Outdoor Cat Enclosures, Catios and Outside Play Areas

The Best of Both Worlds

Outdoor cat enclosures, or catios, provide a great solution to an ongoing dilemma.

Giving a cat an outdoor play areas gives them a safe space to enjoy all the sights, smells and stimulation that nature has, and that they crave. It's so beneficial.

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The statistics are in. We know that indoor cats live longer, healthier lives - so we keep them as indoor kitties.

But they desperately want to get outside! Outdoor cat enclosures, or "catios," are the purrfect blend of indoor safety and outdoor adventure.


six issues of the maine coon magazine.
six issues of the maine coon magazine.

black maine coon cat reaching up to doorknob

How they love the feeling of the wind blowing through their fur.

And the feeling of the warm sunshine as they lounge on the ground. And did you know there are birds out there?!?

Just the simple act of pouncing on a cricket or trying to catch a fly actually brightens up a cats day. It adds to their overall health.

They get exercise, and they feel like those instincts are being satisfied.

The nice thing about outside cat enclosures, besides the fact that they keep a cat safe, is that they come in such a variety. Most have some type of built-in shade protection, too.


Benefits of Outdoor Cat Enclosures:

A cat outdoor play area offers a range of practical benefits for both felines and their owners, creating a safe and stimulating environment.

Here’s a closer look at why these enclosures are an excellent investment:

Safety Benefits:

Outdoor cat enclosures provide a secure space - protecting cats from traffic, predators, and diseases.

By confining your pet to a controlled area, you eliminate the risks associated with roaming freely, such as getting hit by a car, encountering aggressive animals, or contracting infectious diseases.

This controlled environment ensures your cat can enjoy the outdoors without the associated dangers.

Health Benefits:

These enclosures support your cat’s physical and mental health.

Cats can engage in natural behaviors like climbing, running, and exploring, which helps them stay physically fit and maintain a healthy weight.

The variety of outdoor stimuli, including sights, sounds, and smells, provides mental enrichment, reducing boredom and stress.

This combination of physical exercise and mental stimulation contributes to overall well-being.

Environmental Benefits:

Using an outdoor cat enclosure also benefits the local environment. By preventing your cat from hunting, you help protect local wildlife populations, such as birds and small mammals.

In some cases, there are laws and initiatives in place to keep some species of endangered local wildlife safe from pets cats. 

This reduction in hunting activity supports biodiversity and maintains a balanced ecosystem, contributing to conservation efforts.

Owner Benefits:

For cat owners, outdoor enclosures offer peace of mind and enhance the bond with their pets.

a cat in a spacious outdoor catio

Knowing that your cat is safe and content in a secure environment alleviates the anxiety of potential dangers.

Additionally, these enclosures provide opportunities for shared outdoor time, allowing you to watch and interact with your cat in a controlled setting.

This can strengthen the relationship between you and your pet, adding to the enjoyment of pet ownership.

Outdoor enclosures for cats deliver significant safety, health, environmental, and personal benefits.

They offer a practical solution to the challenges of allowing cats outdoor access, ensuring a safer, healthier, and more enriching experience for your feline friend.


Types of Outdoor Cat Enclosures

From simple to sophisticated, there's something for every kitty and every home.

  • Window Boxes: Perfect for apartments or smaller spaces. These delightful perches let your cat enjoy fresh air and a sunny spot to nap.
  • Balcony Enclosures: Turn your balcony into a safe haven for your cat. Enjoy the urban jungle together!
  • Tunnel Systems: Create a fun, interconnected playground that your cat will love to explore.
  • Freestanding Enclosures: These standalone structures can be placed anywhere in your yard, offering endless possibilities for adventure.
  • Attached Enclosures: Extend your home into the outdoors with these custom extensions, providing direct access from your house.
  • Catio Kits: DIY enthusiasts, rejoice! These kits come with everything you need to build your own catio.
  • Modular Enclosures: Flexible and expandable, these are perfect for growing feline families.
  • Multi-Level Enclosures: For the acrobatic kitty who loves to climb and conquer new heights.
  • Greenhouse Style: A cozy, weather-resistant option that keeps your cat safe year-round.
  • Portable Enclosures: Lightweight and easy to move, perfect for those spontaneous outdoor adventures.


Safety Considerations

Let's talk about creating your dream catio! Whether you're a DIY dynamo or prefer pre-made perfection, there's a design out there waiting to come to life.

Design and Construction

  • Materials Matter: Choose from sturdy wood, sleek metal, or durable mesh. Each material has its own charm and benefits
  • DIY vs. Pre-Made: Building your own can be a fun project, but pre-made options offer convenience and professional quality.
  • Key Features: Think about size, ventilation, access points, and weatherproofing. Don't forget those playful touches like perches and climbing structures!

Suitability and Considerations for Different Cats

Safety is the cornerstone of any good catio. Here are some tips to ensure your feline friend's new hangout is as safe as it is fun:

  • Solid Structure: Make sure it's built to last, with no weak points or gaps.
  • Predator Protection: Keep those pesky predators out with secure mesh and a covered top.
  • Weather Wise: Provide shade, shelter, and protection from the elements.
  • Regular Checks: Inspect and maintain the enclosure regularly to keep it in tip-top shape.

Location and Placement

Not every cat is the same, and that's the beauty of it! Let's celebrate the diversity of our feline friends and find the best fit for each one:

  • Health and Age: Tailor your catio to the needs of kittens, senior cats, and those with health conditions.
  • Behavioral Needs: Some cats are explorers, others are more cautious. Design your catio to match your cat's personality.

cat walking outdoors in an enclosure

Enrichment and Comfort

Choosing the perfect spot for your catio is like picking the best seat in the house.

Consider sun exposure, shade, and proximity to other animals. Find that sweet spot where your cat can enjoy the view and feel secure.

Make your catio a feline paradise! Add toys, scratching posts, and climbing structures.

Create cozy nooks for resting and watching the world go by. Your cat will be in seventh heaven!


Training and Acclimating Your Cat

Introducing your cat to a new outdoor enclosure can be a rewarding experience, both for you and your feline friend. Usually, cats are thrilled to get the fresh air and be closer to the outdoors. Your kitty will likely take to his or her enclosure easily.

But in some cases, it may be necessary to approach this process with patience and care for a smooth transition.

Start Slow and Steady:

two cats outside in a catio or cage

Begin by letting your cat explore the enclosure for short periods. Initially, these sessions should last only a few minutes.

Allow your cat to sniff around and get familiar with the new environment without feeling overwhelmed.

Gradually increase the duration of these visits as your cat becomes more comfortable.

Create Positive Associations:

To make the enclosure a place your cat loves, use treats and toys as incentives.

Place your cat's favorite treats inside the enclosure to encourage exploration. Interactive toys or a favorite blanket can also help your cat feel more at home.

This positive reinforcement will help your cat associate the enclosure with good things, making them more eager to spend time there.

Make It Fun:

Engage your cat with play sessions inside the enclosure. Use toys like feather wands or laser pointers to stimulate their natural hunting instincts.

This not only makes the enclosure more enjoyable but also helps burn off excess energy, contributing to their overall well-being.

Observe and Adjust:

Pay close attention to your cat's behavior during these initial visits.

Look for signs of stress or discomfort, such as excessive meowing, hiding, or attempts to escape.

If your cat seems anxious, reduce the time spent in the enclosure and gradually build it up again.

Every cat is unique, so tailor the acclimation process to your cat's specific needs and comfort level.

Routine and Consistency:

Establish a regular routine for enclosure time. Cats thrive on routine, and knowing when they will have outdoor time can help reduce anxiety.

Consistent exposure will also reinforce the positive associations you've been building.

By taking these steps, you'll create a positive, enjoyable experience for your cat, and a smooth transition.


a cat sleeping outside in a catio

"Are there any cats or situations where outdoor cat enclosures would be a bad idea?"

While outdoor cat enclosures are awesome and offer many benefits, there are some situations and certain cats for whom these enclosures might not be suitable or could present challenges:

Cats with Certain Health Conditions

  • Respiratory Issues: Cats with asthma or other respiratory conditions might be adversely affected by outdoor allergens and pollutants.
  • Compromised Immune Systems: Cats with weakened immune systems, such as those with FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) or FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus), might be more vulnerable to outdoor pathogens.

Behavioral Concerns

  • High Anxiety or Stress: Some cats may become overly anxious or stressed in an outdoor environment, even if they are enclosed. They might exhibit signs of distress, such as excessive meowing, pacing, or attempting to escape.
  • Fearfulness: Cats that are very fearful or skittish may not adapt well to an outdoor enclosure and could be more comfortable remaining indoors.

Aggressive Cats

  • Aggression Toward Other Animals: Cats that show aggression towards other animals might become more stressed or agitated in an outdoor enclosure where they can see and possibly encounter other wildlife or neighborhood pets.
  • Self-Injury: Aggressive behavior might lead to attempts to escape or self-injury by attacking the enclosure structure.

Young Kittens

  • Vulnerability: Very young kittens are more vulnerable to environmental hazards and may not be safe even in a well-designed enclosure. Their small size can also make it easier for them to escape through small openings.

Unsuitable Environmental Conditions

  • Extreme Weather: In regions with extreme weather conditions, such as very hot, cold, or stormy climates, outdoor enclosures might not provide adequate protection, even with shelter options.
  • High Predator Presence: Areas with a high presence of predators, such as large birds of prey, snakes, or aggressive dogs, may pose too significant a risk for even the most secure enclosures.

Legal and Regulatory Issues

  • Zoning Laws and HOA Rules: Some areas have strict regulations or homeowners’ association rules that may prohibit or restrict the use of outdoor cat enclosures.

Space Constraints

  • Limited Space: In very small yards or urban settings without sufficient space, it might be difficult to set up a safe and comfortable outdoor enclosure.

Owner's Ability to Maintain the Enclosure

  • Maintenance and Supervision: Owners who are unable to regularly maintain and supervise the enclosure due to time constraints, physical limitations, or frequent travel might find it challenging to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the enclosure.

Potential for Escape

  • Escape Artists: Some cats are particularly adept at finding ways to escape, and even the most secure enclosures might not contain them. If a cat has a history of escaping from enclosures or harnesses, an outdoor enclosure might not be a safe option.

In these cases, it might be better to focus on enriching the indoor environment with plenty of toys, climbing structures, and interactive play to ensure the cat remains happy and healthy.


two maine coon mix cats sitting outside

Outdoor Catio Top Picks:

This outdoor cat enclosure offers a spacious 28.27ft² area, providing ample room for your cats to run and play freely. It's an attractive "house" for cats!

Equipped with bridges, sleeping houses, and cat walks, it satisfies your cat's natural instincts to jump, climb, and rest.

The walk-in design, featuring a 59.5" tall door, allows easy access for feeding and cleaning, while the wire mesh ensures visibility and satisfies your cat’s curiosity.

Two small doors provide convenient entry and exit points for kittens, and the enclosure can connect to a pet gate or tunnel.

For added security, it features galvanized wire mesh and sliding bolt locks, and a removable waterproof roof cover protects your cats from wind and rain.

What reviewers say: With 4.4 average stars, and 112 ratings, this big enclosure is a popular choice! Buyers appreciate its robustness, aesthetics, and spaciousness.

They also like its exceptional craftsmanship, generous space across multiple levels, and its resilience against windy conditions.

Many commend its overall quality and size, noting its effectiveness in keeping everything contained.

However, some express concerns regarding its value for money and the level of difficulty encountered during assembly.


Aivituvin strikes again! This model is narrower and quite attractive. You can place it right up against a house, with a cat door.

This window cat house features a removable back panel for easy indoor to outdoor access. With a large 67" tall enter door, it facilitates interaction, feeding, and cleaning.

Seven platforms cater to your cat's climbing instincts, while two spacious sleeping houses provide cozy lounging spots.

Its waterproof asphalt roof ensures durability and protection from leaks, while the sturdy structure withstands windy conditions, making it ideal for outdoor use.

What reviewers say: Reviewers appreciate the security, dimensions, and aesthetics of the animal cage. They find it suitable for housing squirrels and cats, praising the protective animal screen and its space-saving design.

However, some express concerns about odors emanating from the cage. Opinions vary regarding the ease of assembly, weight, value for money, and overall durability.


  • PawHut Cat Tunnel Outdoor, Wooden Cat Tube with Combinable Design, 8 Doors, 98" Cat Toys for Kitty, Puppy, Pet, House, Window, Cage, Dark Gray

These Pawhut tunnels are so neat! They can be placed in different configurations, added to, and rearranged to suit your particular space.

Features:
Easily connect your cat window box and house, or create an L-shaped paradise with multiple tunnels. Give your cat a larger, more stimulating space to explore and roam freely.

Versatile Entry Options: With four doors, this cat patio offers flexibility, allowing your feline friend to enter and exit from various directions for added convenience.

Durable Build: Constructed from fir wood and wire mesh walls coated in water-based paint, this window catio ensures a sturdy and secure living area for your cat to play and relax.

Ample Space: This 78.7" long cat window tunnel is designed to accommodate a single cat, providing plenty of room for exploration, exercise, and the expression of natural instincts.

Product Details: Overall Dimensions: 78.7" L x 15" W x 15" H. Suitable for Cats Up to 10 lbs. Assembly Required.

What reviewers say: Buyers appreciate the quality, design, and functionality of the pet activity structure.

They note its excellent performance, praise the high-quality wood floor, and find it perfectly suited to their needs. Additionally, customers are impressed by the ease of assembly.



From providing a safe environment for exploration to promoting physical exercise and mental stimulation, outdoor cat enclosures enhance the well-being of our fluffiest family members.

With some planning, you can create a paradise where your feline friend can thrive while enjoying the sights, sounds, and fresh air of the great outdoors.


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