22 Classy and Cozy DIY Catios to Build fur your Cat Child this Summer

Laurent Shinar • Writer and Editor

Jul 7, 2026 1:30 PM EDT

It is no secret that we spoil our cat children. Whether it be with costly cat trees, fancy food or technologically advanced toys, there is no limit to what we won't do to pamper our cats. So today we bring forth the purrfect project for summer, the catio.

Catios are one of the best things that a pawrent can purchase for their cat child. Having all that space to roam around safely outdoors does wonders for both you and your cat. On the one hand you can rest easy knowing they are safe and entertained at the same time. On the other hand you are not worried that they will return from the outdoors with a 'gift' of sorts that you do not want. And that is before we get stuck into the meat of the matter which is how much closer such a project and bring you to your cat child and how many enrichment opportunities such a DIY build has on offer.

No matter the size of your catio you are almost always going to be able to give your feline friend some platforms, ledges and ropes to hang around on and climb up high. Giving them full view over their domain and a little exercise along the way. But if you have space for a big enough catio then you can even create a space for yourself amongst the toys and trees. Allowing you to spend time with your cat child outdoors, so you can finally yell at birds with them, scream at squirrels and spend quality time cuddling right after. So what are you waiting for get scrolling and dream up your purrfect catio today!

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As you may have gathered by this point catios come in all shapes, sizes, budgets and likeness to chicken coops. So you as a pawrent can plan according to whatever space and budget you have to work with. The idea after all is to give your cat child a cool and relaxing place to hangout outside without your supervision. Sure, the ideal would be to have a place that you can hangout with them while they explore the intricate tunnels, shelves and platforms of their catio. But sometimes even a simple shelf with a net will do the job of satisfying your feline fur babies outside urges.
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Dang, some cat children have it better than hoomans. Can you imagine if you were gifted the whole garden of your home to roam around in freely? Such things are unheard of in hooman real estate. But for this cat child it seems his pawrents figured it would be easier, cheaper and better overall to net their entire garden, thereby making it cat proof. Which we have to say, if you have the space and option to do such a thing, it might very well be the best thing you can do for your cat. After all, a cat tree will disintegrate with time, but your garden can keep your cat entertained for a lifetime.
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