The Rise of the Catio: Outdoor Freedom for Indoor Cats

Image credit: Merete

In recent years, a growing number of homeowners have been adding a unique feature to their outdoor spaces...

Meet the "Catio"

Short for “cat patio,” a catio is an enclosed outdoor area designed to let cats enjoy the sights, sounds, and fresh air of the outdoors safely. These structures come in many forms, from simple window boxes to elaborate backyard lounges, but they all serve the same purpose: giving cats the freedom they crave without exposing them to the dangers of the outside world.

For cat owners, the appeal is clear. Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives than outdoor cats, but they often miss out on the enrichment that nature provides. A catio bridges that gap by providing a secure, stimulating environment where cats can bask in the sun, watch birds, and explore new scents. The result is a happier, more balanced pet, and fewer unwanted behaviors like scratching furniture or excessive meowing.

Designing a Safe and Stylish Space

When designing a catio, safety and creativity go hand in hand. Every catio must have a fully enclosed structure made from durable materials like cedar, pressure-treated wood, or aluminum, with weather-resistant mesh or polycarbonate panels to keep pets secure. The size can vary from a small balcony attachment to a full walk-in space with climbing shelves, tunnels, and perches.

Image credit: Connor

Location is key. Many homeowners choose to connect the catio directly to a window, sliding door, or even a basement window well, allowing their cats to come and go freely. Others opt for standalone enclosures in the yard, often landscaped with potted plants, stones, and shady spots to create a peaceful retreat.

Adding furniture like hammocks, scratching posts, and hiding boxes can transform the area into a true feline paradise.

The Benefits of Having a Catio

Aside from the obvious enrichment for cats, catios also reduce stress and boredom, which in turn helps curb unwanted indoor behaviors like clawing furniture or howling at windows. They're also a great option for cats that get overstimulated indoors or need a bit more space than the average condo allows.

There’s also a conservation benefit. Outdoor cats are one of the leading threats to birds and small wildlife in urban and suburban environments. By keeping your cat safely enclosed, you’re helping protect local ecosystems, especially during spring and early summer when fledglings are most vulnerable.

Beyond the Cat

A well-designed catio can benefit more than just your pets — it can enhance your property, too. Custom-built catios can be made to match your home’s aesthetic, blending naturally into decks, patios, or gardens. They add a unique architectural element and can even increase property appeal to other pet owners.

Whether your goal is to spoil your cat, enhance your outdoor space, or support wildlife conservation, a catio is a surprisingly practical investment. It’s a creative way to support your pet’s physical and mental health, while adding something visually interesting and purposeful to your backyard.

At the end of the day, a catio is about harmony... between indoors and outdoors, people and pets, nature and safety. And with the right design, it becomes more than just an enclosure. It becomes part of your home.