make it easier to keep Cats Safe at Home™!

1. Cat-only catios can be fairly inexpensive to build, can be small, and can be built in an otherwise unused space.

2. Cat and human shared catios can be transformed from an existing patio just by enclosing it with screen or wire or can be a new addition to your home. This option can also provide a great shaded, bug-free setting for people.

3. Construction can be pre-made kits or fencing, DIY, or built by a hired handyman or contractor.

4. Catio access can be through a window, door, or wall cut, and either direct or through a tunnel to another location (or add the tunnel just for fun!). You can also carry kitty to a free-standing feature.

5. Cool features are limited only by space, weather, safety concerns, and creativity! Consider ramps, cat trees, and boulders for climbing; driftwood and posts for scratching; cat-safe plants for shade and catnip for enjoyment; and fountains and perches for relaxation. Don’t forget lounge chairs for humans to relax with their favorite felines!

Catio Construction Resources

A starter kit for your Catio building adventure!

Catios can be simple or elaborate; inexpensive or extreme. They have the common goal of keeping your cat safe while allowing outside time - and also keeping birds safe! We’ve gathered a list of resources for you to get started. We do not recommend any particular style or brand but hope to make it easier to keep Cats Safe at Home™!

Scroll through the full list below or jump to your topic on this page using these links:

Portland Area Catio Builders
Cat Fencing, Doors, Screening & Wood
Catio DIY and Custom Plans
Premade and Portable Options
Construction Tips
Catio Tour Guidebooks, Vision Boards, Videos & Images

Portland Area Catio Builders

When you call these providers, be sure to mention you found them at CatsSafeatHome.org!

Cat Fencing, Doors, Screening, Lumber & Building Materials

Shur-way Building Center: As specialists in outdoor living and remodeling, Shur-way Building Center has the parts you need for your particular project and has locations in both Portland and Vancouver. Shur-way is a Whiskers & Wings sponsor of the 2024 Catio Tour! We are truly grateful!

MeowSafe: MeowSafe has an extra tall 72" cat gate designed to keep your cat safe and sound. This Cat Safety Gate creates a tall pet barrier in a laneway, doorway or between rooms in your home. MeowSafe is a Nine Lives sponsor of the 2024 Catio Tour!

Cat Fence-In: Cat Fence-In specializes in cat fencing systems that attach to existing fences. Their products include cat fence conversion kits and components designed to create a safe and secure outdoor space for cats.

Cat Topia is a custom catio service that specializes in building custom outdoor cat enclosures across 50 states. Their goal is to eliminate cat homelessness and give all cats a healthy outdoor experience.

Easy Pet Fence:  The Kitty Corral Cat Fence from EasyPetFence.com is DIY cat fencing available in heights 6 and 7.5’ and offers superior protection against external predators while providing safe, easy outdoor time.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Support the community and shop reclaimed building materials at one of 4 Portland metro locations.

Kittyfence: Kittyfence offers a range of cat containment solutions, including cat fencing, cat enclosures, and cat gates.

Oscillot: Oscillot is a cat containment system that consists of a series of patented paddles that prevent cats from scaling fences. The system can be installed on existing fences and is designed to keep cats safely contained within the property.

PetDoors.com: PetDoors.com features a wide variety of cat-specific doors and flaps for any entry type you can think of: screen, glass, walls, sliding doors - you name it! We're grateful that PetDoors supports our mission through their Flaps for Fido program.

Purr...fect Fence: Purrfect Fence has protected nearly 50,000 cats for individuals, vet clinics, rescues, and shelters across the globe (on every continent except Antarctica!) Purrfect Fence offers patented fencing systems, catios, and enclosures to ensure your cat(s) are safe and happy outdoors!

ReBuilding Center: Build the community through reuse and shop reclaimed building materials at the Rebuilding Center.

Reclaim NW: Check out their wide range of reclaimed lumber, doors, lighting, hardware, architectural salvage, surplus lumber and rare finds. 

Timber Pro UV Coatings: Restore and protect natural wood and masonry with their safe, durable, and easy-to-maintain products.

Catio DIY and Custom Plans

Catio Spaces offers both custom designs and a variety of DIY Catio Plans that take the guesswork out of building a catio for window, deck, patio or garden.  Catio Spaces is a Purrfect Partner sponsor of the Catio Tour and also supports our mission with your purchase! Use Promo Code: CSAH10. SAVE 10% plus 10% is donated to Cats Safe at Home.

DIY Portable Catio: Local handyman, Mike Peroni, created, built, and donated the portable catio you see us with at trade shows and posted on our facebook page! Here are the plans for that catio!

My Outdoor Plans: Free step-by-step, totally DIY, catio plans. Includes tools and supply lists.

ReStore Habitat for Humanity, Portland: The Business Relations Manager at Portland's Restore made a catio out of found materials, then a lucky raffle winner took it home! Check it out!

This Old House: Free DIY guide to create a screened-in window catio space. Includes step by step images, a cut list, tools and supply lists.

Premade and Portable: inexpensive options, and purrfect for rentals or condos.

Catnets provides safe and affordable catio solutions across the USA. Whether you need a portable pre-fabricated catio for a rental or are looking to build a more permanent catio, Catnets supplies secure and durable products and materials for any space. Catnets is a Purrfect Partner sponsor of the 2024 Catio Tour and one of their portable catios will be on display at the event on September 7th! Get your tickets and check it out!

CDE Animal Cages has been hand-making quality catios since 1984. Offering the highest quality in both materials and craftsmanship, they have very happy clients who have enjoyed their catio for 30 years or more. Family-owned and operated, they can design, create, install and make all your catio dreams come true. CDE Animal Cages is a Nine Lives sponsor of the 2024 Catio Tour!

Aivituvin sells luxury real estate for your furry friends! Nothing is more exciting than having a dream house for your pets! Aivituvin will donate 5% of your order to the Cats Safe at Home program! (must use this link)

Armarkat has over 180 unique models of Cat Trees, as well as playpens and even beds and scratchers. With superior design and construction always at the forefront, the company refines its inventory with improvements and new additions regularly.

C&D Pets has various enclosure kits to choose from as well as other indoor enrichment products.

Cat Topia is a custom catio service that specializes in building custom outdoor cat enclosures across 50 states.

Cats with an Altitude has developed window enclosures, called Kitty Peepers, which come in a few different sizes and can be quickly installed and removed.

Habitat Haven has pre-designed cat enclosure kits, build your own enclosures, and a fancy RV series for kitty life on the road.

Home Depot sells a ready-made catio with shelving and a roof.

Kittywalk enclosures has a variety of lawn, deck and patio designs to choose from.

Omlet has options that give your cat a secure area that they can call their own.

Purr...fect Fence: Purrfect Fence has fencing, but sometimes there just isn’t room for a catio, so they created a Purrfect Play Tent! Perfect for people in apartments, it sets up and takes down quickly and can fit on a patio or balcony or travel to a park. Wherever your kitty is looking for a little fresh air while being safely confined.

Construction Tips from Real People with Catios!

• Make sure cat(s) are locked far away when painting! Painted paw prints are cute but messy.

• Paint BEFORE putting fencing on.

• Consider the value of looks vs. efficiency. If it will be visible and you want a “finished” look, fencing wants to be on the inside of the framing. If you aren’t concerned about the look, putting fencing on the outside of the structure can be much faster.

• If you can, acclimate your cat to the catio slowly.

• Consider what you want the cats to be able to do out there and make a list of “required” features, and then add the fun stuff. You can always add weird pom poms and hammocks and things, but if there’s no shade for when it’s hot, or places for them to hide and be sneaky, they probably won’t use it as much as you would like.

• Watch how the weather impacts the space you plan to build in, figure out the entrance location first thing, make sure you have a solid base to build on, and know you will need to make changes along the way.

• First decide whether the catio is just for the cats, or if you want it large enough that you can comfortably enjoy it with them. Placement of doors and ramps may differ depending on the usage.

• If you plan to hire someone, be sure to get specifics about materials, design, etc., and consider how long it takes them to respond with a quote – and make sure they clearly understand the purpose of the catio so that the cats’ safety is taken into consideration with the construction.

• Make sure all seams are sealed above, below, and on every side...so you have peace of mind that your cats will be safe.

• Warm it up for the winter! Consider adding removable (seasonal) plexiglass window panels fitted around the framing of the catio, inexpensive throw carpets on the floor, and/or a low voltage heat lamp.

Past Catio Tour Guidebooks are Filled with Inspiration!

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