DIY Catio

[kittielittie]

Has anyone had a bespoke catio built? I know a very good handy man who could do this for me but looking for inspiration. I have a large garden with 6ft fences on 3 sides and the same size wall on the 4th but doubt they will contain our little hooligan. My neighbour would have an absolute fit if I fitted the mesh that goes on top of the fences so a catio seems the only solution. It can't be fixed to the house (HA rules) so would be a free standing affair.

I think I've attached my cat tax!

Try again

Is there a reason why your cat can’t be let out without one?

We are relatively close to a busy road although not directly on it and my son (autistic) is very worried about him going out. Also as it's new build estate we have one of those sump pond things that is going to take quite some time for the trees and bushes to grow and mature around it so worried he may get into trouble around there

Oh OP your wee kitty is gorgeous.
Very good about the catio idea. I've attached a pic but you can pm me and I can send you links if you'd prefer?

There are some great Facebook groups all about catios. Search for Kitty Gardens on FB and I think you will find the largest group.

@Ludo19 sorry if this is cheeky but I have been watching this as I am also after a catio...and I like your photo! Do you mind if I also ask where it was from? Or if I PM you for info please?

@Internetwanderer I actually got that off ebay. The seller is selling the shelves and ladders. See tbh catios are all a basic structure obviously you'd make adaptations for size etc. Also build one with a door for adult entry. You can place them to the side of your house and give the cats access via a window. But happy to advise you if I can 🙂

Yes we had one built to fit. Bespoke aviaries (see Facebook). It is fabulous and my cats love it. (Neighbours also like that they don’t get bothered by my cats, yet can have a nice chat to them)
Bonus - it double as somewhere to dry laundry and to sit.

Thanks ... I'm watching some on ebay, that seem to be the same company with several ideas/designs...was it easy to fix to the wall? I'm not great at diy.

Appropriate wall plugs and bolts. Ours is built in 6foot panels. If you can do flat pack, a catio is easier to build. !

That's good to know....and I have a son who loves flatpack (and also has asd and is cat obsessed!). And I was worried about how sturdy they would be with cats throwing themselves at the sides so that's reassuring to see recommendations...thanks alphabet1spaghetti2 as well!
Sorry to have hijacked slightly but hope it has helped OP too (your kitty is lovely).

My husband built ours, it butts up tight to the house but isn’t attached to it (I’m abroad and our house is rendered and painted white)

Our cats sunbathe in it all day, but can come and go through an open window/door. It’s been extended since this photo was taken

Wow lots more reply's! I thought I had a dead thread haha!

There's some great ideas here.

I could have a one butted up to my kitchen window I think and great tip about the adult size door.

I may have to take out a small mortgage though!

@kittielittie they really aren’t that expensive! Ours goes over our sitting room window, kitchen window and door and bathroom window - cats love going out of one and in another. Adult sized door leads to the garden. Roof is a mix of polycarbonate and mesh.
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057571805100

This one was built by a friend for her house cats.
They rule the roost, so have their own cat house of catio plus utility room.

She is a trained carpenter & furniture restorer and built it with the worlds greatest bodger so all joints are cut to perfection and it was entertaining to watch the conflicting construction methods