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Our Supporting Artisans who helped curate the products on this site will share commissions for purchases made through links in this post.A catio is an enclosed outdoor space that lets cats enjoy fresh air and nature while staying safe. These structures range from simple window boxes to elaborate multi-level enclosures that attach to your home. Catios protect cats from predators, cars, and all sorts of dangers, while giving them some much-needed stimulation and exercise.
Indoor cats definitely live longer and healthier lives, but let’s be honest—they can miss out on climbing, hunting, and just plain exploring. A catio bridges that gap by creating a controlled outdoor environment. Your cat gets to watch birds, feel grass under their paws, and breathe in the outside air without any of the risks that come with roaming free.
Size and construction quality really matter when picking out a catio. The space should be roomy enough for your cat to move around, with space for perches, scratching posts, and a few play areas. Look for sturdy stuff like powder-coated steel frames and UV-resistant mesh that won’t fall apart after a season. It’s also smart to think about how the catio will attach to your place and if you’ll need a permit to set it up.
We looked through a ton of catios and tested the leading options to figure out which ones actually deliver on safety, durability, and—most importantly—cat happiness.
Best Catios
We tested a bunch of catios to see which ones keep cats safe and happy outside. Our picks cover everything from small balcony setups to sprawling backyard enclosures with plenty of space to roam.
Grepatio Large Outdoor Catio
This one’s a solid pick for cat owners who want a roomy enclosure that doesn’t take forever to put together.
Pros
- Lots of space—five platforms and a removable sleeping house
- Waterproof roof keeps rain and sun off your cats
- Big front door makes it easy to feed and clean
Cons
- Wood feels a little light and might not handle bad weather long-term
- Some units show up with holes in the wrong spots, so you might need to improvise
- Platforms are a bit small for cats who love to sprawl
Assembly was pretty painless, especially with picture instructions. Two people and a power drill got it done in about 40 minutes.
Our cats jumped right in—literally. They love climbing between the platforms and curling up in the little house. The mesh feels sturdy, so we don’t worry about escapes.
The walk-in design is a lifesaver for cleaning and refilling water. The latch works smoothly and keeps everyone where they belong.
The roof holds up well in light rain, but the wood frame started showing some wear after a few months outside. Not a dealbreaker, but something to watch.
Aivituvin Large Walk-in Catio
This catio is a great value for folks with multiple cats, but be ready for a bit of a project putting it together.
Pros
- Walk-in design makes cleaning and hanging out with your cats easy
- Seven platforms and two sleeping houses—plenty to keep a whole crew entertained
- Waterproof roof keeps cats dry but lets them sunbathe
Cons
- Instructions are confusing and parts aren’t always labeled right
- Big and heavy—definitely a two-person job
- Expect to spend a few hours on assembly
We set this up to keep our cats safe from local wildlife. The five-door system connects easily to windows or pet doors, so the cats can come and go. They figured it out with no problems.
Assembly took us about four hours, and the instructions didn’t make it easier. We relied on the pictures a lot since some pieces weren’t labeled. Not impossible, just a bit of a puzzle.
Once it was up, the cats loved it—especially the platforms and sleeping houses. The middle platform is a nice touch, letting them cross between sides. The roof keeps things dry but still lets in fresh air.
The walk-in door (64 inches tall) made it way easier to feed, clean, and interact. The fir wood frame feels sturdy and should hold up outside for a while.
PetsCosset Large Wooden Cat Catio
This multi-level wooden catio is a solid deal for anyone wanting safe outdoor access for their cats, though assembling it can be a bit of a headache.
Pros
- Four levels and multiple platforms—keeps cats busy and active
- Removable waterproof roof for flexibility with the weather
- Dual escape doors and sturdy fir wood for safety and durability
Cons
- Assembly instructions aren’t great, and it takes a while to put together
- Some hardware might show up damaged or missing
- Cat claws can get snagged on the metal mesh
Once we got it built, this catio felt impressively sturdy. The fir wood frame didn’t budge, even with bigger cats jumping around. The sleeping condos were an instant hit.
The removable roof was handier than expected. We could leave it off when the weather was nice, then pop it back on when rain threatened. The dual escape doors on both sides felt reassuring.
Definitely a two-person job for assembly. We spent around four hours, and some screws didn’t line up at first. But after a bit of trial and error, it came together.
The inside is spacious—no crowding, even with several cats. Ours loved staking out different levels. The doors on each tier made cleaning less of a chore than we thought it’d be.
Nyeekoy Large Wood Catio
This roomy wooden catio is a good fit for households with several cats, but you’ll need some patience and maybe a few tweaks during setup.
Pros
- Assembly takes 2-3 hours with pre-drilled parts and labeled pieces
- Waterproof roof lets cats sunbathe and stay dry when it rains
- Seven platforms and two resting boxes offer plenty of entertainment
Cons
- No floor included—you’ll have to make your own base
- Some brackets may need replacing over time
- Instructions can be confusing at first
We were surprised by how much space this catio offers. The 70-inch height gives cats a lot of climbing room, and the platforms kept them busy.
Setup was smoother than we expected. Everything was labeled and the holes lined up. We wrapped it up in about two and a half hours with basic tools.
The waterproof roof did its job—our cats lounged in the sun and stayed dry during showers. The cedar wood feels sturdy and hasn’t had any weather issues so far.
We did have to add our own floor, which added a bit of time and cost. The shelf brackets started to show wear after a month with three cats using them daily.
Buying Guide
Shopping for a catio? There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. The right pick depends on your cat’s personality and your available space.
Size and Space
Start by measuring where you want to put it. Small catios can work in apartments or on balconies. If you’ve got a yard, you can go bigger.
Think about how many cats will use it. More cats means more space needed—no one likes a traffic jam in their own outdoor lounge.
Materials and Durability
Wood catios look great but need upkeep. Cedar and pine hold up better than most woods in the weather department.
Metal frames are tougher and lower maintenance. Aluminum is especially good since it won’t rust like steel sometimes does.
Check that the mesh is sturdy—cats are clever, and you don’t want them squeezing out or breaking through.
Assembly Requirements
Some catios come ready to use, others need some elbow grease (and tools).
Reading reviews about setup can save headaches. If you’re not handy, you might want to call in help for the trickier models.
Safety Features
Secure latches are a must. Look for locks your cat can’t figure out.
Escape-proof design is non-negotiable. Watch for gaps or weak spots where a determined cat might slip out.
And make sure all materials are safe—some treated woods or paints aren’t great for cats if they chew or lick.
Weather Protection
Any outdoor catio really needs some kind of roof. Without it, rain and harsh sun can make things pretty miserable for cats.
Wind barriers are worth thinking about, especially if you get cold winters. A few designs have panels you can pop on or off depending on the season, which is actually pretty handy.
Budget Considerations
Cheaper models often skip out on features, so it’s a trade-off. We try to find the sweet spot between cost, quality, and safety.
If you’re not installing it yourself, remember to add labor costs to the total. That part sneaks up on people.
FAQs
What are the advantages and disadvantages of building a catio yourself versus purchasing a pre-made one?
DIY catios usually cost a good bit less—think 40-60% cheaper than the pre-made ones—but you’ll need some carpentry skills to pull it off. Honestly, most custom builds seem to eat up about 15-25 hours of your time, give or take.
Pre-made catios come with warranties and pretty clear assembly instructions. They’re shipped out with all the hardware and tools you’ll need, so there’s less hunting around the garage.
Building your own means you can get picky about the size or shape, which is great if your yard’s a bit quirky. In our experience, DIY catios are best for folks who know their way around woodworking and have the right gear on hand.
How do I decide between a portable catio and a permanent outdoor structure?
Portable catios are nice if you rent or tend to move a lot. They’re less hassle to clean and can be packed away for winter.
Permanent ones are sturdier and give you more room, and with a little care, they’ll stick around for a decade or more.
Before you commit, take a look at your yard and check any building rules or HOA stuff. Permits can be a pain, but it’s better to know up front.
Can a catio accommodate multiple cats comfortably, and what should I look for?
If you’ve got a crew, plan on at least 32 square feet per cat. We count both floor and climbing space in that.
Separate food stations and more than one door help keep the peace. Catios with divided areas or different levels make life easier for everyone.
Every cat should have its own perch and somewhere to hide. And honestly, at least two exits are smart—you never know when someone’s going to block the way.
What are some important factors to keep in mind when selecting a catio for indoor cats?
Indoor cats need a slow intro to the outdoors. We’d start with a smaller, fully enclosed spot and see how they do before going bigger.
Weather protection is even more important if your cat’s never been outside. Windbreaks and a good roof for rain are basically non-negotiable.
Security’s huge—latches that can’t be wiggled open, mesh edges buried into the ground, that sort of thing. Double-entry systems add a layer of safety for peace of mind.
Which catio designs are recommended by veterinarians for promoting feline health?
Vets lean toward catios with lots of levels and climbing spots—they let cats jump, scratch, and generally act like cats.
UV-resistant roofing is a plus. It keeps the sun off but still lets in some light, which helps in the summer when things heat up.
Ventilation really matters too. At least three sides open for airflow keeps things from getting stuffy and helps with humidity. Comfortable cats are healthy cats, right?
What features should I consider when choosing a catio for larger breed cats?
Big cats like Maine Coons or Ragdolls need something solid—think reinforced mesh and sturdy frames. We usually look for at least 6 feet high and 8x8 feet of space.
Shelves and perches should easily hold 15–20 pounds. Platforms at least 18 inches wide and 24 inches deep just feel safer for those hefty jumpers.
Heavy-duty zippers and latches are a must, since strong cats can be escape artists. Double-wall construction and powder-coated steel frames are good bets.
Aivituvin Cat Catio Outdoor Cat House Wooden Large Enclosure with Run on Wheels 70.9" Upgraded Version Catio with Reinforcement Strip,Waterproof Roof (Grey)
$129.99
$199.99
Brand: AivituvinColor: greyFeatures: ★Install the upper part of the hutch on the reverse side to face the indoor window to connect the house. The lower part faces to the outdoor. This allows your pets to enter freely in & out… read more
