If you’ve ever wished your cat could enjoy fresh air, sunshine and a good bird-watching session without wandering off, a Catio could be the purrrrfect solution.
A Catio, short for “cat patio”, is a secure outdoor enclosure designed especially for cats. It gives your furry friend access to the outdoors while keeping them safely contained and protected from common outdoor risks such as roads, other animals, getting lost or roaming too far from home.
Catios can be big or small, simple or luxurious, freestanding or attached to your home. The right choice depends on your cat, your property and how much outdoor freedom you want to give them.
What is a Catio?
A Catio is an enclosed outdoor space that allows cats to enjoy the outside world safely. It is usually built with secure mesh or fencing and can be connected to a window, door, patio, garden or side return.
Some Catios are compact window boxes where cats can sit and watch the world go by. Others are larger outdoor spaces with shelves, ramps, tunnels, climbing posts and cosy resting spots.
Think of it as a safe little outdoor kingdom for your cat.
We at ProtectaPet launched our New DIY Steel-Framed Catio a while ago.
Why do cat parents choose catios?
Many cat parents want their cats to enjoy the benefits of outdoor time, but without the risks of free roaming.
A catio can help your cat:
- Enjoy fresh air and sunshine
- Watch birds, insects and garden life
- Get more mental stimulation
- Climb, scratch and explore safely
- Spend time outdoors without leaving your property
- Stay protected from roads and other outdoor dangers
For indoor cats, a Catio can be a lovely way to add enrichment to their daily routine. For outdoor cats, it can offer a safer alternative if you are worried about traffic, neighbouring cats, or your cat wandering too far.
Are Catios good for cats?
Yes, Catios can be very good for cats when they are designed properly.
Cats are naturally curious. They love watching, sniffing, climbing and exploring. A well-designed Catio gives them a safe way to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors without the same level of risk.
They can be especially helpful for:
- Indoor cats who need more stimulation
- Older cats who enjoy gentle outdoor time
- Nervous cats who prefer a controlled space
- Cats in busy areas near roads
- Multi-cat households
- Homes where free roaming is not suitable
The key is making the Catio interesting. A plain empty box might not keep your cat entertained for long, but a Catio with shelves, scratching areas, shaded spots and different levels can quickly become their favourite place.
What types of Catios are there?
Catios come in many shapes and sizes. Here are some of the most common options.
Window Catio
A small Catio attached to a window.
This is ideal for cats who love sitting by the window and watching the outside world. It works well for smaller homes or properties without much garden space.
Best for:
- Indoor cats
- Smaller spaces
- Bird-watching cats
- Homes with limited outdoor access
Patio or door Catio
This type connects directly to a door, patio or back entrance, allowing your cat to walk in and out more easily.
Best for:
- Cats who like regular outdoor access
- Homes with patios or small gardens
- Cat parents who want a simple daily routine
Freestanding Catio
A freestanding Catio can be placed in the garden and does not always need to be attached to the house.
Best for:
- Gardens with flexible space
- Cats who enjoy exploring
- Homes where attaching a structure to the house is not suitable
Larger custom Catio
A larger Catio can include climbing areas, tunnels, platforms, bridges and enrichment features.
Best for:
- Active cats
- Multi-cat households
- Cat parents who want to create a full outdoor play space
Which ProtectaPet Catio Size Is Right for You?
At ProtectaPet, we've designed our DIY Steel-Framed Catio range to suit gardens of all sizes, from compact outdoor spaces to larger gardens designed for multiple cats.
Our current range includes (you can click on each size to see how they look on our website):
Whether you're looking for a cosy outdoor retreat for one cat or a spacious adventure zone for a multi-cat household, there's a Catio size to suit your space.
Not sure which size is right for you?
We've also created a handy Catio Configurator that helps you find the best Catio based on your available space and requirements.
What should you include in a Catio?
A good Catio should be safe, secure and enjoyable.
Consider adding:
- Strong secure mesh
- Shelves or platforms
- Shaded areas
- Cosy resting spots
- Scratching posts
- Ramps or tunnels
- Weather protection
- Cat-safe plants
- Fresh water
- Easy access for cleaning
You should also think about the sun, wind and rain. Cats love warmth, but they also need somewhere shaded and comfortable when the weather changes.
Things to consider before building a Catio
Before choosing a Catio, ask yourself:
- How much space do I have?
- Will my cat access it through a window, door or tunnel?
- Is the area shaded enough?
- Can I clean it easily?
- Is it secure from all sides?
- Will my cat have enough enrichment?
- Is it suitable for more than one cat?
- Do I need permission from a landlord or property manager?
It is also worth thinking about your cat’s personality. Some cats are happy with a small sunny perch. Others want to climb, patrol and investigate every corner.
How much does a Catio cost?
The cost of a Catio can vary depending on size, materials, design and whether it is DIY or professionally installed.
A small simple Catio will usually cost less than a large custom-built structure with tunnels, platforms and weather protection.
When planning your budget, consider:
- Size of the Catio
- Materials used
- Mesh quality
- Access points
- Enrichment features
- Installation method
- Long-term durability
A cheaper option may seem appealing, but security and quality matter. The whole point of a Catio is to keep your cat safe, so it needs to be strong, escape-resistant and suitable for outdoor use.
If you would like a free, customised quote for a professional Catio installation in your garden, click here.
Is a catio worth it?
For many cat parents, yes.
A Catio can be a brilliant way to give your cat more freedom, enrichment and outdoor enjoyment while giving you peace of mind.
It can be especially worthwhile if:
- You live near a busy road
- Your cat is indoor-only
- Your cat keeps trying to get outside
- You want safer outdoor enrichment
- You are worried about neighbouring cats
- You want to protect local wildlife
- You want your cat to enjoy fresh air without free roaming
Final thoughts
A Catio can be a wonderful way to give your cat the best of both worlds: the sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors, with the safety of a secure enclosed space.
Whether you choose a small window Catio, a larger garden Catio, a cat enclosure or full cat fencing, the goal is the same: helping your cat enjoy more freedom, safely.
At ProtectaPet, we believe cats deserve adventure, enrichment and fresh air without unnecessary risk. The right outdoor solution can give your cat a happier, safer and more stimulating life, and give you peace of mind too.
