A catio is a wonderful way to give your cat a taste of the outdoors while keeping them safe. Even if your cat is not accustomed to being outside, a catio can provide them with sunlight, shade, fresh air, and a sense of the outside world.
A catio expands your cat’s territory and provides them with stimulation, which can help reduce conflicts and behavioral issues with other pets in the household. It serves as a safe and controlled environment for your cat to explore and experience the outdoors.
The Aivituvin Outdoor Catio Cat House is recommended as a favorite catio option. It features a sturdy and upright wooden structure that offers protection for your feline companion. This catio provides great value for its features, including being weatherproof and easy to assemble.
Best Catios for Enjoying the Outdoors with Your Feline Companion
Best Overall – Aivituvin Catio Outdoor Cat House
The Aivituvin Catio Outdoor Cat House is an excellent choice for providing your cat with a sturdy and feature-rich outdoor space. It offers several advantages that make it a convenient and comfortable option for both cats and their owners.
The catio’s sturdy construction and fully-featured design give it a permanent feel, allowing it to blend seamlessly with your porch or outdoor area. However, the addition of wheels provides easy maneuverability and the option to store it away during the off-season.
With three elevated wooden platforms and a resting house on top, the catio offers various lounging, hiding, and sunning spots for your cat to enjoy. The small sliding door in the back aligns with a window on the side of your house, enabling your cat to freely go outside or return indoors. The waterproof asphalt roof and screened-in walls provide protection from the elements.
The Aivituvin Catio also includes user-friendly features. The removable PVC floor mat is easy to clean by simply hosing it off. Multiple access points, including hinged panels and small doors, make it convenient for you and your cat to enter and exit the catio.
The spacious 31.5-inch square base provides enough room for additional items like a cat tree or toys. Furthermore, the catio can be expanded by removing the side panel and adding a second catio if desired.
Pros:
- Removable PVC mat bottom for easy cleaning
- Wheeled design with brake casters for easy maneuverability
- Multiple doors and access points for convenience
- Sturdy construction and waterproof roof for protection from the elements
- Spacious base for accommodating additional items
- Expandable by adding a second catio
Cons:
- Comes flat-packed and requires assembly
Best for Yards – Kitty City Outdoor Mega Kit
The Kitty City Outdoor Mega Kit is a versatile option for creating an outdoor play area for your cat. It offers several features that make it a convenient and enjoyable space for your feline friend.
Constructed with nylon mesh, the Mega Kit provides excellent ventilation, ensuring your cat stays comfortable while playing outdoors. The plastic frame makes assembly easy and tool-free, allowing you to set it up without hassle. However, it may be more complex to disassemble and transport due to its design.
One standout feature of the Mega Kit is its inclusion of multiple hiding cubbies and an elevated bed platform. This provides additional spaces for your cat to explore, relax, and play. The kit is also expandable, with a zippered portal for attaching Kitty City play tunnels, allowing you to customize the play area to suit your cat’s preferences.
To ensure your cat stays safely inside, the enclosure has two openings that can only be opened from the outside through a zipper. Additionally, the included stakes can be used to secure the Mega Kit to the ground, providing stability and preventing it from flying away.
Pros:
- Highly customizable and expandable with the option to attach Kitty City play tunnels
- Lightweight and relatively portable
- Well-ventilated nylon mesh construction
- Includes hiding spots and an elevated bed platform
- Stakes included for added stability
Cons:
- May not be suitable for windy conditions
- Takes time to set up, making it less ideal for frequent portability
Best Patio Tunnel – Kittywalk Outdoor Net Cat Enclosure
The Kittywalk Outdoor Net is a durable and convenient tunnel option for providing controlled freedom and outdoor exploration for your cat. It offers several features that make it a practical choice for both you and your feline companion.
The tunnel is made of rip-proof netting and features steel wickets, ensuring durability and keeping your cat safe from potential harm. Its self-standing design allows for easy setup on any patio, deck, or balcony, providing your cat with a controlled outdoor experience. The two doors, secured by steel, prevent even the most clever cats from escaping.
Setting up the tunnel is a breeze with the included storage bag. Simply take it out and place it wherever you need it. Additionally, the tunnel can be secured to the ground using the included stakes, adding stability.
While the Kittywalk Outdoor Net may not have as many perches and hiding spots as other alternatives, it still offers a way for your cat to enjoy the fresh air and explore. All you need to provide are a few toys to keep your cat entertained.
It’s worth noting that the netting may occasionally catch cat claws, which can be a minor inconvenience. Additionally, the clasps on the doors may rust if left out in bad weather, so it’s important to take appropriate care.
Pros:
- Self-standing design
- Easy to assemble and portable with the included travel bag
- Doors on both ends for convenient entry and exit
- Expandable with additional tunnel units
- Can be secured to the ground with stakes
Cons:
- Cat claws may catch in the netting
- Clasps may rust if exposed to bad weather
Best for Multiple Cats – Aivituvin Cat House Outdoor Catio Kitty Enclosure
The Aivituvin Extra-Large Cat Patio is an ideal choice for multiple cats that require ample space to roam and play. This 70-inch tall catio offers several features that make it a comfortable and secure environment for your feline companions.
With six platforms, two resting boxes, and a middle platform, this cat patio provides plenty of vertical space and resting areas for your cats to enjoy. The high-quality wood construction ensures durability, while the waterproof flat asphalt roof offers protection from the elements.
The mesh exterior of the catio is thin yet durable, effectively preventing your cats from escaping the enclosure while allowing for good visibility and airflow. Additionally, the design allows you to connect the cat patio to windows and pet doors, providing easy access for your cats to go indoors or outdoors.
One notable advantage is the option to combine multiple enclosures to create larger outdoor play areas for your cats. This is especially beneficial if you have multiple cats or want to provide extra space for them to explore.
The reinforced wooden corner strips enhance the sturdiness of the cat patio, preventing it from breaking or falling apart over time.
Pros:
- Suitable for accommodating 3-5 cats
- Multiple levels and two enclosed resting rooms for lounging and privacy
- Designed to connect to windows and pet doors for convenient access
- Main door is human height for easy entry and cleaning
- Option to connect multiple enclosures for larger play areas
- Reinforced wooden corner strips for added durability
Cons:
- Assembly requires two people for optimal setup
Best Portable – Rest-Eazzzy Cat Tent
The Cat Enclosure Tent from Rest Eazzzy is a portable and convenient option for providing your cat with 30 square feet of roaming space. It offers several features that make it suitable for various situations and environments.
The mesh-covered tent allows for visibility, allowing your cat to see the outdoors while keeping external irritants, such as mosquitos, at bay. The large zippered door with a 21.5-inch diameter makes it easy to get your cat inside the structure.
This Cat Enclosure Tent is versatile and can be used for camping, traveling, or when you simply want your cat to have a view of the outdoors and enjoy fresh air. It is designed for easy assembly and folds down quickly, making it convenient to transport and store in the provided carrying bag.
It’s important to note that while the tent is lightweight and easy to set up, it may be susceptible to the elements. It is advised to keep a close eye on your cat while inside the tent and avoid using it in very windy conditions. To add additional stability, you have the option to use tent nails, although they are not included with the product.
Pros:
- Quick and easy assembly
- Suitable for both outdoor and indoor use
- Provides protection from pests and other animals
- Portable and convenient for camping or travel
Cons:
- Tent nails (not included) are required for added stability on windy days
Best Metal – Amazon Basics Large Cat Playpen
The Amazon Basics Large Cat Playpen is a spacious and durable option for providing multiple cats with a comfortable and enclosed space to lounge and play. It offers several features that enhance convenience and usability.
Constructed with durable steel wire that is rust-resistant, this cat playpen ensures long-lasting use. The 1.36-inch bar spacing allows for good airflow and accommodates adult cats well. However, it’s important to note that the wider bar spacing may not be suitable for small kittens, as they may be able to squeeze through the bars.
The playpen includes three levels, providing ample space for cats to rest and play. The two swing-open doors feature locking door latches, ensuring the enclosure remains secure. With four wheels on the bottom, the playpen is easy to move to different locations, and the wheels can be locked in place to prevent shifting.
Inside the playpen, a plastic floor pan helps capture any waste and prevents leaks. It is removable, making cleaning a breeze. When not in use, the playpen can be folded for streamlined storage, saving space.
Pros:
- Three tiers offer multiple resting and playing areas for cats
- Removable floor pan for easy cleaning and waste containment
- Locking door latches for secure enclosure
- Four wheels for easy mobility, with locking feature to prevent shifting
- Collapsible design for convenient storage
Cons:
- Bar spacing may be too wide for small kittens
Read Also:Best Bone Broths for Cats
What to Look for in Cat Patios?
When looking for a cat patio, also known as a catio, there are several important features to consider to provide a safe and enriching environment for your feline friend. Here’s what to look for:
- Size and Space: Choose a catio that provides enough space for your cat to move around comfortably. The size will depend on the number of cats you have and their activity levels. Ensure there is enough room for climbing, perching, and stretching out.
- Security and Enclosure: The catio should have secure walls or mesh panels that prevent your cat from escaping or predators from entering. The materials should be sturdy and durable to withstand scratching and climbing attempts.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to ensure fresh air circulation within the catio. Look for designs with mesh or wire panels that allow for airflow while still providing security.
- Sunlight and Shade: Cats enjoy basking in the sun, so ensure the catio offers areas with both sunlight and shade. This allows your cat to regulate their body temperature and enjoy different levels of light throughout the day.
- Multiple Levels and Enrichment: Look for catios that offer multiple levels, shelves, perches, and platforms for your cat to climb, explore, and observe their surroundings. Providing vertical space gives cats opportunities to exercise and satisfy their natural instincts.
- Access Points: The catio should have secure access points for your cat to enter and exit. Consider a design that allows easy access from inside your home, such as a cat door or window insert. Ensure the access points can be locked or secured when needed.
- Safety Features: Check for safety features such as rounded edges, secure latches, and non-toxic materials. Avoid any potentially hazardous materials or sharp corners that could harm your cat.
- Outdoor Enrichment: Consider adding features such as scratching posts, toys, hiding spots, and plants (safe for cats) to create a stimulating and enriching environment. These additions can provide mental and physical stimulation for your cat while they are in the catio.
- Weather Protection: If your cat will be using the catio in various weather conditions, consider options that provide weather protection, such as a roof or cover. This will keep your cat dry during rain and provide shade during hot weather.
- Easy Maintenance and Cleaning: Look for catios that are easy to clean and maintain. Removable trays or litter boxes, washable surfaces, and accessible areas for cleaning will make the upkeep of the catio more convenient.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Consider the design and aesthetic appeal of the catio, ensuring it complements your home and outdoor space. A visually pleasing catio can enhance your enjoyment and encourage your cat to use the space.
Remember, a catio should always be a safe and supervised environment for your cat. Regularly inspect the catio for any damage or potential hazards and make necessary repairs or adjustments.
If you’re not confident in building a catio yourself, there are professionals who specialize in designing and constructing catios. They can provide customized options based on your specific needs and space limitations.
Can indoor cats use a catio?
Yes, indoor cats can definitely use a catio and benefit from having access to an enclosed outdoor space. Catios provide a safe and controlled environment for indoor cats to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors while being protected from potential dangers such as traffic, predators, or exposure to harmful substances.
Allowing your indoor cat to use a catio can provide various benefits, including:
- Enrichment and Stimulation: A catio offers sensory stimulation and environmental enrichment for your indoor cat. They can experience the outdoors, watch birds, squirrels, or insects, and enjoy the natural elements, which can help alleviate boredom and provide mental and physical stimulation.
- Fresh Air and Sunlight: Cats enjoy basking in the sun and breathing fresh air. A catio allows your indoor cat to soak up the sun’s warmth and enjoy the natural ventilation, which can contribute to their overall well-being.
- Safe Exploration: Cats have a natural instinct to explore and investigate their surroundings. A catio provides a secure space for your indoor cat to satisfy their curiosity, climb, perch, or simply relax while still being protected from potential hazards.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Access to a catio can help reduce stress and anxiety in indoor cats by providing them with a change of scenery and a connection to the outdoors. It can also help alleviate certain behavioral issues that may arise from boredom or frustration.
When introducing your indoor cat to a catio, it’s important to supervise their time outside and gradually acclimate them to the new environment. Start with short supervised visits and gradually increase the duration as your cat becomes more comfortable. Provide familiar items such as their bed, toys, or scratching posts to make the catio feel like a familiar and safe space.
It’s also essential to ensure that the catio is secure and escape-proof, with no gaps or openings that your cat can squeeze through. Regularly check the catio for any potential hazards or damage to maintain a safe environment for your cat.
Overall, a catio can be a wonderful addition to your home for both you and your indoor cat, offering them a safe and enriching outdoor experience while providing peace of mind for their safety and well-being.
