DIY Catio on a Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide
If your cat stares longingly out the window, it might be time to build them their own outdoor paradise—a DIY catio (cat + patio). Catios offer mental stimulation, safe access to fresh air, and protection from outdoor dangers. The best part? You don't have to spend a fortune. This guide will help you create an outdoor cat enclosure that’s both budget-friendly and feline-approved.
Before You Build – Safety & Planning Tips
- Avoid pressure-treated wood – For any part of the frame that doesn’t touch the ground, avoid pressure-treated lumber as it can contain chemicals toxic to cats. Instead, use untreated pine or cedar. You can read Reddit advice here and get full DIY plans from CatioSpaces.
- Use pressure-treated wood only for ground contact – If your catio will be resting directly on soil or concrete, it’s okay to use pressure-treated lumber only for the base. For the rest of the structure, cedar is a safe and rot-resistant choice.
- Add shade and shelter – Cats can overheat quickly in direct sunlight. Use tarps, umbrellas, or partial roofing to create cooler spots within the catio.
- Check HOA or rental rules – Some housing communities have regulations around external structures. Always double-check before building something permanent.
- Predator-proofing is key – Make sure mesh gaps are small enough to keep out raccoons, snakes, or birds of prey. A secure latch on any doors is essential for safety.
Budget-Friendly Tools & Materials
- Chicken wire or mesh fencing – Inexpensive and widely available. Make sure the mesh openings are small enough to prevent your cat from squeezing through or predators from reaching in.
- PVC pipe or wooden framing – PVC is lightweight and easy to work with, while wood (like 2x2 cedar) offers more stability and a natural look.
- Zip ties, hinges, and screws – Zip ties are great for attaching mesh to frames. Hinges allow you to create swinging doors for access.
- Outdoor tarp or old umbrellas – These provide shade and rain protection and can often be repurposed from items you already have at home.
- Pallets or reclaimed wood – Great for the eco-conscious builder. Just be sure to sand down splinters and check for any toxic treatments.
- Recycled window screens – Can be used as side panels for extra airflow while still keeping bugs and birds out.
Choose a Catio Style
- Balcony Build: If you live in an apartment, you can use mesh panels and zip ties to enclose your balcony. Add a shelf for your cat to perch and people-watch safely.
- Yard Frame: This is a freestanding structure built on grass or concrete. Use wood or PVC as the base, and make it big enough for you to step inside with your cat.
- Window Box: A compact catio that connects to a window, giving your cat access to a small tunnel or cube. Great for small spaces or renters.
Need blueprints? Check out these 9 free DIY catio plans from The Spruce.
Step-by-Step Build Instructions
- Frame the structure – Whether you're using PVC or wood, start with the base. Then build vertical supports and crossbeams to form the basic box shape.
- Wrap it with mesh – Cut your mesh fencing to size and use zip ties or a staple gun to secure it. Double-check all edges to ensure there are no sharp wires sticking out.
- Add enrichment – Include cat-safe ramps, perches, or hammocks. Line the floor with a soft rug or outdoor mat to make it cozy.
Enrichment Ideas
- Hanging toys or feather wands – Attach toys from the top of the catio to encourage jumping and batting. Rotate toys weekly to keep things interesting.
- Scratching posts or mats – Recycle cardboard scratchers or add a vertical post covered in sisal rope for climbing and claw maintenance.
- Cat-safe plants – Grow cat grass, valerian, or silver vine in small pots to offer edible enrichment and calming scents.
- Outdoor-safe litter box – A covered corner with a shallow tray filled with outdoor-friendly litter gives your cat another option for longer play sessions.
Maintenance Tips
- Weekly: Scoop any litter, shake out bedding or mats, and remove leaves or debris that may blow in from outside.
- Monthly: Inspect the mesh for any tears or rust, check the frame stability, and replace any worn toys or enrichment items.
Prefer to Buy? Top Rated Amazon Catios
| Image | Title | Description | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Kitty City Outdoor Catio | Fully-enclosed mesh catio with modular cubes for lounging. Expandable and ideal for multi-cat homes. | Buy Now → |
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Amazon Basics 3-Tier Cage | Indoor playpen with locking wheels and three vertical levels. Rust-resistant steel, folds flat for storage. | Buy Now → |
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Portable Tent & Tunnel Catio | Pop-up outdoor cat enclosure with tunnels and breathable mesh. Sets up in minutes and folds for travel. | Buy Now → |
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GUTINNEEN Outdoor Catio | Multi-tier wooden catio with wheels, waterproof roof, sisal scratching posts, and window access option. | Buy Now → |
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Aivituvin 71" Catio | Walk-in style catio with two cozy houses, weatherproof roof, and six climbing shelves for endless fun. | Buy Now → |
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Aivituvin 70" Catio | Expandable catio with two sleeping houses, leak-proof roof, and spacious interior. Ideal for multiple pets. | Buy Now → |
Final Tip: Give Them a Cozy Place to Return To
Once your cat is done lounging in their new catio, let them return to the coziest spot inside. Check out our collapsible cat houses—fun, stylish, and built for curious cats with taste.