Prevent your family cats from free-roaming outdoors to protect them from a host of dangers, from predators, diseases, traffic, abuse, and getting lost. Build a outdoor cat enclosure, sometimes called a “cat condo” or “catiary” or a “catio,” to provide the stimulating outdoor atmosphere that most cats crave—with near-complete safety depending on the design or product. Containment systems can protect song birds as well.

“Heaven on Earth” for indoor/outdoor cats

Imagine your cat enjoying sun-bathing, bird-watching, breeze-sniffing, and grass-rolling in total safety and in compliance with local anti-pet-roaming ordinances. An excellent selection of cat enclosure products and DIY designs are now available, and with your customizing, can result in an exciting and creative outdoor space your cats will love.

A Safe Outdoor Home for Cats in Cat-Allergic Families

If you have family members with cat allergies, a cat containment room or system might be suitable for year-around living in some climates and some environments. Properly designed and built, with comfortable lounge chairs for their humans, a well-sheltered structure could prevent a family pet from being surrendered to a shelter or pound, which can result in death for the cat. Share this thought with friends and neighbors if cat allergies might cause a family cat to lose his or her happy home.

Cat Containment Systems and Accessories

Purchase a “catiary” (think “aviary” for cats) or “cat condo” that you assemble and set up on your deck or patio. Six-sided designs with roofs are stable and durable. Products can include access tunnels that install in an open house window, so your cats can freely enter and leave their outdoor room. For an attached catiary,  install a pet door. Purchase or build cat trees, hanging toys, and raised pathways for ultimate cat fun. A variety of products and accessories manufactured by a national brand can be found here. Enjoy developing your own ideas too.

Even a window can be converted to a simple catiary with a potted catgrass plant and a soft bed. Your handyman or woman can build a box structure with a solid roof and floor with mesh or woven wire walls and attach it securely to your siding. You’ll want to choose a window that is in a protected spot with some shade.

Cat Fences

Build a new free-standing cat fence or convert an existing fence to a cat-proof one using a virtually see-through fencing mesh available through Purrfect Fence. This proven-durable product has been marketed for years as deer fencing. You can purchase a system or individual components. You can even build a clever cat-proof tree baffle to prevent cats from escaping an enclosure by climbing an enclosed tree. See photos and product information.

Creative Outdoor Containment for Dogs

Did you think creative outdoor spaces are only for cats? You can apply similar products and designs for amazing dog enclosures and structures as well. Dogs aren’t interested in sharpening claws on trees, but many love to dig, so provide a deep sandbox. They enjoy lounging and rolling in shaded grass, but add a Kuranda platform bed too (also available with longer legs for cats). Many enjoy playing in kid’s wading pools on sunny warm days. Consider building an extra-large 2-story dog house with several rooms, entrances, and lounging decks so your dogs can enjoy resting in a more private spot after a play-filled afternoon. Of course your fencing must be secure for your dogs and good information is easily found.