Best catios

It's 5 a.m. and, while the house is asleep, my cats let themselves into their catio. Instead of waking my husband or me, they spend the early morning sniffing the breeze, chattering at birds, and watching the neighborhood wake up. Come fall, they proudly haul fallen leaves back through the cat door like their catch of the day. Many evenings, I'll join them in the catio with a book and a drink in hand. Now that we have a toddler, the catio also gives my cats a quiet place to retreat.

The best catios allow cats to safely indulge in their instincts — whether that's surveying the neighborhood or hunting leaves — without the risks of roaming free. Catios protect local wildlife, since free-roaming cats are among the biggest threats to songbirds and other small animals. To find a catio that delivers on all of the above, I tested five over several months with help from my cats, Atlas and Lyra.

While my custom-built 5-by-8-by-9-foot catio cost around $7,000, prefab catios offer a budget-friendly entry point. Still, construction quality varies widely, and a poorly designed enclosure can put your cat at risk. To find the best balance of safety, durability, ease of assembly, and value, I assembled each catio myself, then left it out in heavy rain, measured gaps, tested mesh durability, and checked whether doors latched securely. I also spoke with veterinarians, a certified cat behavior consultant, and bird conservationists to understand what makes a catio secure and worth buying.

Our top picks for the best catios

Best overall: Easy Pet Fence Heavy-Duty Paneled Catio Enclosure - From $460 at Easy Pet Fence

Best budget: Aivituvin AIR37 Walk-In Outdoor Cat House - $270 at Chewy

Best portable: Outback Jack Cat Tent - $54 at Chewy

Best window: VistaGato Freedom - $170 at VistaGato

Best overall

Best for: Renters or homeowners who want a quick and simple setup, enough room to sit inside alongside their cat, a freestanding unit, or a blank canvas to add accessories and furniture

Skip this if: You want an enclosure that attaches directly to your home or comes pre-furnished

The Easy Pet Fence features a spacious design, durable construction, and straightforward assembly at a reasonable price. Ranging from 18 to 480 square feet with up to 7.5 feet of headroom, these freestanding enclosures give cats room to climb while leaving space for people to join them inside. While it doesn't attach directly to your home and arrives unfurnished, it's significantly less expensive than a custom catio, with prices starting at under $500. You can then customize it with your own cat trees, scratchers, and seating at price points that fit your budget.

It's one of the easiest freestanding catios to assemble. There's no sorting through a thick manual or dozens of components. Once I built the first two panels, the rest followed the same process. The PVC-coated welded wire panels are sturdy but surprisingly lightweight — I carried three panels up the stairs at a time — and the coating protects the metal from rust while creating a smooth surface. In about 90 minutes, I assembled nearly everything myself, only needing help to position the two-panel roof.

Welded-wire grid panels and reliable latches keep cats safe inside and predators out. The 1.5-by-2-inch grid spacing is tight enough to keep small cats in and predators out, though mice, rats, and snakes could likely still get through. The catio features a split double door, where the bottom section cannot be opened unless the top door is unlatched first. Both doors use a twist-and-pull latch that feels secure against raccoons and curious cats, but there's no latch mechanism on the inside. To open and close the door from inside the catio, you have to operate the latch blindly from the back, which is a bit tricky.

There's enough room for cats to explore and for people to relax alongside them. Inside the 6-by-6-by-6-foot model I tested, I fit a cat wheel, a scratching post, and a chair with room left for my cats to roam. For Ingrid Johnson, a certified cat behaviorist, that's the true spirit of a catio. "It's a great outdoor safe space where you can spend quality time with your cat and give them the enrichment of the seasons," she says. The removable tarp helps make the catio usable in different weather conditions, and the walk-in design makes it easy to hose down and clean.

The biggest drawback is that the panels could use additional reinforcement in the middle. With only top-and-bottom connections, I could pull the panel centers apart slightly to create a 1/2-inch gap. While a cat or predator couldn't force this open on their own, additional attachment points would make the enclosure feel more secure.

Best budget

Best for: Renters or homeowners who want maximum built-in features on a budget; limited outdoor space or a small footprint; cats who love vertical climbing, perching, and exploring levels; DIYers willing to add custom window-mounting hardware

Skip this if: You want a heavy-duty, long-lasting structure or enough interior space to sit alongside your cat

The Aivituvin AIR37 Walk-In Outdoor Cat House packs three levels of shelving, a scratching post, a plush hammock, and two cozy cubbies into an affordable, space-saving enclosure. The built-in features were an instant hit with my cats. The scratching post was the very first thing my cats gravitated toward, and Atlas later curled up in the hammock for a nap. While its narrow frame isn't designed for sitting in a chair, at 5 feet 2 inches, I could comfortably stand inside to play with my cats. However, because there's no way to latch the door from the inside, I strongly recommend adding an interior latch. The removable tarp and sloped roof protect against sun and rain.

This catio can attach to your home, allowing your cat to go in and out as they please. Johnson prefers this setup because letting cats explore new spaces at their own pace builds confidence and comfort. It also lets them fully embrace their natural sleep-wake cycle. Because cats are crepuscular — meaning they are naturally most active at dawn and dusk — attaching the catio to your home means your cat can get their sunrise zoomies and birdwatching in without disturbing your sleep. To prep the catio for window access, I removed the hinges from one of the seven small access doors to line it up with my home. Since the company doesn't supply connection hardware or instructions, you'll need to secure the frame to your exterior wall and install your own window insert or cat door.

Assembly requires a bit more effort, and having a second person is helpful. Arriving in about 55 individual pieces, the enclosure took me roughly four hours to assemble by myself. With a second person, assembly would likely take half that time because the panels were flimsy, making them tricky to align. While the manual states no power tools are required, using an electric drill significantly reduced my assembly time.

The wood-and-wire construction has a stylish finish, but it isn't as durable as our top pick. The soft fir wood dents easily. I could leave a mark with just my fingernail, and several pieces arrived with visible nicks or scratches. The mesh is tight, measuring 0.50 by 0.50 inches, which is too small for rats and squirrels to squeeze through, though mice and small snakes may still fit. I also found a few exposed wire edges that could snag a cat's fur. The structure is also a bit wobbly unless anchored to a solid base or home.

Best portable

Best for: People on a budget or renters; small spaces; travel, camping, or moving around the yard; senior, blind, or other cats with special needs

Skip this if: You want a permanent structure, climbing shelves, weather protection, or room to sit inside with your cat

The Outback Jack Cat Tent offers budget-friendly enrichment that pops open in seconds and folds for easy storage. Whether you lack space for a permanent structure or prefer something portable, this catio offers 30 square feet of secure outdoor space for your cat to lounge, play, and explore. I've used it for a decade with my previous cat, numerous fosters, and now Atlas and Lyra. Even with a permanent catio available, my cats still beg at the back door to be carried out to their Outback Jack.

Cats get to feel grass under their paws, watch birds up close, and breathe in fresh air. Dr. Ashly Smith, a veterinarian at Small Door Veterinary, says that kind of safe outdoor sensory experience with new sights, sounds, and smells is what makes catios so beneficial for cats.

It's easy to bring wherever your cat might want to join you. Weighing under 7 pounds and including a carrying bag, the tent is easy to set up right next to wherever you're hanging out. I recommended it to my mom for her blind cat, who can no longer roam freely outside. Now, she sets the pop-up tent next to her garden beds, so her cat can enjoy the outdoors alongside her.

It's sold with or without a tunnel attachment. The tunnel adds more than 5 linear feet of space to the 30-square-foot tent and doubles as a fun indoor play accessory. While some multi-cat households might want to use the tunnel to link two Outback Jack tents, it isn't designed to connect two tents. Even so, my two unbonded cats comfortably share the tent without conflict.

The mesh holds up well, while the zipper is more likely to fail over time. I've replaced my tent two or three times over the last decade due to zipper failure rather than tears. My tent often stays set up through rain, wind, and snow, so a replacement every few years feels like a fair tradeoff for heavy weather exposure. Properly storing it between uses would likely extend its lifespan.

Weather protection is another key limitation. There's no built-in shade or rain cover, so always set the tent up in a shady spot and monitor your cats closely.

Best window

Best for: Renters or homeowners seeking a zero-footprint window catio for nonpermanent installation, upper floors where ground catios aren't an option, cats who love elevated views and sunny perches

Skip this if: You live in an older home with windows that open less than 14 inches high, or you want a fully weatherproof enclosure

The VistaGato Freedom extends your cat's space into the outdoors without permanent installation or sacrificing square footage. It's designed for ground or upper-floor window openings between 26 and 32 inches wide with a minimum height of 14 inches. Measure carefully if you live in an older home or building, as my 110-year-old house has several windows that open just shy of that. Once installed, it became an instant extension of a room my cats already loved. Even with a full-sized catio at their disposal, they use the window box as their primary daytime nap spot.

Durable, clear ABS plastic gives your cat a 180-degree view. The floor is also transparent. Dr. Maggie Placer, a veterinarian and program manager at EveryCat Health Foundation, says that you shouldn't worry about cats fearing a clear floor. While some investigate cautiously by tapping a paw before stepping out, she says that a transparent bottom can offer a stimulating vantage point. The window box doesn't come with a cushion, but you can add one for a more comfortable napping spot.

Installation was quick and can be completed by one person. With few parts and a lightweight build, I installed it by myself in about 18 minutes, though some people might prefer a second set of hands. Most of that time was spent securing the screen with 16 small screws.

Small gaps required a DIY fix for full security. What holds the catio steady is the unit sitting flush against the top and bottom of the window frame, with the clamps tightened properly. You can also screw the base into your window frame, though I didn't. Once I tightened the clamps, the unit felt sturdy, but the side accordion frame didn't sit flush against the lower corners of my window. The gap didn't affect stability and is likely too small for a cat to squeeze through, but a persistent escape artist might pry it wider, and bugs could get in. Placing a rigid spacer between the base arms in the window track should hold the accordion flush against the frame.

Weather protection is minimal. It includes interchangeable summer and winter screens — a larger-weave mesh to maximize airflow in the summer and a smaller-weave mesh to reduce cold drafts in the winter — but no solid panel for when heat or air conditioning is running. Water also seeped into the interior when I poured it directly onto the roof during testing. The plastic is not UV-resistant and can yellow or become brittle in direct sunlight. If you set it up in a sunny spot, I recommend applying UV-protective window film to shield cats from direct sun exposure.

Our top picks compared

What to look for in a catio

A well-designed catio provides invaluable outdoor access, helping reduce boredom, encourage exercise, and create opportunities to share space with your cat, Smith says. But because cats are agile and deeply sensitive to their surroundings, an unsafe setup can lead to stress, injury, or escape. Here are the key qualities my experts recommend for a safe, comfortable catio.

Mesh, grid, and screen sizing: Experts recommend a 2-by-2-inch grid or smaller for keeping cats and kittens safely inside a catio. Joshua Morris, conservation director at Birds Connect Seattle, recommends a similar benchmark of 2 inches or smaller to keep birds from flying in. However, rodents are exceptionally skilled at squeezing through tight spaces. The Aivituvin features the smallest wire-grid size at 0.5 by 0.5 inches. While it's small enough to keep rats out, mice and snakes may still squeeze through.

The Omelet Outdoor Catito Run features the largest grid size of any catio I tested: at 2 by 3 inches. While its high price, tedious build time, and confusing instructions ultimately kept it off my recommendation list, that grid is also too wide for kittens.

Mesh made of vinyl or PVC-coated wire typically has smaller openings. Still, mesh alone cannot protect cats from all pests or diseases. Smith says that mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks easily navigate mesh barriers. Mosquitoes carry deadly heartworms, fleas can transmit tapeworms, and, though uncommon, ticks can transmit tick-borne disease to cats. She recommends year-round parasite prevention and the FeLV vaccine for all catio users, as nose-to-nose contact with outdoor cats can still occur through the wire.

If mosquitoes are a particular concern in your area, a finer cat-proof screen may be a better choice. While I didn't test any walk-in catios with screens, Johnson has used cat-proof mesh in her own catio, which her kittens were able to climb and dangle from. Among the catios I tested, the VistaGato features a screen, which helps keep insects out.

Gaps: Using the same logic as mesh size, any gap larger than 2 by 2 inches could be a potential escape route for a small cat or kitten, and an even smaller opening could be an entry point for rodents. The most common places I found gaps during testing were around the base of the catio and near doors. Among the catios I recommend, none have gaps large enough for a cat to escape, though the Easy Pet Fence has an approximate 1-inch gap at its base that could serve as an entry point for mice and rats.

Secure latching: If predators like raccoons or neighborhood dogs frequent your area, look for a tamper-resistant latch. Raccoons are notoriously dexterous, and a simple one-motion mechanism may not prevent them from opening your catio. During testing, the Aivituvin Walk-In House's pull-up latches varied from sticky to loose and felt unlikely to hold up against a persistent raccoon. By contrast, the Easy Pet Fence's twist-and-pull mechanism was the most secure latch I tested, and its bottom door won't open unless the top section is unlatched first.

If your goal is to hang out inside a walk-in catio with your cat, look for an interior latch that secures the door behind you to prevent escapes. The Aivituvin lacks an interior latch, though adding an inexpensive hardware store latch or bolt is a quick fix. The Easy Pet Fence can be secured from inside, though its twist-and-pull design is slightly tricky to operate from inside the enclosure.

Weather protection: Johnson says experiencing the elements — rain, wind, or even snow — can be enriching for a cat. But outdoor enrichment shouldn't come at the cost of comfort or safety. A catio should always provide options for both sun and shade, along with a roof or sheltered area where a cat can retreat, Placer says. Among our recommended walk-in catios, the Aivituvin features a removable tarp that covers its entire slanted roof and wooden cubbies for cats to retreat to. The Easy Pet Fence also comes with a removable tarp, which covers roughly a third of its top. The Outback Jack offers no built-in weather protection, so set it up in a shaded area and always supervise your cats while it's in use.

For window catios, where cats often lounge in direct sunlight for hours at a time, UV protection is another key safety factor. Exposure to direct sunlight can contribute to skin cancer in cats, particularly on the ears and nose, with white and light-colored cats at the highest risk, says Dr. Adam Chung, lead veterinarian and founder of Livewell Animal Hospital of Shaw. Applying a UV-blocking window film is an easy way to filter out harmful rays.

Ease of access for cats: Some catios are built to connect directly to your home through a window, cat door, or tunnel, letting cats come and go on their own; others require you to carry your cat outside every time, more like a portable playpen than a permanent extension of your house. The Aivituvin is the only walk-in catio I tested that has an option to connect to your home. Johnson prefers catios that allow cats to enter and exit at will so that they can explore the area at their own pace. This setup is also ideal because many cats dislike being picked up. In any case, if you're bringing your cat outside, always make sure they are wearing ID tags attached to their collar and are comfortably secured with a harness and leash or in a carrier to prevent escapes before they are secured in their catio.

Ease of access for caregivers: At a minimum, you must be able to reach your cat in an emergency and easily clean the interior, including refreshing water bowls or litter boxes. Some catios are also designed so that human caregivers share the space alongside their cats.

Johnson treats her catios as shared spaces rather than cat-only enclosures. Placer's evaluation criteria echo this, asking whether an adult can stand upright and move comfortably, and whether there's room for a chair or bench. Of the catios I tested, the Easy Pet Fence was the most accommodating, with enough room for me to sit inside alongside my cats. The Aivituvin let me stand and play with a wand toy, but didn't leave enough spare room for a chair.

How we tested catios

To find the best catios on the market, I evaluated five models across five main evaluation points: ease of assembly, durability and materials, safety, cat usability, and human accessibility, plus secondary factors like cost and return policies.

Ease of assembly: I timed how long it took me to assemble each catio, from opening the box to a finished, sturdy enclosure. I noted whether advertised assembly times were realistic, whether a second person was required, and whether power tools were helpful, even when the instructions stated they weren't required.

Durability and materials: I inspected every piece for cracks, splinters, warping, or finish flaws, noting the wood type and any weatherproofing. I also tested metal hardware for rust and left each built catio outside for at least two weeks, hosing it down on dry days and inspecting it after rain to see how it held up against real Pacific Northwest weather.

Safety: This was the most heavily weighted category, as any failure here is a potential dealbreaker. I measured every gap in the mesh, frame joints, door frames, and corners, since any opening larger than 2 by 2 inches could let kittens, small cats, or rodents slip through. Morris recommends a similar 2-inch benchmark to keep wild birds safely outside your catio, while Johnson suggests going smaller if rodents are a concern.

I also tested mesh strength by applying pressure with pliers to simulate biting or chewing, laying a 10-pound weight against the wall to simulate a cat lounging against it, and pushing on panels from the outside to simulate a predator trying to force entry. Placer's litmus test for any catio's security is straightforward: "Can a raccoon or dog break into this?" I applied that same standard to every latch, opening and closing each one 20 times and checking whether I could manipulate it from either side.

Johnson says catio safety checks shouldn't stop once you've finished building a catio. She recommends periodically inspecting for issues such as small openings in the mesh, bowed wires, or a rusted staple.

Cat usability and human accessibility: I noted whether a catio could connect to a house, and whether cats engaged with any built-in accessories. Placer also recommends checking for weather protection, including sun and shade options and a roof or sheltered area a cat can retreat into.

I also scored each catio from a caregiver's perspective. Johnson's ideal setup offers space for patio chairs and room to play with your cat, so I prioritized catios where an adult can stand upright, fit seating, and safely latch the door from the inside. That said, smaller setups could still earn high marks for accessibility and shared enrichment. The VistaGato will likely draw your cat to spend more time in whatever room it's installed in, so you can choose a room you enjoy spending time in, too. The portable Outback Jack lets my whole family enjoy the backyard together, while creating a boundary between them and my toddler, a perk my cats seem to appreciate.

Catio FAQs

Is it cheaper to build a catio or buy one?

Building a DIY catio may be cheaper in raw materials, but buying a pre-fab kit is often more cost-effective when you factor in time, tools, and labor. In my testing, prefabricated walk-in catios ranged from $200 to $ 1,000. Custom, professionally built catios can cost significantly more, as much as $175 per square foot.

Should a catio be in the sun or in the shade?

A catio should have both sun and shade options, and a roof or sheltered area to protect cats from rain, Placer says.

Do vets recommend catios?

Yes. The Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) and the experts I spoke with recommend catios as a safe way to satisfy a cat's natural instincts to explore the outdoors while reducing the risk of traffic strikes, infectious diseases, ingesting toxic plants, territorial fights, or predation. Dr. Lore Haug, a veterinary behaviorist, notes that while indoor play is essential, certain outdoor stimuli are impossible to duplicate indoors. Smith agrees, saying that catios bridge the gap between safety and enrichment. "We consider catios to be one of the safest and most effective enrichment tools available for felines," she says.

Should you put a litter box in a catio?

Smith says placing a litter box in a catio is a good idea. "Some cats feel the urge to 'mark' the transition to an outdoor space, and having a box available can prevent them from accidents elsewhere," she says. It can also be helpful if your cat spends several hours outside, so they're not left holding it. If you do put a litter box in your catio, scoop and deep-clean it often. Dirty litter boxes can attract predators, rodents, and insects.

Should you put a water bowl or fountain in a catio?

Yes, if your cat spends time in a large catio, they should have access to fresh, clean water, though it isn't necessary for small window-box enclosures. For instance, Johnson doesn't place water bowls in her small window-box catio, but she keeps multiple water bowls nearby and throughout her house. For larger catios, she says she always keeps a cat water fountain running inside.

Can kittens use catios?

Yes, but with a few important safety precautions. "Kittens should absolutely be fully vaccinated before they spend time in a catio," Smith says. "This typically occurs around 16 weeks of age after they have completed their full series of core vaccines." Kittens should generally not use catios with mesh gaps larger than 2 by 2 inches. Even with proper mesh sizing and vaccinations, you should closely monitor a kitten's catio use to ensure they don't get stuck in small crevices or become overwhelmed.

Are there any dangers to consider with a catio?

Yes. While a catio is far safer than letting a cat roam freely, it is not completely risk-free. Choosing an enclosure with escape-proof latches and sturdy, predator-resistant mesh is critical, and even a well-built catio should be inspected regularly for wear. Additionally, keeping your cat up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention remains essential. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can slip through mesh, and outdoor animals can still approach the enclosure, Smith says.

Are catios safe from predators?

Catios keep cats significantly safer than roaming freely, though not every catio is predator-proof. Look for latches that a raccoon's dexterous paws can't manipulate, mesh strong enough to withstand the jaws or claws of a dog or coyote, and a structure that's fully enclosed with no gaps larger than 2 inches at the base, corners, or door frames. Periodically check your catio for any signs of wear.

What kinds of things should we put in our catio?

Take advantage of your catio's vertical space by installing elevated walkways, perches, and ramps near the roof so your cat can patrol, observe, and chase bugs from above. Add waterproof cat beds for lounging, along with sisal scratching posts or cat trees. It's important to offer a dry, sheltered spot to retreat to, whether that's for dodging raindrops or ducking away from a passing car or barking dog. Johnson also recommends naturescaping your catio with cat-safe plants, such as cat grass (wheat, oat, or barley), catnip, monkey grass, and Boston ferns. She also likes adding real tree branches or driftwood to create an engaging environment. If there's room, I highly recommend adding a seat for yourself.

Do catios help protect birds?

Yes.Free-roaming and feral cats are one of the leading human-related causes of bird deaths in the contiguous US. Morris points to a 2013 estimate that puts the toll at around 2.4 billion birds killed by cats every year. "When compared to other big environmental catastrophes like the Deepwater Horizon spill, which killed about a million birds, cats are killing roughly 2,400 times that number every year, on an ongoing basis," he says. Catios solve this problem by offering live-action "cat TV" birdwatching without the hunt, provided your cat doesn't get frustrated when they are unable to catch the birds.".

Can I place a bird feeder near my catio?

Yes, but Smith recommends placing them 10 to 15 feet away from the catio rather than right next to it. While feeders provide great entertainment for cats, keeping them at a distance helps prevent droppings from landing inside the catio and keeps rodents attracted to feeders at a distance, both of which can carry parasites and bacteria such as Salmonella and coccidia. "Keeping a distance also reduces the frustration of 'predatory drift,' where a cat becomes agitated because they can see prey but cannot reach it," she says. Morris adds that a cat's mere presence can stress nearby birds, so it's worth placing catios away from known nesting areas, too.

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