The Best Catios
Just as much as you likely enjoy being in your yard, relaxing in the fresh air, your cat probably does, too. However, it isn’t always safe for your cat to run wild outside. But, that doesn’t mean your furry friend shouldn’t still get to enjoy the outdoors. It just means that it’s up to you to find a safe way for them to bask in the sun. And the best way to do this is with a catio. This allows your cat to play, sunbathe, and nap while staying safe from potentially bad weather and predators. Rather than just using a crate or kennel, why not opt for something a bit more extravagant? This will bring your cat so much joy, which will likely bring you joy in return. While on our search to find the best catios, we posed three questions: Is it sturdy? Does it protect from the weather? Is it big enough? Our favorite catio was from Gutinneen which features multiple levels for the cats to play around in. However, we did notice that it doesn’t offer up as much space as some of the other catios we found, such as the PawHut one. This was our second favorite because it has a mix of an open play area as well as a spot for sleeping. Read on to learn more about our other top picks for catios.
Gutinneen Outdoor Cat Enclosure on Wheels
One day your cat may want to be in one part of your yard, and the next it may want to be in another. With this catio from Gutinneen, you can make your cat happy and take them from place to place around the yard while still keeping them safe from potential predators or the weather. On top of that, the roof of this catio is weather-resistant, so if the rain starts coming down, your cat will stay dry. The structure is made out of durable metal wire and fir wood and features two front doors and two smaller access windows.
Pros:
- The wheels are high-quality and are easy to roll around.
- We found this also doubles as a great place to put older cats who are suffering from dementia and need a safe place to sleep.
- Though intended for the outdoors, this catio also works well indoors.
Cons:
- The treatment used on the wood has a very strong smell.
Aivituvin Wooden Cat House Outdoor
Keep the fun rolling
Most people assume that catios are a permanent thing, that wherever you choose to build your catio, it stays. However, Aivituvin proves that this isn’t always the case. It features four wheels which allow for easy maneuverability and two brake casters. This catio is big enough to comfortably fit two or three cats and can be easily cleaned thanks to the removable PVC bottom. And if one of the cats wants to take a quiet nap, they can enjoy the small resting house.
Pros:
- It’s much easier to put together than you would expect and can be done in less than two hours.
- If you like to open the doors of your home during the day, this catio is a great place to put your cats so they don’t run off.
- We found this to be both mobile and stable since the wheels lock tightly and stay in place.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, the paint scratches very easily and needs a protective topcoat.
PawHut Large Wooden Outdoor Catio Enclosure
While we love some of the other options on this list, they may not be ideal if you own multiple cats. However, PawHut’s catio is a great choice, thanks to its generous space and six platforms that allow cats to climb and lounge around. This catio is fully enclosed so that your cats remain safe when inside of it. Plus, the large front door provides easy access for both you and your cats. It is a sturdy wooden frame that features a durable wire mesh. Your cat gets all the benefits of being outdoors, without risking their safety.
Pros:
- If you’re handy, we found that with a few modifications, you can attach this catio to your home for easy access.
- You can put this together with just one person (though two is even better).
- This is a great option for homes that have family members that are allergic to cats.
Cons:
- It does not seem as sturdy as hoped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cruel to keep a cat in a catio?
No. Keeping a cat in a catio is a safe way for them to enjoy the outdoors while also being protected from wildlife and weather.
How big should a catio be?
The size of your catio depends on the number of cats you are looking to house and whether they get along with each other.
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