The Best Catios
Cats love spending time outside, but it isn't safe to let them wander. Between predators, parasites, and other cats, there are too many ways for them to get hurt. A catio is a perfect compromise. It provides your kitty with a secure place to play, nap, and explore the great outdoors without any direct contact with the dangers of open spaces. The trick is to find the right one.
What to Look For
There are a few key details to keep in mind while narrowing down which catio will work best for you and your pets. Above all is overall size. You have to ensure that the catio you choose fits the space on your deck or in your yard. And from there, design and sturdiness are what matter most. For example, the durable Aivituvin Catio is large and full of spacious shelves and easy-access doors to give multiple cats plenty of room to play. Meanwhile, the Vivohome Collapsible Rolling Catio conveniently fits smaller spaces and can be quickly taken down and reassembled. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
Aivituvin Catio
Luxurious design
The Aivituvin Catio is an enormous cat playhouse full of climbing shelves and boxes that allow you to create the perfect play and sleep space for your kitties. A robust center platform makes it safe for them to jump from one end to another, while the open bottom provides plenty of room for a litter box, food, and other essentials. At the top, the asphalt roof keeps rain and snow out so the warmth can stay in.
Pros:
- It’s large enough to fit several cats comfortably as they play and nap.
- A 360-degree view provides your cats with plenty of vistas, and you can easily hang extra toys from the shelves and wire sides.
- You can set it up to give cats access through a window to come and go as they please with simple adjustments.
Cons:
- Assembly is time-consuming, although reasonably easy.
PawHut Outdoor Catio
Supremely spacious
PawHut’s catio is a highly customizable option that provides lots of space for cats and kittens. There are three heavy-duty shelves included, and the leftover space is perfect for additional cat trees, litterboxes, beds, and anything else they may enjoy. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for pet owners, breeders, and rescues who want a safe space for their kitties.
Pros:
- Assembly is straightforward, and the directions are easy to follow. Even beginners can handle it on their own.
- The asphalt roof keeps your cats safe from rain, snow, and damaging UV rays.
- You can move it around if you need to; while it isn’t lightweight, it’s not real heavy either.
Cons:
- There’s only one large door, which makes opening it up to add food or litter precarious if your cat enjoys escaping.
Eiiel Cat Cage
Conveniently customizable
If you have an awkward space or if you enjoy adjusting and moving things around, the Eiiel cat cage is for you. It comes as a set of panels and connectors that allow you to mix and match until you have a catio that meets your needs perfectly. As a matter of fact, you can even get a couple of sets and connect them to make the space larger.
Pros:
- You can attach the panels to a window or cat door for easy in and out access.
- In addition to creating a catio, you can use the pieces to make a secure indoor area to keep your pet safe when you’re busy.
- Assembly is a breeze, and you can redo it as often as you’d like.
Cons:
- It uses zip ties, which aren’t reusable. That means you’ll need more to change the layout.
Outback Jack Outdoor Folding Catio
Pop-up playhouse
If you only need an occasional catio, the Outback Jack catio has you covered. This Catio has both the convenience of a cat tent and the size of a regular catio, making it fantastic for travel and apartment living. You can set it up in your tent while camping or pull it out during long stops as you travel the country in your RV. Either way, it goes up and collapses back down in minutes for maximum convenience.
Pros:
- This tent includes a tunnel you can use in a window or cat door for easy access.
- It’s exceptionally durable, especially for a folding model.
- The price is fabulous compared to permanent catio fixtures.
Cons:
- You’ll need to be careful with the zipper. It’s the only piece that can come loose.
VivoHome Rolling Catio
Space-saver
If you live in an apartment or have a small deck, we think you’ll love the ViviHome rolling catio. It’s collapsible and easily stored when you don’t need it. However, the sturdy metal bars allow you to keep it up all the time if that’s what you’d prefer. We also love that the smooth-gliding casters make moving it a breeze. Plus, it works perfectly on apartment balconies. You can roll it out and bring it back in effortlessly.
Pros:
- The shelves are sturdy enough for heavy cats, unlike many similar models.
- It makes caring for kittens much more manageable, which is why we think it’s excellent for rescues and breeders.
- An included hanging hammock is a favorite spot for cats to hang out while they nap. They tend to love the high space.
Cons:
- While the shelves hold adult cats as they nap with no issue, a chunky jumping cat may run into some problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use a catio instead of letting my cat go outdoors or locking them inside?
Cats enjoy the outdoors, and they need some fresh air and sunlight. However, it isn’t safe to let them run around unsupervised. Catios are a good compromise. They’re safe, comfortable, and secure.
How do I decide between a permanent structure and one that I can store?
Catios are fantastic, and if you have several cats and a large deck or yard, a large catio that stays put may be best. On the other hand, if you have a small space or tend only to let the cats out occasionally, you may prefer a folding option.
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