Catio Construction Resources

Cats + Patio = Catio

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 your pets safe!

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

• Los Angeles area Catio Builders
• Cat Fencing, Doors, Screening, Wood
• Catio DIY
• Premade & Portable Options (great for apartments)
• Construction Tips

Los Angeles area Catio Builders

Alan, The Catio Guy, is a Los Angeles Catio Tour sponsor and a champion of catios. He builds custom catios in and around the Los Angeles area and has built multiple catios featured on the tour since our inception.

Custom Catios

Hollywood Catios is your very own dedicated catio construction team right here in Southern California. We travel to you to build catios in Los Angeles, Hollywood, Orange County, Riverside, San Diego… and everywhere in between.

Home

Our outdoor cat house service expands across the United States. Let us work together to build a custom outdoor cat enclosure for your cats.

A Catio Company | Custom Catio Builders

Cat Fencing, Doors, Screening, Wood

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.

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 Restores: Support the community and shop reclaimed building materials at one of multiple locations throughout the Los Angeles area.

Critter Fence: offers a range of cat fencing and barriers, with both fence rolls and kits.

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!

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!

Catio DIY

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.  

https://catiospaces.com/catios-cat-enclosures/diy-plans/

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

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 & Portable Options

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. 

Aivituvin sells luxury real estate for your furry friends! Nothing is more exciting than having a dream house for your pets! BONUS!

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.

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.

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

• 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 make construction much faster.
• 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.
• Assume you will need to make changes along the way, especially after watching how your pets use it.
• 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! Shade it in the summer! 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 or fan, as necessary.