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The Backyard Catwalk | Recent Catio Build in San Pedro, California

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San Pedro, CA

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Project Overview

This freestanding catio was thoughtfully designed to give the client’s two cats safe access to fresh air, sunshine, and daily enrichment—while also relocating their litter boxes outdoors for a cleaner indoor space. Rather than attaching the structure directly to the home, the client wanted a design that connected seamlessly via a tunnel while taking full advantage of the backyard’s open space.

By building a larger freestanding enclosure, we were able to utilize the existing shrubs to create a natural balance of sun and shade, allowing the cats to comfortably move between warm lounging spots and cool cover throughout the day. An enclosed tunnel connects to the home through a cat door, giving the cats the freedom to come and go as they please. Designed to mimic the tight crawl spaces they love indoors, the tunnel also serves as an enriching feature that encourages exploration and play.

Project Goals

  • Create a spacious freestanding enclosure large enough for two cats
  • Provide dedicated space for outdoor litter box placement
  • Connect the catio to the home without attaching it directly to the house
  • Utilize the backyard’s open layout to maximize enclosure size
  • Incorporate existing shrubs to provide natural shade and coverage
  • Design an enclosed tunnel for safe, independent access
  • Include crawl-style elements to mirror the cats’ favorite indoor tunnels
Wide backyard view of a custom-built wooden catio enclosure with secure mesh walls, hinged access door, interior climbing shelves, and an attached cat tunnel extending from a house window.

Design Challenges

  • Determining the precise placement of the freestanding catio to preserve the kitchen window view
  • Designing the enclosure away from the home while maintaining a seamless connection
  • Installing a new, dedicated cat door without altering or obstructing the existing window
  • Routing the tunnel beneath the window rather than through it
  • Elevating the tunnel so the family dog could walk underneath instead of around it
  • Ensuring the structure remained visually balanced within the backyard space

Key Design Features

  • Custom 10’ x 5’ x 8’ freestanding catio designed to maximize backyard space while maintaining clear sightlines from the home
  • 10-foot connecting tunnel installed beneath the window and attached to a newly added cat flap door for independent access
  • Semi-elevated tunnel design allowing the family dog to pass comfortably underneath
  • Deck base foundation providing stability, durability, and a clean finished look
  • Shelves and ramps inside the main catio to encourage climbing and vertical enrichment
  • Cat hammock and bubble dome for lounging, wildlife viewing, and added stimulation
  • Dedicated outdoor litter box area to relocate litter outside the home
  • Human access door for easy cleaning and maintenance
  • Cedar lumber framing for natural beauty and durability
  • 1×1 black PVC-coated welded wire fencing for safety and visibility
  • Classic ribbed steel metal roof on the main enclosure for weather protection
  • Open-air tunnel (no roof) to maintain airflow and visibility while connecting the home

10ft of Tunnel

Build Specifications

This build was designed to create a spacious, secure outdoor retreat for two cats while maintaining seamless access from the home. Constructed as a fully freestanding structure with a connecting tunnel system, the enclosure balances durability, visibility, and comfort—providing enrichment while keeping the cats safely contained.

Dimensions & Layout

  • Main Catio Structure: Approximately 10 feet wide x 5 feet deep x 8 feet tall. Built as a freestanding enclosure with a deck base foundation for stability and longevity. The space includes a human-sized access door for easy cleaning and maintenance, along with a dedicated outdoor litter box area.
  • Tunnel System: A 10-foot connecting tunnel extends from the home to the main catio, providing safe, independent access through a cat flap door. The tunnel is constructed without a roof to maintain airflow and visibility while ensuring secure containment.
  • Interior Enrichment Features: The main enclosure includes integrated shelves and ramps for vertical exploration, a cat hammock for lounging, and a bubble dome for elevated wildlife viewing and stimulation.
  • Materials & Construction: Framed with cedar lumber for durability and natural aesthetic appeal, enclosed with 1×1 black PVC-coated welded wire fencing for safety and clear sightlines. The main structure is topped with a classic ribbed steel metal roof for weather protection.

Catio Gallery

Side profile of a handcrafted wooden catio with corrugated metal roofing, walk-in access door, interior hammock swing, and elevated cat tunnel connecting to the house.
Wide backyard view of a custom-built wooden catio enclosure with secure mesh walls, hinged access door, interior climbing shelves, and an attached cat tunnel extending from a house window.
This beautifully crafted custom catio stands prominently in a lush backyard, framed by overhanging tree branches that provide natural shade. Built from warm-toned, high-quality wood, the enclosure features a slanted corrugated metal roof for weather protection and durable black wire mesh panels for safety and airflow. Inside, multiple ramps, platforms, and shelves create a dynamic vertical playground for cats to climb, explore, and lounge. The elevated base enhances durability while adding a polished, professional finish to this secure outdoor sanctuary.
Front view of a custom-built outdoor wooden catio enclosure set in a grassy backyard, featuring a slanted corrugated metal roof, black wire mesh panels, elevated wooden base, and multiple interior climbing ramps and platforms beneath a leafy tree canopy.
Close-up of an elevated enclosed wooden cat tunnel with wire mesh sides, black trim accents, and sturdy support legs attached to a backyard catio.
Interior close-up of a wooden catio showing multi-level platforms, an angled climbing ramp, and a suspended rope hammock bed inside a secure mesh enclosure.
Close-up view of a wooden nesting box installed on a catio platform, illuminated by warm sunlight and surrounded by secure wire mesh panels.
Interior upper-level wooden catio platform with enclosed nesting box beneath a corrugated metal roof and surrounded by black wire mesh walls.
Close-up of a wooden catio platform with angled climbing ramp and built-in wooden hide box, surrounded by secure mesh panels and backyard greenery.

Materials Used

Lumber: Cedar

Why Cedar?

  • Naturally rot-resistant and durable for long-term outdoor use
  • Strong yet lightweight, ideal for elevated structures
  • Pet-safe and free from harsh chemical treatments
  • Provides a warm, natural finish that complements the home
Wide backyard view of a custom-built wooden catio enclosure with secure mesh walls, hinged access door, interior climbing shelves, and an attached cat tunnel extending from a house window.

Roofing Options

Roofing: Ribbed Steel Metal

  • Provides reliable protection from rain, sun exposure, and seasonal weather
  • Durable and long-lasting with minimal maintenance required
  • Complements the cedar framing while enhancing structural integrity

Open-Air Tunnel Design

  • 10-foot connecting tunnel constructed without a roof
  • Maintains airflow and natural light throughout the passageway
  • Preserves open sky views while keeping cats safely enclosed
Interior upper-level wooden catio platform with enclosed nesting box beneath a corrugated metal roof and surrounded by black wire mesh walls.

Fencing: 1×1 Black Critterfencing

  • Material: Galvanized steel core with protective black PVC coating
  • Mesh Size: 1×1 inch square openings

Why This Fencing?

  • Keeps cats securely enclosed and protects from predators and rodents
  • Provides strong structural protection while maintaining open sightlines  
  • Durable and weather-resistant, ideal for year-round outdoor exposure
  • Black coating reduces visual obstruction, allowing the structure to blend naturally into the landscape
  • Rust-resistant finish ensures long-term performance with minimal maintenance
Interior close-up of a wooden catio showing multi-level platforms, an angled climbing ramp, and a suspended rope hammock bed inside a secure mesh enclosure.

Interior Features & Enrichment

This catio was designed to support movement, vertical exploration, relaxation, and natural curiosity for two cats. The interior layout encourages climbing, lounging, and safe outdoor observation, while the connecting tunnel adds an engaging transition space that promotes daily activity and independent exploration.

Feature List

  • Climbing Shelves
    Cedar shelves installed at varied heights throughout the 10’ x 5’ enclosure allow cats to leap, perch, and observe their surroundings. The staggered layout encourages full-body movement and vertical enrichment.
  • Ramps
    Slanted ramps connect shelf levels, creating smooth transitions between elevations and making climbing accessible while promoting active exploration.
  • Cat Hammocks (x1)
    A suspended hammock provides an elevated lounging space, offering comfort and a gentle sway that many cats naturally enjoy.
  • Cat Bubble Dome (x1)
    The bubble dome creates a unique lookout point, allowing cats to safely observe their backyard environment from an enclosed, elevated vantage point.
  • Outdoor Litter Box Area
    A designated litter space within the enclosure gives the cats independence while keeping litter outside the home.
  • Tunnel Exploration Pathway
    The 10-foot connecting tunnel serves as both a safe access point and an enriching crawl space. Designed to mimic tight interior tunnels cats naturally gravitate toward, it encourages movement between the home and catio while satisfying their instinct to explore enclosed pathways.

Feature Purpose & Pet Personality Fit

This build was thoughtfully designed to support two very different personalities: one energetic, curious kitten and one older cat who prefers relaxed lounging and quiet observation. The layout balances activity and rest, ensuring both cats can safely enjoy the outdoors in ways that suit their individual needs.

  • The 10-foot connecting tunnel supports the adventurous kitten’s natural curiosity. It creates an exciting transition space that encourages daily movement, exploration, and confidence-building while remaining fully secure.
  • Tiered climbing shelves and ramps provide vertical pathways for high-energy play, allowing the kitten to leap, climb, and survey the backyard from multiple vantage points.
  • The cat bubble dome caters to both personalities—offering an engaging lookout for the kitten while giving the older cat a protected observation spot without requiring strenuous climbing.
  • The cat hammock provides a gentle, elevated lounging area perfect for restful breaks after play, while also offering the older cat a comfortable, low-effort perch.
  • The spacious 10’ x 5’ footprint allows both cats to move freely without competing for territory, supporting independent exploration and peaceful coexistence.
  • The dedicated outdoor litter area promotes routine and independence for both cats while maintaining a clean indoor environment.

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