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Cat Patios, Known As Catios, Are The Latest Way To Spoil Your Beloved Kitty (30 Pics)
Summer is here in the Northern Hemisphere, which means your indoor cat might begin to crave a little fresh air and freedom. But what if you live near a busy road? If the outdoors around your area just isn't suited for roaming? Well, the solution is clear. You need to build a cat patio.
'Catios' are all the rage at the moment, with Seattle-based business Catio Spaces leading the way. They have created downloadable designs that are easy to build using basic materials and can be installed next to a window, on a deck, or in a backyard.
The way that some people have built their catios are as impressive as they are inspiring. These cat owners have taken a simple concept and turned it into a super cozy space for their feline friend, and for some designs at least, themselves too!
Do you have an indoor cat? Would you consider building a catio, to give your kitty a bit of the outdoors in safety, and the chance to dream of the life of a hunter? Scroll down below to check out Bored Panda's favorite examples, and let us know what you think in the comments!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Pan Narrans 6 years ago
Well, it looks nice, but all the 'nature' is on the other side. I have a small patch with wildflowers, my cat nestles between the flowers in a shady bit for catnaps. And to jump out of, scaring the neighbors cats.
Freya the Wanderer 6 years ago
If you put in a pond with fish, it would probably eventually be a pond without fish. "Mmmmmmm, sashimi!"
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Catio Spaces was founded by passionate cat lover Cynthia Chomos, who started the company to address the need for safe and visually appealing outdoor enclosures to enhance the lives of cats.
"The inspiration behind Catio Spaces is my tabby cat, Serena, who I adopted after the loss of my beloved 22-year-old cat, Cynthia told Bored Panda. "Being a nature lover, I wanted her to enjoy the stimulation of the outdoors while protected from a variety of outdoor hazards. I transformed my backyard patio into a catio and created a space we could both enjoy with a water fountain, seating, shelves and cat safe plants."
"While lounging in it one day with Serena curled up on my lap, I had a flash of inspiration to start Catio Spaces and combine my feng shui expertise and love of design, nature and cats. One thing led to another (Serena has 4 catios and is my “quality assurance” expert), and I design custom catios, DIY catio plans and help cat parents from all over the world solve their indoor/outdoor dilemma."
Check out “Serena’s Garden Getaways” and follow her happy tail on a video tour of her 4 catios!
RELATED:
#2
Luis Milian 6 years ago
wow, if only I had the space to build something like this for my four cats
Ute Kowert 6 years ago
if only I had the space to build something like this I would have a cat :-D
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Aunt Messy 6 years ago
To be fair, you have to give them a fort because it's hard for them to move pillows.
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Snuggle Bee 6 years ago
I'm looking at how I can build an indoor outdoor 'catio' for the love of my life, my black cat Kalo. My cat brings life, light and happiness and when you're house bound, have chronic painful conditions, he's the only reason I get out of bed each day. He's a rescue kitchen, he and his mum were found under a house, he was a little kitten when he came home with me. I rescued him and he rescued me right back.
#3
My dad made my indoor cats a tower/bridge/treehouse so they could safely enjoy the outdoors.
Martha Meyer 6 years ago
That seems like dangling the carrot. “Look at what's outside! But you still can't have it.“
Snuggle Bee 6 years ago
These catios allow the best for all animals. The cats get to enjoy all the sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors, allowing them to be a inquisitive, curious, watchful, weary, excited and all other emotions you can think of! These carefully constructed catios allow the cats to be safely contained, the can't run out onto a road or get lost in the neighborhood and become anxious and scared. The catios also protect the native flora and fauna. Cats as an introduced species can decimate a large area with their incredible catching skills, they take food, shelter and the best kills when left to run outside and are'free' Plus unless they're neutered or spayed, cats breed and then there's unwanted kittens and more laps in the neighborhood! breed, then there's in
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ispeak catanese 6 years ago (edited)
If I were a Blue Jay this is where I'd divebomb and perch!
Robin Hite 6 years ago
Wow Amazing Catio. Rosie my kitty would love all the catios. For the kitty has everything.
"Thousands of our award-winning DIY Catio Plans have been built by cat parents seeking outdoor safety and enrichment for their cats," Cynthia continued "We offer a variety of designs and sizes for a window, deck, patio or yard that are easy to follow and fun to build. From small and simple to large and luxurious, there’s a catio to fit any home and garden. Our most popular plans are the Sanctuary and Haven that allow easy access through a cat door installed in a window, wall or door. Catio Spaces donates 10% of plan purchases to animal and bird welfare organizations."
Cynthia loves seeing cats enjoying their new space, who wouldn't love spending time with happy cats for a living? "The most rewarding part of my work is witnessing my 4-legged clients step into a catio for the first time, breathing fresh air, feel the wind in their whiskers and see their happy tails exploring their new territory - and of course, receiving a headbutt or sandpaper lick on the nose by a grateful feline," she told us. "I also feel good knowing my work helps protect birds and other wildlife."
#4
Charlotte The Crazy cat lady 5 years ago
id get one million of these for my one and only precious Mr.Jasper.
Krystian Love 6 years ago
I want to live here.....actually in #11, 12, 3, okay, in all of them all mixed together on a lovely kitty patio Island :)
#5
Give me a beagle any day... 6 years ago
This is awesome, but cats can (and will inadvertently) tear up screen like that.
Catio Spaces has been in business for 6 years. "In the future I envision continuing to create DIY Plans, design custom catios, speaking engagements and expand my relationships with animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, and cat behaviorists to educate cat parents on the many benefits of catios, Cynthia said. "As one of the founding organizers of Catio Tour Seattle, I will continue to support catio tours in other cities as catios are becoming a popular trend throughout the U.S. and Canada."
So it looks like the catio is here to stay! What do you think? Scroll down to check out some more cool examples below, and let us know in the comments!
#6
Our second Catio. Hanging Bridge, Sky Boxes, Center Cat tree.
#7
Koalamonster 6 years ago
Yes the dog is out- but my guess is the yard is fenced in, and while the dog couldn't clear it a cat definitely could. Cats get into our fenced in yard on the regular- which drives our beagle crazy because he can smell that that were in his area.
Lydia Washburn 6 years ago
Keep a look out! Oh, he's waking up. BEAM ME UP SCOTTY (sorry i had to type that)
Give me a beagle any day... 6 years ago
The cats are safe from those dangerous cacti. And I bet that doggie doesn't lift his leg to pee on them either!
Sunzilla 6 years ago
Dogs don't normally venture out of the yard because of fences. No fence has ever held a cat back...
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#8
Guys, I think my cats might be spoiled...They’re not allowed to be outdoor cats, but this is the next best thing! The reason why our cats aren't allowed outside is because we live in an area with foxes and coyotes, so predators are a real concern. We're also by a semi-busy road, so cars pose a problem, too. We only set up the tent/tunnel system when we're around and can keep an eye on things; the cats are never left out there unattended.
Koalamonster 6 years ago
So could a coyote. I mean, it's nice- but not the most protective.
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Give me a beagle any day... 6 years ago
No, the REAL reason your cats are not allowed outside is not because of foxes and coyotes. (A cat can outrun them). It's because you do NOT want your cats to run off! This tunnel is neat because it can be moved around on a daily basis, providing more stimuli and excitement in those precious pussycats' lives. <3
Sandra Randall 5 years ago
I've never found a site that sells all diff sizes or lengths like this
Chihuahua Schombel 6 years ago
I like that! And the cats are not in danger because the humans have an eye on them! :P :)
sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
Good idea, but not good protection if left alone, sorry, I worry !!!
Luis Milian 6 years ago
in South Florida we don't have that problem, but we do not want our cats to get hurt by anything or anyone. they mostly hunt lizards and comeback if anything bigger than them comes close to them.
JAnn James 1 year ago
I live in Florida and my cat has been picked up twice by predator birds, thank God we realized he was injured or he would have died from being disemboweled by the birds talons. Nature is serious about eating you if you're not paying attention. My Cat is now 14 and is mostly indoors now as he did suffer injury from those attacks and has trouble moving fast now. We plan to provide him and our pitty girl with a Cat & Dog patio at our new home.
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MeggersTheFox 6 years ago
I love all of the colors! Brightens up your day, as well as your cat's!
Bonnie Blue Bird 6 years ago
For when you want to make it clear to your neighbors that you're a crazy cat lady!
I HAD A GRAT TIM 6 years ago
WHYS IT SO GODDAMN PINK! Sorry, pink is not great for me, but the other colors are nice
Snowy Tundra 6 years ago
These folks and their lucky cats obviously don't live in an HOA neighborhood. No HOA would allow the bright colors (a purple house?) and might even object to any kind of catio. Boo! Hiss! Most of the neighbors might not object because the catio keeps the cats from pooping in their flower beds, but the more militant of HOA board members would definitely object.
#10
Give me a beagle any day... 6 years ago
Cat owners are so awesome!!! I don't even care how tacky this looks-- cats are worth it!
ispeak catanese 6 years ago
What happens when the cats have to go to the vet? Do the owners hose them towards an exit? 😂😂😂
#11
Aunt Messy 6 years ago
So leave. No one's making you stay here and whine.
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#13
Aunt Messy 6 years ago
The sun hasn't come around yet....and it might be chilly outside. Believe me, if it's not comfy, you won't get a cat to go there.
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Our gazebo is one of the popular places the cats like to hang out. C3PO is the one in the hammock. You can find him there almost every day. He knows how to make the most of his relaxation times
Freya the Wanderer 6 years ago
C3PO - what a perfect name for an orange tabby! I knew somebody who once had a cat with that name, as well as a little calico named R2D2. Sadly, R2 was hit by a car, and C3PO just lost the will to live - that's how close they were. RIP, you two sweet kitties.
Louise Brigance 6 years ago
Some cats just have the ability to excel at being a cat...It's not even a stretch for them to sleep and eat their life away in luxurious surrounding.
#15
Evil Little Thing 6 years ago
I like how they included a lamp for the cat to knock off the table.
Freya the Wanderer 6 years ago
And a chair where a human can sit and be ignored. ;)
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Kenny Kulbiski 6 years ago
You know that if a person tries to sit in that chair the cat is going to beat him to it. And look all abused if he has to move.
Louise Brigance 6 years ago
Nice, I like the idea of sitting outside with my buddy enjoying the sun and shade.
Give me a beagle any day... 6 years ago
All that's missing is a little saucer and cup with milk in it on that table. And a good book.
#16
This appropriately named Gold Star Grotto was built for their 6 previously-feral kitties.
#17
The cats access the catio via the open window from our utility room (on the right). We bought a cat door installed in plexiglass that sits permanently in the window, so the cats can access the patio themselves in the Winter too. The wild grape vine grew to cover the top of the catio so that it blends in more with the rest of our gardens. Hopefully, we'll also get grapes from it some day.
Magpie 6 years ago
It took about five years before my grapevine produced grapes. That is in Victoria Australia , your results will vary. Also there are many different types of grape vine.
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Sarabelle Palsy 6 years ago
The grape vine seems like a really dangerous thing to have, am I wrong? I mean, grapes tend to shut down the kidneys in most cats and dogs if digested and I know cats are not one to chew on grapes, but each cat is different.
Magpie 6 years ago
Grapes and Raisins. Cats are not likely to eat these, and there are no reports of cats becoming ill from these foods.......https://www.petmd.com/cat/emergency/poisoning-toxicity/e_ct_human_food_poisoning
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Christine Johnson 6 years ago
I think this is great! What type of netting did you use? How did you connect it to the structure? I am thinking of doing something similar with a pergola on our deck. Thanks!
Steven Cutcomb 6 years ago
I agree with Iris - it would make sense to at least toss in a couple or large round flattish cat pillows, and a cat toy or two, even if just for the photo :D.
Steven Cutcomb 6 years ago
I like the dual-purpose here, humans and kitties sharing access to the same space. There seems to be a photo protocol in place to never show a litter box?
#19
Mark built really long tunnels along the fence that are leading to his two cat jungle gym structures. I absolutely love how high up the cats can sit in their cat jungle gym structure that even has a roof on it! Cats love sitting up high and being able to look down on things.
Give me a beagle any day... 6 years ago
Like how they look 'down' on us humans, hahaha! Cats are so awesome!
#20
#21
Fran Stanton 4 years ago
Great idea for those with existing cat doors going through their siding.
c Fuller 6 years ago
and the cover on the outdoor bird cage is awesome too. Notice the cat staring them down.....
Bobby's Girl 6 years ago
That's a squirrel-proof bird feeder. The seed is in a clear tube running down the center, the dark parts are the feeding stations. There is a black squirrel baffle on the pole, as well. Between the cats and the squirrels, I can't imagine that many birds visit there.
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#23
We built a catio for our cats cause we love them. Our cats love the outdoors, but we don't want to harm the songbird population.
jevais 6 years ago
Thank you for your thoughtfulness towards birds. Most cat owners don't care, they leave their cats roam the neighborhood. Birds are helpless when preyed on by cats.
Nikki D 6 years ago
We have a neighborhood cat who keeps getting in our trees to get at our Orioles and other songbirds. I wish I could stop it.
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sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
I live in an apartment building, my two rescues are indoors, I have my balcony wire fenced in, they love it !!!
Give me a beagle any day... 6 years ago
I like birds. I love cats. I've had so many outdoor cats over the past 17 years and never once did they every 'bring' me a bird they caught. (I live in north Florida in the country). They have brought me, however, a big black snake once, and 2 mice. And that's IT! I guess I feed them too much. They are too fat and fluffy to hunt scrawny blue jays and sparrows.
#24
#25
Give me a beagle any day... 6 years ago
Finally! The cats have their OWN Xmas tree to tear apart!!!! Hang a bunch of catnip mice on there and watch what happens. I hope that tree is nailed down well.
#26
Feliz in the jungle.
Doris S. Anderson 6 years ago
Excellent wild, natural-looking habitat! Kitty looks like it comes from the wild, too!!
#27
#28
#29
Catio with privacy shields and some driftwood.
Gwinevere von Ludwig 6 years ago
My apartment has no outdoor space, but I still have a catio for my kitty Coco (my other cat DOES NOT WANT) catio-5cfe...52451a.jpg 
#30
#32
The catio I built. They are very adventurous, otherwise indoor only felines and this is my way of letting them enjoy the outdoors without my wife having a heart attack.
I spent almost nothing. Most of my money went into screws. All the wood is repurposed pallets and old wood I’ve scavenged from construction dumpsters. All the chicken wire and metal sheets comes from a chicken coop my parents built a couple years ago. So all in all I probably bought a few boxes of screws, some door hardware, and insulation for the houses. $40 total maybe.
#33
#36
Building this catio was the best decision. Kylo and Dexter love this so much and that makes my heart happy.
#38
Just another Gorgeous Day on the Catio.
Look close the hummingbird feeder is just a few feet away, close enough for entertainment yet far enough to keep the birds safe.
Snowy Tundra 6 years ago
The birds can come and go as they want. They can come back when the cats aren't out. Some of the birds in my neighborhood torture my cats by swooping in close to the windows that my cats perch in. They only do it when the cats are in the window.
Stina Kolling 6 years ago
if they don't like it, they don't come. Eventually birds get used to it, and they come anyway.
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#41
My night goblins and their custom catio that I built them.
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Troux 6 years ago
These are all really impressive constructions but I wish the cats could just be free to roam instead. There are some situations where it could be for the safety of the cats (nearby roads, dangerous wild animals, pet thieves, etc.) but I hope these cats have a chance to freedom some time.
Foxxy 6 years ago
Cats should not be allowed to roam. They are disastrous for local wildlife and have higher risks of getting diseases like feline aids etc, high risks of attacks, being hit by cars etc. Maybe I should let my dog free to roam the streets.
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Daylight Amy 6 years ago
I think it's amazing that this is a post encouraging people to contain their cats, and people who dislike cats are STILL here to turn the conversation as asinine as possible. Let's count how many problems ever get solved by making people feel bad, rather than making doing the right thing sound satisfying, fun and good. You're like those people who tell smokers to quit every other day. You're making it worse. Stop.
Geri Stevens 6 years ago
I was agreeing with your post wholeheartedly until you went sideways with the smokers comment. Totally out of context and it ruined the focus of your otherwise logical thread.
Load More Replies... Koalamonster 6 years ago
Cats aren't kept in enclosures just for their safety- that's a large part of it sure, but cats have wiped out entire species of birds. Cats who are let out to roam free also typically have shorter lifespans. If you HAVE to let your cat roam free put a bell on it so it can't just murder all the birds in your neighborhood for fun.
Debbie Mason 6 years ago
Cats are not responsible for wiping out entire species of BIRDS! Loss of habitat, illness, and pollution are responsible for that. Do cats kill birds, yes but not that many. Just think how the rodent population would explode and spread disease if there were no cats. Btw I personally keep my cats inside because of coyotes, cars and cruel people. Nut I also care for feral cat populations as well. And well fed cats are less likely to kill as they dont need to. So maybe be a part of the solution and help with TNR for ferals.
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petersilie 6 years ago
nice work! although, it feels like seeing caged birds. seems wrong and egoistic for my taste. why do humans cage an animal - they want to posess them ultimatively? i never understood. my cat used to live with me in a big city, (1.5 mill.) i choose a groundfloor flat with a very green inner yard for going in and out my window, whenever she wanted and she avoided the streets successfully, trust them! by the way, animals are also dying in wildlife, like humans probably. letting go is the key for myself.
Mick Fowler 6 years ago
Very impressive! Every time I see a road-killed cat I feel terrible, and I'm glad that mine are safe in my home. We have kitty condos and toys and catnip. I need to see about getting a catio. The idea that "cats need to be free" is willful ignorance. There are cars, cat-haters, hawks, coyotes and cats afflicted with feline AIDS outside. There are birds, lizards and snakes who already have more than enough predators. If you cannot be bothered to take care of a cat, don't get one.
Geri Stevens 6 years ago
You should print that onto a billboard. Include photo evidence to back up your facts!
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Leo Domitrix 6 years ago
For those who are confident cats are species-enders? That is not true in EVERY location on th eplanet, and in some, cats are vital to controlling rodent population b/c humans got rid of the other natural predators. Or the birds were killed by habitat loss to invasive species from Europe. Also, large birds will attack cats. Seen it with crows, eagles, hawks, and even blue jays and mockingbirds. I care for a feral colony, and if they're neutered and fed, they do little damage, but can be valuable farm animals as barn cats on Pest Patrol. SO.... No *one* solution fits *all* situations, is all I'm saying.
Leo Domitrix 6 years ago
We just screened in our porch. Now we have no mosquitoes, and the cats have a safe lounging area for "outdoor entertainment". Double win, IMHO.
Troux 6 years ago
These are all really impressive constructions but I wish the cats could just be free to roam instead. There are some situations where it could be for the safety of the cats (nearby roads, dangerous wild animals, pet thieves, etc.) but I hope these cats have a chance to freedom some time.
Foxxy 6 years ago
Cats should not be allowed to roam. They are disastrous for local wildlife and have higher risks of getting diseases like feline aids etc, high risks of attacks, being hit by cars etc. Maybe I should let my dog free to roam the streets.
Load More Replies... Daylight Amy 6 years ago
I think it's amazing that this is a post encouraging people to contain their cats, and people who dislike cats are STILL here to turn the conversation as asinine as possible. Let's count how many problems ever get solved by making people feel bad, rather than making doing the right thing sound satisfying, fun and good. You're like those people who tell smokers to quit every other day. You're making it worse. Stop.
Geri Stevens 6 years ago
I was agreeing with your post wholeheartedly until you went sideways with the smokers comment. Totally out of context and it ruined the focus of your otherwise logical thread.
Load More Replies... Koalamonster 6 years ago
Cats aren't kept in enclosures just for their safety- that's a large part of it sure, but cats have wiped out entire species of birds. Cats who are let out to roam free also typically have shorter lifespans. If you HAVE to let your cat roam free put a bell on it so it can't just murder all the birds in your neighborhood for fun.
Debbie Mason 6 years ago
Cats are not responsible for wiping out entire species of BIRDS! Loss of habitat, illness, and pollution are responsible for that. Do cats kill birds, yes but not that many. Just think how the rodent population would explode and spread disease if there were no cats. Btw I personally keep my cats inside because of coyotes, cars and cruel people. Nut I also care for feral cat populations as well. And well fed cats are less likely to kill as they dont need to. So maybe be a part of the solution and help with TNR for ferals.
Load More Replies... petersilie 6 years ago
nice work! although, it feels like seeing caged birds. seems wrong and egoistic for my taste. why do humans cage an animal - they want to posess them ultimatively? i never understood. my cat used to live with me in a big city, (1.5 mill.) i choose a groundfloor flat with a very green inner yard for going in and out my window, whenever she wanted and she avoided the streets successfully, trust them! by the way, animals are also dying in wildlife, like humans probably. letting go is the key for myself.
Mick Fowler 6 years ago
Very impressive! Every time I see a road-killed cat I feel terrible, and I'm glad that mine are safe in my home. We have kitty condos and toys and catnip. I need to see about getting a catio. The idea that "cats need to be free" is willful ignorance. There are cars, cat-haters, hawks, coyotes and cats afflicted with feline AIDS outside. There are birds, lizards and snakes who already have more than enough predators. If you cannot be bothered to take care of a cat, don't get one.
Geri Stevens 6 years ago
You should print that onto a billboard. Include photo evidence to back up your facts!
Load More Replies... Leo Domitrix 6 years ago
For those who are confident cats are species-enders? That is not true in EVERY location on th eplanet, and in some, cats are vital to controlling rodent population b/c humans got rid of the other natural predators. Or the birds were killed by habitat loss to invasive species from Europe. Also, large birds will attack cats. Seen it with crows, eagles, hawks, and even blue jays and mockingbirds. I care for a feral colony, and if they're neutered and fed, they do little damage, but can be valuable farm animals as barn cats on Pest Patrol. SO.... No *one* solution fits *all* situations, is all I'm saying.
Leo Domitrix 6 years ago
We just screened in our porch. Now we have no mosquitoes, and the cats have a safe lounging area for "outdoor entertainment". Double win, IMHO.
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