Small Catio ideas
Small catios are perfect for giving your cat a safe outdoor experience in limited spaces. Explore our small catio ideas to find the perfect match for your space.
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A 6'x8'x6' Catio with door on the side and kitty penthouse
Number of cats: 3
Features: A suspended bridge, a hiding box, a scratching post with perches, a kitty penthouse, and a custom-made pet door.
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This beautiful catio is stained with a Koa Wood tone from Timberpro Uv, showcasing a 1'x1' heavy-duty mesh, and shaded polycarbonate roofing panels for optimal weather protection. Leaning against the house and positioned just under the bedroom window to preserve the view, the cats have access through a custom-made pet door built into a basement window. An added kitty penthouse provides extra vertical space for lounging on a high perch, perfect for supervising the neighborhood. This cozy retreat was designed for Rogue, Otis, and Ollie, three Portland cats who love their new space.
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Ollie and Otis in the catio
Custom-made pet door
Small Catio for a small unused patio
Number of cats: 1
Features: A tall scratching post, high perches.​
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This small catio was crafted from cedar lumber and stained with Timber Pro UV's pet-safe Honey stain. It features shaded multiwall corrugated polycarbonate roofing and durable 1"x1" heavy-duty mesh for a secure and stylish outdoor space.
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Unique Catio
Number of cats: 4
Features: A scratching post, perches, ramps, and a microchipped pet door.​
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This small, unique catio was designed to blend with the house seamlessly. Crafted from cedar and painted to match the exterior, it features 2"x2" heavy-duty mesh and was built under the windows to preserve the views. We added a wooden roof to allow our client to place plants on top, creating a multi-functional space. The catio had to accommodate a water spigot, so the structure jumped up and then down around it. A microchipped pet door was installed to ensure that only one of the cats, an outdoor cat, can access the catio.
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Additionally, we installed a small door at the end to connect a cat tent, providing even more space for the cats to explore. This was a truly fun and unique project!
You can watch us building this catio here!
Watch this Catio featured in the Catio Tour:
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A 4'x8'x8' Catio
Number of cats: 2
Features: A tall scratching post, a hiding box.​
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This small catio is made from cedar lumber and painted to match the house, featuring clear corrugated polycarbonate roofing and 1"x1" heavy-duty mesh for added security and style. Designed as a portable catio, non-attached, it can be easily disassembled and moved. You can recreate this exact setup with our 4'x8'x8' DIY catio plans.
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More 4'x8'x8' Catios!
These small catios are roofed and designed based on our 4'x8'x8' DIY catio plans, offering great catio ideas for limited spaces. Whether you’re looking for portable catios or custom designs, you can easily recreate these setups to suit your needs.
With these same DIY catio plans, you can also recreate the 4'x8'x8' catio with a flat mesh roof, perfect for covered patios or porches. If you're looking for a small catio that’s easy to build, this design is an ideal solution!
Small floating Catio
This Catio was built mainly for two cats: Philip and Miranda. It will also be used by the occasional foster momma cat when she needs a break. Having limited space, our creativity was required to build an enjoyable environment for these cats.
We built two spaces using turf on the floor, one covered in gray polycarbonate roofing and the other open with mesh.
An open tunnel connects the two spaces. For the tunnel's floor, we used deck boards, so they can be easily removed for cleaning.
The pet door was also supplied and installed by us. This pet door is one of our favorites and is used most often. It has two flaps for added insulation. The aluminum frame is sturdy and comes with a locking insert to make it more secure.
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We built a scratching post and some perches for them. The cats were pleased with the final result.
Small Catio with Pet screen
Number of cats: 1
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This compact catio, crafted with a heavy-duty pet screen that practically vanishes before your eyes.
This discreet and stylish catio allows your feline friends to enjoy the fresh air safely while keeping pesky bugs out. The durable screen is specially designed to resist scratches and wear, ensuring your kitty's security and your peace of mind.
Perfect for smaller spaces and adventurous cats who love the outdoors without the bother of bugs!
Small Catio for a stray cat
Number of cats: 1
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This custom-built small catio was designed with love for Bub AKA Trouble, a stray neighborhood cat in Vancouver who has found a community that cares for him. Built as a safe and cozy shelter, this catio provides Bub with a warm and dry haven during rainy or cold days. The open cat run allows Bub the freedom to come and go as he pleases, giving him a safe space to retreat when needed. With a weather-resistant roof and sturdy cedar construction, this catio is not only a stylish addition to the yard but also a compassionate solution for a beloved neighborhood stray. Bub's caregivers even provide food and care, making this catio a true testament to community kindness.
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