Cat Safety Over Shortcuts: Why Cutting Corners in Catios Puts Cats at Risk

When you decide to build a catio, you’re not just building a backyard structure; you’re creating a safe outdoor space that protects your cats from cars, predators, and other dangers. That’s why cat safety must always come first.

At The Catio Company, we build every catio in Portland, Vancouver, and across the Pacific Northwest with safety, durability, and cat enrichment as our top priorities.

Here’s why shortcuts in catio construction are risky and how our approach is different.

Flimsy Mesh and Poor Installation Put Cats in Danger

The mesh is the heart of any catio. If it isn’t strong and properly secured, the entire enclosure is unsafe.

We’ve seen catios built with hardware cloth, which may look fine at first, but isn’t designed for long-term durability. It bends and breaks down, leaving weak spots where cats can escape or predators can break in. That’s why we never recommend hardware cloth for any catio project.

Just as important as the type of mesh is the way it’s installed. We’ve seen mesh attached on the inside of the frame, where cats can pull at the staples or predators can push from the outside. This is a dangerous shortcut that compromises the safety of the entire catio.

💡Tip: Staple the mesh from the outside of the structure and then trim, sandwiching the mesh securely. This not only protects your cats but also gives the catio a polished, finished look that’s safe and durable for years to come. Never rely on screws with washers, which don’t hold as securely and can loosen over time.

Not using the right lumber

One of the worst shortcuts in catio building is using pressure-treated lumber for the frame. This material is designed for ground contact, decks, and fencing, not for cat enclosures. It’s soaked with toxic chemicals that can leach out over time. For cats who climb, scratch, and even chew on the wood, this creates a serious health hazard.

We’ve also seen PT lumber warp, split, and crack as it weathers, which makes it unreliable and unsafe structurally. Yes, it’s cheap lumber, but in the long run, it can become very expensive if your cat develops health issues or if the structure fails and needs costly repairs.

In areas where ground contact is unavoidable, it should be carefully covered with trim pieces or protected by filling the inside of the catio base with dirt or rock. The goal is to prevent direct cat contact with any pressure-treated surfaces.

💡Pro Tip: Always choose pet-safe, weather-resistant lumber such as cedar. It’s both strong enough to last and safe enough for your cats to climb, scratch, and enjoy without risk.

Missing or Weak Hardware Compromises the Whole Catio

Every single piece of hardware matters in a catio. Hinges, latches, brackets, and roof fasteners aren’t just small details; they’re what keep the structure safe and functional.

We’ve seen catios missing screws on door hinges or even fasteners around the roof. That might not be obvious in a pretty picture online, but in reality, it creates a serious risk.

A door without secure hinges can sag, stick, or fail. A roof without strong hardware can loosen in heavy wind or rain, leaving gaps where water, bugs, or even predators can get in.

Roofing Must Be Designed and Built for Local Weather

A safe catio roof isn’t just about keeping rain off. It has to be framed, pitched, and installed correctly for your local climate.

The amount of snowfall, rainfall, and wind in your area all affect how a roof should be designed. Ignoring these factors creates serious risks.

💡Tip: Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions for the specific roofing panels you choose. This ensures your catio roof will be safe, watertight, and built to last.

Landscaping and Foundation Are Key

Without proper preparation, even the best-built frame can shift, settle, or tip when exposed to heavy rain, wind, or uneven soil. That’s why leveling and anchoring are non-negotiables.

Depending on your location, foundations may need deck blocks, concrete pads, or anchored posts to keep everything secure. Drainage is just as important: without gravel or proper grading, water can pool and cause rotting wood.

Another critical step is predator-proofing the perimeter. We recommend burying mesh around the base of the catio so that nothing can dig in, and just as importantly, your cats can’t dig their way out.

Accessories Must Be Secure and Thoughtfully Laid Out

A safe catio isn’t just about strong mesh and a solid roof; it’s also about the enrichment accessories inside. Perches, ramps, hammocks, suspension bridges, and scratching posts turn a catio into a playground, but only if they’re installed the right way.

Every accessory must be made with exterior-grade materials that can handle the weather, and each piece must be securely attached. Proper spacing is critical: shelves placed too far apart create unsafe jumps, while poorly positioned ramps or hammocks can cause accidents.

We always design layouts with the cats themselves in mind. Kittens and seniors need easier access, while agile climbers love more vertical space. And every catio we build includes a safe and simple way to reach the ground from their entry point.

At The Catio Company, accessory layouts are never generic. They’re tailored to each cat’s age, mobility, and personality, so your cats can climb, nap, and play safely while enjoying every inch of their outdoor enclosure.

Cat Safety Is Priceless 🧡

At the end of the day, what matters most is that your cats are safe, secure, and happy in their outdoor enclosure. At The Catio Company, we believe a catio should be both beautiful and functional.

When you choose us, you get peace of mind knowing your catio is built to last, designed with love, and tailored to your cats’ unique needs.

The Catio Company Difference 🐾

At The Catio Company, every custom catio is personally designed and built by us, Rivers and Daniela, right here in Portland, Vancouver, and across the Pacific Northwest. We use only durable, pet-safe materials and proven building methods, because safety and enrichment always come first.

Are you located in Portland, Oregon, Vancouver, Washington, or the surrounding areas? 👉 Contact us today to start your custom catio project.

📍 Not in our service area? No problem! We’ve created detailed, step-by-step DIY catio plans available nationwide so cat parents everywhere can build safe outdoor spaces for their cats. 👉 Shop our DIY plans here.