Rebuilding a Patio for Cats in Ridgefield, Washington: What We Did Differently and Why It Matters

The Catio Company
Sep 30
5 min read

Our latest project was a full rebuild of an existing patio for cats, also known as a Patio to Catio, in Ridgefield, Washington. The original outdoor cat enclosure had been built years ago by the home builder when the house was constructed. While it provided a starting point, during the demo, we noticed some details that we would have done differently to ensure long-term durability, safety, and enrichment for the cats.

In this blog, we’re sharing what we changed, why it matters, and a few helpful tips if you’re thinking about enclosing your own patio for your cats.

1. Choosing and Protecting the Right Lumber

The original patio was built with cedar, which is always a great start. Cedar is naturally durable and weather-resistant, making it one of the best choices for outdoor catios.

However, we noticed the original structure wasn’t sealed, leaving the wood exposed to moisture and long-term wear.

For the rebuild, our client wanted to preserve the natural cedar tone and avoid the ongoing maintenance of paint or stain. We recommended using IWS (Internal Wood Stabilizer) by TimberPro UV, a clear treatment that penetrates deep into the wood and creates a permanent mineral barrier that keeps water out.

🐾 Why it matters:

Choosing pet-friendly sealants or treatments like IWS matters because cats often rub, scratch, and lounge on the wood. Products with harsh chemicals or surface sealers that chip can pose a health risk. A treatment that’s both safe and long-lasting protects your catio’s structure and your cats for the long term.

2. Enrichment Elements

The original patio enclosure had no enrichment features, no perches, ramps, scratching posts, or cozy spots to engage the cats. As a result, one of the cats began scratching the wooden frame itself.

This is a perfect example of why enrichment elements are so important. Without designated scratching surfaces, cats will find their own, and sometimes it’s the structure. If this were pressure-treated lumber, it could have become a serious health risk for the cat.

For this project, we included all exterior-grade enrichment elements:

Scratching posts wrapped in synthetic, exterior-grade rope (avoiding sisal, which rots outdoors).
Outdoor-grade carpets on perches to give cats traction.
Ramps, bridges, perches, and hiding boxes tailored to the cats’ personalities and ages.

🐾 Why it matters:

Enrichment prevents unwanted scratching on the lumber, supports cats’ natural behaviors, and keeps them mentally stimulated. Exterior-grade materials mean these features will hold up outdoors and won’t need constant replacement.

3. Attachment to the Home

The original patio enclosure had multiple attachment points to the house that weren’t properly sealed. This could allow water to seep in and damage the siding.

Whenever possible, we keep our catios freestanding. Not only does this avoid potential water-damage issues, but it’s also a plus if a future homeowner doesn’t have cats; the catio can be removed without leaving permanent marks on the home.

🐾 Why it matters:

Proper sealing is crucial for preventing leaks, rot, and mold. A freestanding design protects your home and can even help resale value by leaving the house exterior intact.

Patio to Catio in Ridgefield, WA built and designed by The Catio Company

4. Screening for Safety

The original patio used a privacy screen that was single-layered and attached with small staples. For our rebuild, we used pet-resistant screening and:

Folded the edges of the screen where it's stapled for durability.
Stapled from the outside of the structure for a cleaner finish.
Added trim boards to cover staples and sandwich the screen edges for an extra layer of security.

🐾 Why it matters:

Trimmed and double-layered screens help resist pressure if a predator (like a raccoon or coyote) pushes on it. It also extends the life of the screen and keeps the structure looking polished.

5. Door Hardware

The original enclosure had a simple hook-and-eye latch. We swapped it for a proper doorknob, which is recommended for enclosed patios, especially when local codes require that doors be operable from both inside and outside for safety.

🐾 Why it matters:

A good doorknob ensures easier access and better security for both you and your cats.

Wood-framed screened porch with a cat silhouette design. Blue sky and garden with green plants in foreground, creating a relaxed vibe.

6. Gap at the Base for Easier Cleaning

In the original patio, the cedar frame was anchored directly into the concrete slab with no gap at the bottom. Over time, dirt, leaves, and other debris collected along the base of the enclosure, making it difficult to keep clean.

For the rebuild, we designed the structure with a small gap between the bottom of the lumber and the concrete floor. This simple adjustment makes it easy to sweep or hose out debris, keeping the space cleaner and healthier for both the cats and their humans.

🐾 Why it matters:

A small cleaning gap prevents debris build-up that can trap moisture, attract pests, and lead to odor or mold. It also saves time on maintenance, no more struggling to reach tight corners with a vacuum.

We believe there are unique considerations when building a catio, like safety against predators, long-lasting materials, and enrichment features that keep cats engaged and healthy, that are often overlooked by general contractors. That’s why we always recommend working with a local catio builder who specializes solely in catios. By choosing someone who focuses exclusively on designing and building safe outdoor spaces for cats, you ensure your project has the right balance of quality, functionality, and enrichment from the start.

No matter where you’re located, remember that these principles apply to any catio build: use pet-safe, exterior-grade materials, provide ample enrichment, and work with specialists who understand what cats need.

Cat lounging on a wooden cat tower in a sunlit room. The structure has carpeted surfaces and rope. Background shows a garden view.

We had so much fun rebuilding this catio and packing it with new custom enrichment features for the cats. It was originally meant for two cats, Tator, the sweetest orange girl who loves to lounge in the sun, and Icky, who’s always on the move and looking for his next adventure.

Halfway through the project, our clients found a little stray who decided to stick around… and they decided to keep her. They named her Nadia, after the gymnast, because she’s quick and already showing off her acrobatics in the new space.

We also got to enclose another patio on the same property, this one just for their dog. Our first Doggio! So now the whole family has their own outdoor space.

We’re truly so grateful for clients like these. Not only were they a joy to work with, but they even surprised us with the sweetest gift, a hand-painted decoration made with one of the leftover posts from the build. It’s now part of our own catio at home, and it’s such a special reminder of why we love what we do: amazing pets, kind people, and meaningful little touches that make each project feel personal.