Transforming Outdoor Spaces: A Celebration of Catios

Article and Photos Contributed by Kendall Wapner

This weekend, I had the pleasure of attending a captivating catio tour, presented by the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon, Bird Alliance of Oregon, and Bird Conservation Oregon. The event showcased a diverse array of catios, each reflecting the creativity and dedication of their builders. Here’s a deeper look into the highlights of this inspiring tour.

Our first stop was the Garden View Purr-ch, a contractor-built catio completed in 2024. This spacious 6’ x 11’ enclosure stands out with its cedar construction and pet-safe stain, ensuring durability and safety. What makes this catio particularly special is its design. Suspended from a window, it features numerous shelves and a human access door, allowing for easy maintenance. Heather, the proud owner, was driven by a desire to create a generous outdoor space for her three cats—Mo, Billy, and Cookie. The catio overlooks a sunlit garden and bird feeder, offering a serene retreat for the feline trio. Heather’s thoughtful design includes features that accommodate her cats’ varying personalities, ensuring they all have their own favorite spots. She’s delighted with the result and advises future builders to consider easy access for cleaning and potential expansions.

Next, we visited the Whisker Purr-imeter, a DIY project completed in 2022. This impressive catio transforms the entire backyard into a secure playground for three cats—Milo, Buttercup, and Chico. Built using PVC and large-gauge wire mesh, the catio’s most striking feature is its innovative use of space and materials. Ben, the creator, wanted to give his cats the freedom to explore while ensuring the safety of local wildlife. The yard now boasts a reinforced fence and creative barriers to keep adventurous felines contained. Ben’s advice to aspiring catio builders is to think big and be inventive, emphasizing that you don’t need a fancy structure to provide your cats with a wonderful outdoor experience.

The Olive & Frodo’s Shire catio, built in 2023, was another highlight of the tour. This DIY project measures 15’ x 10’ x 10’ and is constructed from reclaimed and recycled materials. The catio features a screened back porch where humans can relax while their cats, Frodo and Olive, enjoy their multi-tiered playground. The design reflects a beautiful blend of functionality and style, with high shelves and ramps that cater to the cats’ playful nature. Alana and Amanda, the hosts, were inspired to create this cozy retreat after attending a previous catio tour. Their advice? Start your project sooner and utilize recycled materials to keep costs down while adding a personal touch.

Our next stop was the Pawsome Platform, a raised window catio completed in 2023. Measuring 51” x 43” x 50”, this DIY creation makes efficient use of vertical space with its multi-tiered shelving covered in indoor-outdoor carpet. The clear corrugated plastic roof ensures that the cats—Edie and Raven—stay dry during rainy weather, while the heavy wire fencing provides security. Mark, the builder, was inspired by a previous catio tour and chose a location that made the most of an existing window. He learned the importance of precise measurements and planning, advising future builders to carefully consider dimensions and materials to avoid unnecessary complications.

Finally, we explored the Rhododendron Den, a charming DIY catio built in 2023 using scrap wood, metal mesh, and Manzanita branches. This 5’10” x 4’3” x 12’ enclosure seamlessly integrates with the home and landscape, offering a harmonious extension of the living space. The catio features shelves at different elevations, allowing cats to observe their surroundings from various vantage points. The hosts, who wished to create a beautiful and functional space for their cats, achieved their goal with this aesthetically pleasing design. Their advice for others? Focus on blending the catio with your home’s design and landscaping to enhance both functionality and visual appeal.

The catio tour was a delightful experience, highlighting the ingenuity and care of cat owners who have transformed their spaces to better accommodate their feline friends. Whether you’re considering a DIY project or hiring a contractor, there’s no shortage of inspiration to be found. For those interested in learning more or getting involved with the organizations that made this event possible, here’s how you can reach them:

• Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon
  FeralCats.com
  503-797-2606
  4522 S Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97239
• Bird Alliance of Oregon
  BirdAllianceOregon.org
  503-292-6855
  5151 NW Cornell Road, Portland, OR 97210
• Bird Conservation Oregon
  BirdConservationOregon.org
  503-380-9728

I hope this tour inspires you to create or enhance your own catio, providing a safe and enriching outdoor experience for your feline companions.

This article was contributed by Kendall Wapner • With a fervent dedication to animal welfare, Kendall has been an advocate for the rights and well-being of animals since 2013. Over the years, she has contributed to the cause in various capacities, ranging from hands-on work in animal shelters to orchestrating impactful exhibitions aimed at raising awareness for animal rights. Currently collaborating with the Community Cats Podcast, Kendall is excited to amplify the message of the critical importance of spaying and neutering cats, particularly through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) initiatives. Through Kendall’s multifaceted engagement in the realm of animal advocacy, they aim to inspire positive change and foster a compassionate understanding of the needs of our furry companions.