Cats
Catios
Little things. Happy tails.
35 items picked for everyday life with your pet, with shipping estimates on every item.
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All catios
Little essentials. Lots of love.
Automatic cat feeders
1.1 gal (4 L) Wi-Fi Automatic Cat Feeder with Steel Bowl
- Options
- 2 to choose from
$75.99
A little guidance
Help choosing catios
Buying guides and care advice written for this range: what to measure, what matters and what to skip.
From our guides
This page covers catios, the enclosed outdoor spaces that let indoor cats enjoy fresh air safely. The range includes window box catios with bridges and platforms, two-story wooden cat houses, large wooden and galvanized steel walk-in enclosures with waterproof covers, catios on wheels, wall-mounted cat houses, portable tent enclosures and a covered cat run that connects to the house. It is for owners of indoor cats who want to give them sunshine, birdsong and grass without the risks of roaming.
Why give an indoor cat a catio
Keeping a cat indoors protects it from traffic, predators and fights. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that free-roaming cats risk life-threatening encounters with vehicles and predators, as well as parasites and infectious diseases picked up from other cats. The tradeoff is that indoor life can be dull for a curious animal.
A catio closes that gap. VCA describes building an enclosure, a catio, as another great way to provide safe access to the outdoors. Cats get to watch birds, feel the sun and wind, sniff the air and nap on a shelf outside, then come back in, while wildlife in your yard is protected from them too.
Types of catio in this range
Window box catios attach outside a window, so a cat can step out onto platforms and bridges without you building anything in the yard. They suit apartments with ground-floor windows, townhouses and smaller homes, and some take two or three cats. Wall-mounted cat houses do a similar job against an exterior wall.
Freestanding catios are larger: two-story wooden cat houses with openable roofs, long wooden enclosures with several jumping platforms, and walk-in galvanized steel runs with waterproof canopies that people can step into too. Catios on wheels can be rolled between patio and garage. Portable tent enclosures and a covered cat run that connects to the house round out the range.
Choosing the right size
Think about how many cats will use it and how they like to move. Cats use height more than floor space, so several shelves and platforms at different levels matter more than a large footprint. A tall enclosure with jumping platforms lets two or three cats share without being on top of each other.
Measure the space you have, including the height under any overhang, and check the listed dimensions against it. Leave room around a wooden catio to reach every side for cleaning and maintenance. For window boxes, measure the window opening and the wall below it carefully before ordering.
Wood or galvanized steel
Wooden catios look at home on a deck or in a garden and many come with asphalt or waterproof roofs, openable tops for cleaning and built-in houses for shelter. Wood needs a pet-safe finish renewed every year or two, and wood stays easier to keep sound if the base sits on pavers rather than wet ground.
Galvanized steel walk-in enclosures are strong, resist chewing and scratching, and suit larger spaces and multi-cat homes. Their mesh walls give the best views and airflow. Fit the waterproof cover so part of the enclosure is always shaded and dry, and anchor the frame so wind cannot move it.
Safety, shelter and placement
Check every door latch, panel joint and mesh edge before your cat goes in, and again every few weeks; a cat that sees a bird will test a weak spot. Anchor freestanding catios to the ground or a wall. Put the catio somewhere with both sun and shade, and add a covered box or shelf where your cat can get out of rain or wind.
Bring cats in during extreme heat, cold and storms, and provide water whenever they are out. Keep toxic plants, lawn chemicals and slug pellets away from the enclosure. VCA advises updating vaccinations and parasite prevention with your vet before cats spend time outdoors, and make sure each cat is microchipped in case one ever slips out.
Getting your cat to use the catio
Most cats are curious about a new outdoor space, but some are nervous at first. Put a familiar blanket and a few treats on a shelf, open the door or window and let your cat explore at its own pace. Short first sessions while you sit nearby help a timid cat feel safe.
Add enrichment over time: a scratching post, a bed in a sheltered corner, cat-safe grass in a pot and a perch with a view of the bird feeder. A catio your cat chooses to visit every day is the best measure of success.
Outdoor enclosure placement and structures
| Format | Physical arrangement | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Window box | An enclosure outside a window | Exact window interface and installation |
| Wall-mounted house | Structure fixed against a wall | Wall compatibility and fixing points |
| Freestanding enclosure | A separate structure in the yard | Footprint,doors and frame |
| Walk-in run | An enclosure with human headroom | Door opening and fixing points |
| Wheeled unit | Enclosure on a rolling base | Wheels,locks and supported surface |
| Portable tent | Fabric or mesh over a portable frame | Frame,closures and intended conditions |
What is a catio?
A catio is an enclosed outdoor space for cats, from a small window box to a walk-in run. It lets an indoor cat enjoy fresh air and sunshine while staying safely contained away from traffic and predators.
Are catios safe for cats?
Yes, when the enclosure is secure, anchored, shaded and checked regularly, and the cat has shelter and water. Bring cats in during storms and extreme temperatures, and keep their vaccinations and parasite prevention current.
Can a catio attach to a window?
Yes. Window box catios fit outside a window so a cat can step straight out onto platforms. Measure the window opening and the wall carefully, and make sure the window can be secured when you are away.
Can cats stay in a catio overnight?
It is best not to. Nighttime brings colder weather and more wildlife, and cats are safest indoors. Use the catio during the day and close it off in the evening.
How big should a catio be?
Big enough for every cat that uses it to perch, climb and move away from the others. Height and several platforms matter more than floor space, since cats use vertical space more than ground area.