What Is a Catio?

A catio — a portmanteau of “cat” and “patio” — is an outdoor enclosure designed specifically for cats. It gives your feline access to fresh air, sunshine, and the sights and sounds of the outdoors, all while keeping them completely safe from traffic, predators, and the many hazards the outside world presents.

Think of it as a screened porch built entirely with your cat in mind: a secure, enriching outdoor space that satisfies their natural instincts without putting them at risk.

Catios range from compact window-box attachments to full walk-in structures large enough to share with your cat. They can be freestanding in a backyard, attached to the side of a house, or connected to a window or cat door so your cat can come and go freely throughout the day.

The Benefits of a Catio

Cat owners who invest in a catio often say it’s one of the best decisions they’ve made — for their cat and for their own peace of mind.

For Your Cat

• Mental stimulation: Watching birds, feeling the breeze, and hearing outdoor sounds keeps cats engaged and reduces boredom-related behaviours like scratching and yowling.
• Physical activity: Shelves, ramps, and climbing structures encourage movement and daily exercise.
• Stress reduction: Access to outdoor sensory input has been shown to lower anxiety in cats, particularly those prone to stress-related conditions.
• Fresh air & sunshine: Natural light supports healthy sleep cycles and overall wellbeing.

For You

• Safety & peace of mind: No more worrying about cars, neighbourhood dogs, or your cat disappearing overnight.
• Wildlife protection: Cats are one of the leading causes of songbird mortality in North America. A catio keeps your cat from hunting — and that’s good for the ecosystem.
• Fewer vet bills: Indoor-only cats with outdoor enrichment through a catio tend to be healthier overall, with reduced exposure to parasites, disease, and injury.
• A happier household: An enriched cat is a calmer, more contented companion.

Types of Catios

The right catio style depends on your space, your home’s layout, and how your cat likes to spend their time.

Materials & Build Quality: What Actually Matters

The single biggest factor separating a catio that lasts a decade from one you’ll be replacing in two seasons isn’t size or price — it’s the materials. At The Catio Company, our catios are built with 22-gauge welded wire mesh, finished in black vinyl coating as our standard.

Why 22-Gauge Black Vinyl-Coated Welded Wire

22-gauge welded wire is a heavy-duty galvanized steel mesh where every intersection is welded — not just twisted — for maximum structural rigidity. It doesn’t sag, unravel, or stretch the way cheaper wire products do. The black vinyl coating prevents rust and corrosion through Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles and humid summers, and gives the structure a clean, sharp look that blends naturally into any yard.

What to Avoid

Watch out for catios built with lightweight chicken wire — it stretches, rusts, and develops sharp edges over time. Standard window screen mesh also isn’t rated for a cat’s claws over multiple seasons. It may look fine on day one, but you’ll be patching it far sooner than you should have to.

Frame Construction

Our catios use solid lumber treated for exterior use, built to handle real Canadian winters — not just mild coastal climates. Every build is designed for structural integrity so your investment holds up year after year.

Catios for Indoor Cats vs. Outdoor Cats

Already Have an Indoor Cat?

A catio is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make for a strictly indoor cat. Many indoor cats show signs of boredom or understimulation — excessive meowing, destructive scratching, weight gain, or attention-seeking behaviour. A catio provides the sensory enrichment they’re missing without the risks of full outdoor access.

Thinking About Transitioning an Outdoor Cat?

If you have a cat that currently roams freely, a large walk-in catio makes the transition to a safer lifestyle dramatically easier. They retain their “outdoor life” in every meaningful sensory way, while you gain real peace of mind.

How to Choose the Right Catio

Ready to buy? Here’s a quick decision framework:

1. Assess your space. Measure the area and note any slopes, gates, fences, or windows that could affect placement.
2. Count your cats. Multiple cats need room to establish territory and avoid conflict.
3. Think about access. Will your cat enter through a window, a cat door, or only when you open the catio?
4. Think long-term on budget. A quality catio built with 22-gauge welded wire will last 10–15+ years. A cheap kit may need replacement within a few seasons.
5. Ask about materials. Confirm the wire gauge, whether it’s welded or twisted, and whether it has a rust-resistant coating.
6. Check local bylaws. A catio resting on the ground without a fixed foundation usually avoids permit requirements — but worth confirming in your area.

Looking for a Catio Builder in the GTA or Durham Region?

If you’re based in the Greater Toronto Area or Durham Region — including Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Clarington, Bowmanville, or surrounding communities — The Catio Company builds and delivers locally.

As a GTA catio builder and Durham Region catio builder, we understand the specific demands of building for Ontario’s climate. We build structures designed to hold up through real Canadian winters and look great doing it.

Whether you’re in a detached home in Ajax, a townhouse in Pickering, or a rural property in Clarington, we can work with your space and find the right configuration for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Catios

How much does a catio cost?

Entry-level window boxes can start under $300, while large walk-in enclosures from reputable builders typically range from $800 to $3,000+. Quality materials like 22-gauge vinyl-coated welded wire add to upfront cost but pay for themselves in longevity.

What’s the difference between welded wire and screen mesh?

Welded wire — our standard 22-gauge black vinyl-coated mesh — is rigid, structural, and extremely durable. Phifer pet screen has a finer weave, more wind and insect protection, and a softer feel suited to kittens or senior cats. We offer both and are happy to help you decide.

Can I build a catio myself?

Absolutely — plenty of DIY plans exist online. That said, sourcing quality 22-gauge welded wire mesh and ensuring the structure is escape-proof takes time, tools, and skill. Many owners find a professionally built catio ends up better value once they factor in material costs and their own time.

Do cats actually use catios?

Overwhelmingly yes — especially once they’ve had a few days to settle in. Adding familiar bedding, toys, and catnip during the introduction period helps considerably.

Are catios safe in winter?

A well-built catio can be used year-round in Canada. A sheltered corner, weatherproof cat house, and a heated mat make it a four-season retreat. Our builds use materials rated for Ontario winters throughout.

What size catio do I need?

Aim for at least 8 square feet of floor space per cat and prioritize height. A 6-foot tall enclosure with multiple shelves offers far more enrichment than a low, wide enclosure of the same footprint.

Do you deliver to the GTA and Durham Region?

Yes — we serve the Greater Toronto Area and Durham Region including Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington, and beyond. Reach out through our website to discuss your project.