Small Catio ideas
Small catios, also known as small outdoor enclosures or compact cat enclosures, are the perfect solution for cat parents who want to provide their pets with safe outdoor access without occupying too much space. Designed for small patios, side yards, or compact backyards, small catios provide all the enrichment of climbing, lounging, and fresh air in a size that fits almost any home. These catios are great for families who want to maximize their outdoor space while still giving their cats the health and happiness that comes with an outdoor retreat.
A 6'x8'x6' Catio with a door on the side and a kitty penthouse built in Portland, OR
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.
A unique Small Catio in Portland, OR
Number of cats: 2
This small custom catio is one of the most unique projects we’ve ever built. Since there wasn’t a good spot for a through-the-wall pet door or a standard insert, a custom pet door was installed directly into a window. From there, we designed a creative series of cat runs: the first one led to a vertical tunnel that jumped upward, connecting to a larger run, which then continued to the catio itself.
The result was a playful pathway with ups and downs, carefully crafted to follow the slope and match every angle of the uphill side yard. Inside the catio, we incorporated perches and a tall scratcher, giving the cats plenty of enrichment and vertical space.
Built for two stunning Siberian cats, this project shows that even smaller spaces can become safe, functional, and beautiful outdoor cat retreats. 🐾
💡 Did you know? Siberian cats are one of the few breeds considered hypoallergenic, as their lower levels of the Fel d 1 protein can make them a better match for allergy-sensitive households.
Partially enclosed patio to catio in Portland, OR
Number of cats: 2
This custom catio was created by partially enclosing an existing side patio, roughly 4x8 in size. Since the space already had a roof, we framed directly up to the roofline, making it feel like a natural extension of the home.
A standout feature of this design is the designated litter box area, which the cats can access from inside the catio while humans can conveniently clean it from the outside, keeping things tidy and easy to maintain.
For enrichment, we added a bubble dome bed, a floor-to-ceiling scratching post, and a suspended bridge to encourage climbing and play.
As a finishing touch, the bottoms of the perches and the kitty face on the door were painted to match the color of the existing roof frame. The result is a functional, stylish, and compact catio that both cats and their humans love. 🐾
Small Catio in Battle Ground, WA
Number of cats: 1
This small custom catio was built for Sonic, a playful tuxedo cat who now spends his days enjoying the outdoors from the safety of his enclosure. The design features a 6-foot cat run leading into a 3x4x6 structure, making clever use of an otherwise unused space of the yard.
Surrounded by a lush garden filled with plants, Sonic has the perfect front-row seat to watch birds and other wildlife while staying protected.
💡 Did you know? Tuxedo cats are known not just for their striking black-and-white coats, but also for their outgoing, social personalities, making Sonic the perfect catio adventurer.
Unique custom catio in Tigard, OR
Number of cats: 4
Features: A scratching post, perches, ramps, and a microchipped pet door.
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.
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!
Watch this Catio featured in the Portland Catio Tour:
A 4'x8'x8' Catio
Number of cats: 2
Features: A tall scratching post, a hiding box.
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.
More 4'x8'x8' Catios!
After building countless 4x8x8 catios, we realized just how popular this size and style has become for cat parents. That’s why we created DIY catio plans based on this classic lean-to design.
Inside these catio building plans, you’ll find:
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Step-by-step instructions that walk you through the entire process.
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A full material list, so you don’t have to make multiple trips to the store.
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A detailed cut list to save time and reduce waste.
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Guidance on different base options for your catio, depending on your space.
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A basic accessory layout, showing how to place perches, ramps, and scratchers, and how to adjust them for your own cats’ needs.
These catio blueprints make it simple to build a professional-looking catio at home, while keeping costs and mistakes to a minimum.
👉 Check out our Catio Resources in the menu, where we share the materials we recommend if you’re going the DIY route. You can also explore our DIY catio testimonials to hear from cat parents who have successfully built their own catios using our plans.
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 Catio for a small unused patio in Portland, OR
Number of cats: 1
Features: A tall scratching post, high perches.
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.
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 pet 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.
We built a scratching post and some perches for them. The cats were pleased with the final result.
More catios designed and built by The Catio Company in Portland, Oregon, Vancouver, Washington, and across the Pacific Northwest. 🐾
🐾 Are you located in Portland, Oregon, or Vancouver, Washington, and looking for a trusted catio builder in your area? Contact The Catio Company today, and let’s bring your custom catio project to life.
🌎 Not local? Explore Our DIY Catio Plans
Each downloadable PDF contains easy-to-follow instructions, complete tool, cut, and material lists, clear diagrams, and practical tips to help you efficiently build a safe, stylish outdoor enclosure for your cats, no matter where you live.
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