The Walk-in Catio (Cat Patio) – how big should a cat enclosure be?

Does Your Cat Need a Catio? A walk-in Cat Patio can be used as a large outdoor cat enclosure connected to your house!

Does your feline friend need a safe outdoor space to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the world beyond your windows? If you’re looking for a way to give your cat the freedom of the outdoors without the risks, a walk-in catio could be the perfect solution. Designed as a large, enclosed outdoor space connected to your home, a catio offers peace of mind for cat lovers and endless entertainment for curious cats.

What Is a Catio?

A “catio” – short for “cat patio” – is an outdoor enclosure specifically designed for cats. It allows them to safely explore and experience the outdoors without the dangers associated with free roaming, such as traffic, predators, or getting lost. The walk-in catio is a spacious structure that not only gives your cat room to roam but also allows you to step inside and join them in their little sanctuary. Whether it’s connected to your house or freestanding in your garden, a catio provides the best of both worlds: outdoor enrichment and complete safety.

Why Does Your Cat Need a Catio?

One of our recent catio projects is a great example of how these enclosures can bring both practical benefits and peace of mind to cat owners. This particular project was for a customer in the rural area of Thatcham, who owned a rather adventurous cat. While their home was surrounded by countryside, the cat had developed a peculiar fascination with passing cars. Understandably, the cat’s owner was deeply worried about the potential dangers of letting her feline roam freely.

Instead of keeping her cat confined indoors, she decided to turn an underutilised patio area into a dedicated outdoor space where her cat could stretch its legs, breathe fresh air, and watch the world go by – all within the safety of an enclosed environment.

Tailored to Fit

Every home and outdoor space is unique, and so are the cats who call them home. This particular project had its challenges. The enclosure needed to fit into a narrow patio area, avoiding window openings, brickwork features, and neatly tucking under the kitchen extension’s fascia board. Precision was key, with just 2mm of clearance for the structure to fit perfectly. After careful planning and design, the installation went off without a hitch – much to the relief of both the customer and the builder!

To provide easy access for the cat, a cat flap was installed through the kitchen wall, leading directly into the catio. This seamless integration meant the cat could freely move between the house and its new outdoor space, giving it the freedom to roam while keeping it safe from harm.

How Big Should a Catio Be?

When it comes to deciding the size of your catio, bigger is always better. Cats love to climb, jump, and explore, so having enough room to move around is essential. Our walk-in catios come in two standard sizes: 6ft and 9ft. Both options provide ample space for cats to play, nap, or perch up high to watch the world go by. If you have multiple cats, a larger size is recommended to ensure everyone has enough room to enjoy the space comfortably.

Benefits of a Walk-in Catio

• Safety First: Protect your cat from traffic, predators, and other outdoor dangers.
• Outdoor Enrichment: Give your cat the chance to experience the sights and sounds of nature without the risks.
• Customisable Design: Catios can be tailored to fit your space and needs, just like the one we built in Thatcham.
• Peace of Mind: Enjoy knowing your cat is safe while still getting the benefits of outdoor time.

Could a Catio Be Right for Your Cat?

Whether you’re worried about your cat’s safety or simply want to give them a more stimulating environment, a catio is an excellent solution. The walk-in design means you can share the space with your pet, making it a fun area for bonding and play. From compact designs to larger, multi-level enclosures, a catio can be customised to suit your home and your cat’s personality.

Curious to learn more? Click here to find out more about our latest Catio product, available in 6ft and 9ft sizes, and see how we can help you create the perfect outdoor space for your feline friend.