Catios, or cat patios, come in various styles to suit different living spaces and preferences, from window boxes to elaborate freestanding enclosures. Each type offers unique benefits for our feline friends, providing them with a safe outdoor environment to explore. Before you start planning your own, for inspiration, check out these great cat enclosure projects on our Wall of Fame.
Cat patios serve as dedicated outdoor spaces for cats, whether it’s incorporated into an existing patio/deck area, or designed as a new, dedicated outdoor area for feline enjoyment.
Building a catio on an existing patio or deck offers several advantages. It is cost-effective because it reduces material and construction costs by utilising the current structures (you can entirely avoid any flooring work this way). It is also more convenient, as it avoids the need for extensive groundwork which makes the construction process faster and easier. Additionally, a catio built on an existing patio or deck can be done in a way to seamlessly blend with your home’s exterior, maintaining a cohesive look.
Deck Catio Examples
The existing structure provides a stable and level foundation, enhancing the catio’s durability. Proximity to your home allows for easier access for both you and your cats, making interaction and maintenance simpler. Furthermore, existing coverings on patios or decks (such as polycarbonate roofing) can be used to offer weather protection, providing shade in summer and shelter from rain in winter.
In this article, we will focus on this type of catio (a diy deck catio/patio catio), using materials from Musgroves including treated pine as the primary construction material, screws, and hexagonal galvanised wire netting. This project will help you create a secure and enjoyable outdoor space for your cats directly adjacent to your house, at the same time as keeping the neighbourhood birdlife safe from roaming claws!
Materials Needed:
- Timber (come to the yard to have a chat if you’re unsure about the sizes you might need, we’d love to help!). Here are some sizes that might be suitable for your catio:
- Screws and nails
- Outdoor mesh or wire fencing
- Hinges and latches for doors
- Measuring tape
- Circular saw or handsaw
- Power drill and screwdriver
- Level
- Safety glasses and gloves
Planning and Measuring
Start by deciding on the size and location of your catio. No two custom-built catios will be the same size, since everyone’s homes and outdoor spaces provide unique situations and dimensions. Measure the area on your deck where you plan to build the enclosure. Keep in mind your cat’s need for space to move, climb, and relax. Sketch a basic design, including the frame, door, and any additional features like shelves or perches.
Building the Catio Frame
When constructing the frame for your catio, consider these helpful tips and common pitfalls to avoid:
Cutting the wood
Accurate measurements are crucial when cutting your timber. Make sure to measure carefully and double-check your dimensions to avoid mistakes and unnecessary waste (measure twice and cut once, not the other way around!). Using a sharp saw and cutting tools (Noticed a rust ‘patina’ on your saw? Maybe time to treat yourself to a nice new one?!) will help ensure clean, precise cuts.
Assembling the Frame
When attaching the horizontal beams to the vertical posts, use heavy-duty screws (galvanised if possible for fully outdoor situations) for a robust and durable frame. Galvanised screws resist rust and corrosion, which is important for the frame’s longevity.
You might also consider using bolts to make the catio more easily assembled and dissembled if you are renting or would prefer a more portable structure. Before securing all screws, regularly check that the frame is square and level. An unbalanced or crooked frame can lead to structural problems and impact the overall appearance of the catio.
Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can strip the wood or cause it to split. Tighten screws until they are snug but avoid excessive force.
General Tips
Pre-drilling holes can help prevent the wood from splitting and make it easier to drive screws in accurately. A spirit level is an essential tool for diy work to ensure that your frame is perfectly horizontal and vertical, so regularly check for levelness as you build. To add extra stability, consider using corner braces or additional screws at the joints where the vertical and horizontal pieces meet. This reinforcement helps prevent wobbling or shifting and ensures a sturdy structure.
Adding the Walls
- Attach the Netting/Mesh: Cut the outdoor mesh or wire netting to fit each side of the frame. Secure the mesh to the frame using galvanised nails or staples. Make sure the mesh is taut and securely fastened to prevent any gaps.
- Build the Door: Construct a door frame for external access to the catio, ensuring it fits snugly within one side, with enough space to swing open. Attach the netting to the door frame. Use hinges to attach the door to the catio frame, and install a latch to keep it securely closed.
Creating the Roof
Depending on your preference, you can also cover the top of the catio with the same material used for the sides for an open-air feel or use treated pine boards or polycarbonate sheets for a solid roof.
Ensure they are securely fastened (see our range of roofing nails when using polycarbaonate and clearlite sheets) and slightly angled to allow water runoff. You might be lucky enough to be enclosing an already-covered patio/deck space, which means the roof comes ‘pre-made’!
Adding Shelves and Perches
To make the catio more engaging for your cats, add shelves and perches at various heights. By doing this you’re essentially creating a custom cat tree, (also known as cat tower, or cat condo), a multi-tiered cat play structure. These structures typically feature various levels, platforms, scratching posts, and sometimes enclosed spaces or hammocks, providing cats with opportunities to climb, play, scratch, and rest.
Cut additional pieces of timber to create the structure for the cat towers and attach them securely to the frame using screws. Ply is a great material for the platforms (check out our recycled and new ply listings). Ensure they are sturdy enough to support your cat’s weight.
Final Touches
- Inspect the Catio: Check all screws, nails, and netting to ensure everything is secure and safe for your cats.
- Add Comfort: Place some cat-friendly furniture, familiar toys, and a water bowl inside the catio to create a cosy and inviting space.
Maintenance Tips
- Regularly inspect the catio for any signs of wear or damage, particularly any bits of wire sticking out, and splintered wood edges.
- Clean the catio routinely to keep it hygienic for your cats.
- There is also the option of treating the wood periodically with a pet-safe sealant to maintain its durability and appearance.
Building a DIY deck catio with treated pine is a fulfilling, native bird-friendly project that provides your cats with a safe outdoor space to enjoy. With careful planning and construction, your feline friends will have a durable and engaging environment that enhances their quality of life.