In May of 2018 my eldest and I finished building a catio on the back side of the house. We built it from 2×2 lumber, painted it, and encased it in welded wire fence material, with a screen door. Izzy the cat still loves it.

It attaches to a back window so the cats can come and go as they please. After eight years, though, it is looking rather raggedy.

Things I learned with this catio:

• Even though I painted it, I should have used all exterior treated lumber
• Small hammocks made from outdoor fabric are fantastic, the cats love them, put a grommet in the center to let the rain drain
• Put sand in the bottom, but also have kitty litter boxes
• A nice long ramp wrapped with outdoor fabric makes a good scratching surface
• Multiple staggered high shelves are appreciated
• On the next one, I’ll probably add a roof