DIY Catio Success Stories & Testimonials
Our DIY catio plans have helped cat lovers create safe, enriching outdoor spaces for their cats. Hear their success stories and see how these projects have been transformed into feline retreats!
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(Harrison - Wisconsin) 4' x 8' x 8' DIY Catio Plans.
The Experience: Working with the Catio Company was nothing short of amazing. The instructions are easy to follow and the final product is beautiful, sturdy, and functional. Even more impressive was the service they provided after the fact. I reached out a few times throughout the process to ask questions and they provided timely and detailed replies, including videos and photos to reference. Their responsiveness and dedication to support after you've bought the plans were outstanding. I'd recommend these plans to anyone considering a catio.
Cat's Reaction: My cats absolutely love it! Once they figured out how to work the cat door through the window, it quickly became their favorite spot. They like to watch the yard for bunnies and bugs, often locked in on some interesting facet of nature. I've also gotten plenty of compliments from friends and neighbors for the quality and fun details (e.g. birdsmouth cut for the rafters).
Construction Feedback: The instructions were clear and easy to follow, though I recommend (as they do at the beginning) that you read it cover-to-cover as you may want to customize areas (eg. platforms) that will impact the cut lists they conveniently provide at the beginning of the instructions. In addition to the steps you need to execute, they provide useful tips for each section on a variety of techniques to help ensure the structure is clean, tight, and built to last.
Mike - Illinois 4' x 8' x 8' DIY Catio Plans.
Built by one man and supervised by three judgmental cats
I recently completed building my catio using the 4'x8'x8' plans from the Catio Company, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. The plans were impressively well-designed, clear, flexible, and easy to follow. They even allow for customization to suit your space and needs, which was a huge plus. The material list was spot-on and incredibly helpful for ordering lumber; the count for 2x4s was accurate with just a bit of extra to spare, which gave me peace of mind during construction.
I opted for the sloped roof design and chose cedar for the build, finishing it with a cedar-toned stain to enhance its natural beauty. While cedar looks fantastic and holds up well outdoors, it’s a soft wood that tends to crack as it dries—so pre-drilling was essential. That added some time to the build, but it was worth it for the durability and aesthetic.
I'm just outside Chicago, so yeah, costs can add up quickly. I spent around $1,000 on materials and completed the project solo over the course of three weeks. That was mostly evenings after work and on weekends when the weather cooperated, if only my cats could hold the light steady! To save a bit, I used plywood and outdoor carpet for the shelves instead of cedar boards, and I also carpeted the floor, which my cats absolutely love. Next on the list: building a cozy hide-out box for them. The trickiest part? Getting them comfortable with the cat flap in the window. That’s still a work in progress!
Overall, I’m thrilled with how the catio turned out. It’s functional, stylish, and a safe haven for my cats to enjoy the outdoors. I had a fantastic experience working with Rivers and Daniela at the Catio Company. They were responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive throughout the process. I highly recommend the Catio Company to anyone considering a build like this.
Tara - Michigan 4'x10'x8' DIY Catio Plans
With your catio plan and the easy step-by-step instructions, my husband and I were able to build our three girls their very own outdoor oasis.
We used the 4x10x8 plan and made a couple of modifications to fit our needs. Your instructions were very easy to follow, and we are so happy with the end result. Our girls are loving it!
