Our 25 Favorite Catio Builds of 2025, Picked by the Cat Topia Team
Published on December 31st, 2025
About This Collection
These are our 25 favorite catios of 2025, all designed and built by the Cat Topia team—and chosen simply because we loved working on them. Each build reflects a different space, set of cats, and design challenge, from small urban yards to expansive outdoor layouts, all tailored to how cats actually live, climb, lounge, and explore.
This isn’t a ranked list or a “best of” competition, just a curated collection of catios that made us proud. Together, they showcase what we do best: custom designs, thoughtful problem-solving, and creating safe, beautiful outdoor spaces that let cats enjoy the outdoors in a way that works for real homes and real people.
Our Favorite Catio Builds of 2025
San Rafael, California
Project Cost: $50,000
Designed for five cats, this custom-built system features two elevated catios measuring 6×8 feet and 8×8 feet, connected by a 100-foot enclosed tunnel that wraps around the property and allows for continuous movement and exploration. Built with pressure-treated lumber and black PVC-coated welded wire for durability and safety, the design includes a human-sized access door, staggered interior shelving, and integrated ramps to support vertical engagement. Fully custom-designed and installed to blend seamlessly with the home’s exterior, this build transforms the surrounding deck and backyard into an expansive outdoor environment that mirrors the panoramic views enjoyed by the homeowners.
El Sobrante, California
Project Cost: $20,000
Anchored by a freestanding enclosure, this catio is defined by a narrow, elevated tunnel that twists along the side of the home, bridging over the deck before entering through a kitchen window. The tunnel’s compact profile—approximately 2 feet deep by 2 feet tall—creates a sense of movement and transition, while the main enclosure measures 5×7 feet with a 7.5-foot height and a sloped roof that preserves light and visibility from the interior. Built for five cats using pressure-treated lumber, critter-proof fencing, and a clear polycarbonate roof, the structure sits directly on natural ground and incorporates eight shelves and three ramps, balancing vertical exploration with a restrained, budget-conscious material palette.
North Palm Beach, Florida
Project Cost: $20,000
Finished in a crisp white to match the home’s exterior, this compact catio pairs a 7×7-foot enclosure with a short elevated tunnel that extends from the house and ends in a small A-frame mini cat house, creating a layered transition between indoors and out. Built for two cats using pressure-treated lumber, black PVC-coated wire, and a clear polycarbonate roof, the structure emphasizes light, visibility, and vertical movement through integrated shelving, ramps, a hammock, and a dedicated scratch post area. A custom garden box built directly into the design allows the owners to grow cat-safe plants like catnip and cat grass, adding a tactile, living element that blurs the line between enclosure and garden space.
Vashon Island, Washington
Project Cost: $12,000
Set beneath the home and framed by surrounding evergreens, this cedar catio was designed as a quiet, vertical retreat for a single cat, accessed directly through a short four-foot tunnel extending straight from the window. Measuring 6×6 feet with an eight-foot height, the enclosure features stained cedar framing, black PVC-coated critter fencing, a classic ribbed metal roof, and a human-sized access door, balancing durability with a warm, natural finish. Inside, six shelves and two ramps create layered movement and lookout points, a thoughtful simplicity that helped earn this build a feature in The Wall Street Journal.
Liberty, Indiana
Project Cost: $20,000
Defined by its striking A-frame silhouette, this spacious catio measures 8×12 feet with an eight-foot height and connects directly from the home through a short four-foot tunnel for seamless access. Constructed with pressure-treated lumber, black PVC-coated critter fencing, and classic ribbed metal roofing, the structure includes eight shelves, three ramps, and a human-sized door, balancing durability with generous vertical movement for two cats. The defining feature is an elevated attic-style loft tucked beneath the roof peak, where a hammock creates a quiet, high-up retreat that takes full advantage of the catio’s dramatic vertical volume.
The Sunny Stretch
Cary, North Carolina
Project Cost: $14,000
Set just off the home, this freestanding catio pairs an 8×6-foot main enclosure with a compact 3×3-foot mini catio connected by a short tunnel, creating a layered outdoor experience with varied light and sightlines. Built from pressure-treated lumber and enclosed with double screening—black PVC-coated wire paired with bug screening—the structure prioritizes safety while remaining open and airy, with shelves, ramps, bridges, cubbies, and a floor-to-ceiling scratching post encouraging constant movement. The defining feature is the tunnel leading to the smaller, sun-drenched catio, which functions as a dedicated viewing perch where the cats can stretch out, observe the yard, and enjoy a quieter moment away from the main enclosure.
Haverhill, Massachusetts
Project Cost: $21,000
Wrapping seamlessly around two sides of the home, this custom catio creates a continuous outdoor corridor that offers multiple entry and exit points, allowing three cats to move freely while experiencing different views and vantage points. Built from pressure-treated lumber with black PVC-coated critter fencing and topped with white classic ribbed metal roofing, the paired 8×4-foot enclosures rise to approximately eight feet tall and include shelves, ramps, and integrated cubbies for retreat and play. The wrap-around layout transforms the exterior of the home into an interconnected environment, turning everyday walls and corners into an immersive, exploratory landscape for its feline residents.
Loomis, California
Project Cost: $31,000
Designed as a multi-zone outdoor extension, this project combines an 8×8 main catio with a secondary 4×8 enclosure, connected by a 20-foot tunnel that wraps around the home and encourages continuous movement between spaces. Fully painted to blend seamlessly with the exterior, the catios feature tiered shelves, ramps, cubbies, hammocks, and a dedicated litter area, all enclosed with black PVC-coated critter fencing and topped with classic ribbed steel roofing. The defining element is the series of plexiglass bubble domes integrated into the tunnel and secondary catio, creating elevated viewing pods where the cats can pause, perch, and take in the surrounding landscape from every angle.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Project Cost: $15,000
Conceived as a statement piece, this 8×8-foot catio blends clean lines with Asian-inspired detailing, anchored by a freestanding window box that visually reads as an extension of the home without being physically attached. Built from pressure-treated wood and redwood, the design features a permanent corrugated polycarbonate roof, black PVC-coated fencing, and an elevated tunnel that runs along the yard toward the trees, ending in a small cat house and creating a calm, flowing sense of movement. Inside, shelves, ramps, a cubby, and a hammock are arranged with intention, turning the enclosure into a serene, Pinterest-worthy retreat that balances architectural presence with feline comfort.
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Project Cost: $23,000
Designed to accommodate eight cats, this freestanding catio spans approximately 7×15 feet and rises to nearly eight feet tall, allowing clear views over the surrounding stone wall and open desert landscape. A dramatic 8-foot tunnel system routes from the home beneath the windows before lifting into an overhead bridge, creating a striking elevated pathway where cats move above while people walk freely below. Outfitted with shelves, ramps, cubbies, bubble domes, bridges, scratching posts, and dedicated outdoor litter areas, the structure transforms the backyard into a multi-level environment built for movement, exploration, and shared space.
Lake Oswego, Oregon
Project Cost: $35,000
Stretching across the home in a wrap-around configuration, this expansive cedar catio measures 9×4 feet and is paired with 50 feet of enclosed tunnel that guides the cats through the landscape to a dedicated viewing pavilion at the far end. Designed with full predator protection in mind, the structure features black PVC-coated critter fencing, classic ribbed metal roofing or clear polycarbonate panels, and a series of secure access doors throughout the catio, tunnel, and viewing area. Inside, shelves, ramps, cubbies, domes, and elevated platforms create a richly layered environment—an ambitious build whose scale and craftsmanship earned it recognition in The Wall Street Journal.
Akron, Ohio
Project Cost: $15,000
Built as a freestanding retreat, this 6×8-foot catio sits on a raised deck base and is crafted entirely from stained cedar, giving it a warm, architectural presence alongside the home. Wrapped in black PVC-coated critter fencing and topped with a clear polycarbonate roof, the enclosure is densely layered with enrichment features, including tiered shelving on all sides, two cat bridges, a floor-to-ceiling scratching post, and an enclosed cubby for rest and retreat. Designed with multiple cat entry points from both the office and bedroom windows, the space prioritizes movement, elevation, and engagement, creating a compact yet highly dynamic environment for daily exploration.
Elk Grove, California
Project Cost: $16,000
Running 12 feet along the home with a slim footprint just over three feet deep, this catio transforms a narrow exterior wall into a tall, vertical playground that rises to approximately ten feet. Built from stained cedar and enclosed with black PVC-coated critter fencing beneath a solid metal roof, the design layers shelves, ramps, steps, and a floor-to-ceiling scratch post from low to high, creating continuous movement within a compact profile. A bubble dome, outdoor-carpeted platforms, and an integrated cubby add moments of comfort and pause, while the elongated form makes efficient use of space without sacrificing enrichment or visual impact.
Friendswood, Texas
Project Cost: $15,000
Designed to accommodate a large feline household, this freestanding catio spans 12×7 feet while remaining intentionally low-profile at 6.5 feet tall to sit comfortably beneath the fence line. Built from pressure-treated lumber with black PVC-coated welded wire and topped with polycarbonate roofing, the structure connects to the home via a four-foot tunnel enclosing the lower portion of a window, creating a clean, contained transition indoors to out. Inside, ramps and platforms are arranged to support movement and shared use, proving that thoughtful scaling and smart layout can still deliver a highly functional space for eleven cats within defined constraints.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Project Cost: $24,000
Rising nearly ten feet tall, this cedar catio creates a striking vertical environment designed to handle the desert climate while maximizing shade, airflow, and movement. Built on durable Trex decking and enclosed with black PVC-coated critter fencing, the interior features oversized shelves, ramps, a full 360-degree upper-level shelf walk, a floor-to-ceiling scratching post, and a custom cat tower that encourages constant climbing and exploration. Thoughtful additions like shaded lounging zones, hammocks, a cat bridge, and a plexiglass half-dome transform the space into a layered retreat that balances stimulation with cool, comfortable rest areas.
Black Hawk, Colorado
Project Cost: $16,000
Set directly on an elevated deck, this cedar catio spans 9 feet wide by just over 5 feet deep, intentionally designed with a lean-to roof and open sightlines to preserve sweeping mountain views. Built to withstand high winds, snow, and local wildlife, the enclosure features metal roofing, 2×2 critter fencing, and a stained finish matched precisely to the existing deck, with shelves and ramps arranged simply for comfortable daily use. Its most distinctive element is the 15-foot tunnel that doubles as a functional bench, blending cat access and human seating into a single, thoughtful design that feels seamless within the outdoor living space.
Denver, Colorado
Project Cost: $10,000
This slim 11-foot-wide by 3-foot-deep catio was carefully woven into an existing garden, preserving every plant and allowing the enclosure to feel like a natural extension of the landscape rather than an addition. Built with pressure-treated lumber stained to match the deck and secured with 2×2 black PVC-coated critter fencing, the interior includes layered shelves, ramps, two cubbies, and a bubble dome for quiet observation. The result is a calm, understated structure that offers enrichment and outdoor access while respecting the beauty and balance of the surrounding garden.
Oakley, California
Project Cost: $19,000
This freestanding 10×6-foot catio is paired with a thoughtfully engineered tunnel system that begins at an enclosed window catio and extends up to 15 feet, creating a fluid indoor-to-outdoor journey. Built with pressure-treated lumber, black 1×1 PVC-coated critter fencing, and a clear polycarbonate roof, the enclosure features layered shelves, ramps, two cubbies, cat bridges, and a natural wood scratch post for full-body enrichment. Multiple access doors along the tunnel and catio make the layout both highly functional and easy to maintain, while keeping the experience engaging and secure for its feline residents.
San Jose, California
Project Cost: $30,000
This highly customized system spans two separate catios connected by an elevated tunnel network stretching 60 feet, weaving over a pergola, along a fence line, and through multiple viewing points above walkways. Built with cedar, black 1×1 PVC-coated critter fencing, and clear polycarbonate roofing, the design incorporates shelves, ramps, cubbies, hammocks, and layered wood paneling while maintaining visual openness and security. The most distinctive feature is the tunnel layout itself, intentionally engineered to allow one cat with FIV to safely explore and observe the outdoor environment while remaining separated from other cats—a thoughtful blend of design, function, and feline care.
Orlando, Florida
Project Cost: $21,000
This attached catio was designed as a clean, modern extension of the home, built off a window and elevated on a deck-style base for added security and ease of installation. Measuring roughly 8×10 feet, the structure features a roofed enclosure with black PVC-coated critter fencing, lockable access, layered shelves, ramps, cubbies, overhead bridges, and a natural cedar tree-style scratch post tailored for three large, lounging cats. Finished in a black-and-white palette to match the home, the result is a polished outdoor retreat that balances visual cohesion, comfort, and long-term durability.
San Francisco, California
Project Cost: $50,000
This San Francisco build was designed as a bold, modern statement, featuring a cantilevered deck that creates a clean, floating appearance against the home. Measuring roughly 14 feet deep by 7 feet wide, the catio uses premium materials like cedar or redwood, composite decking, black PVC-coated critter fencing, and a steel roof to deliver both durability and architectural impact. Inside, layered shelves, ramps, cubbies, and a scratch post create a refined yet highly functional environment that reflects the client’s vision for a sleek, design-forward catio.
Littleton, Colorado
Project Cost: $7,000
Designed for a single cat, this compact Littleton catio blends seamlessly into the home’s landscaping with a fully integrated garden box roof. Built from painted pressure-treated lumber with black critter fencing, the enclosed structure below supports both safe outdoor access and thriving plant life above. It’s a small-scale build that solves two needs at once—cat enrichment and functional garden design—without disrupting the existing space.
Renton, Washington
Project Cost: $15,000
This Renton build was designed to manage a complex household layout, with two separate window access points feeding into one shared, freestanding catio. Dual tunnels connect both a kitchen window and a basement window to the main structure, which is internally divided to keep cats safely separated while still offering equal enrichment. The result is a highly functional system that balances cats, dogs, and human traffic without sacrificing flow or design clarity.
Hillsborough, North Carolina
Project Cost: $17,000
This Hillsborough catio was designed with height as the hero, rising an impressive 12 feet to create a truly vertical experience for climbing, lounging, and exploration. Painted to seamlessly match the home, the tall structure layers shelves, bridges, bubble domes, and a natural cedar scratch post into a cohesive, airy environment. It’s a great example of how vertical design can dramatically expand usable space without increasing the footprint.
Lowden, Washington
Project Cost: $18,000
This Lowden catio was designed as a clean, functional extension of the home, connected directly through the wall with a short tunnel for easy daily access. The spacious 10×8 footprint allows for layered shelves, ramps, and a cedar scratch post, creating plenty of room for movement without overwhelming the yard. A partial metal roof paired with screened panels strikes a balance between weather protection and fresh-air exposure.
More Than Catios: Our Design Philosophy
These catios represent Cat Topia’s belief that outdoor spaces for cats should be as intentional and well-designed as the homes they’re built alongside. Each project reflects a balance of safety, customization, and enrichment, tailored not just to the space, but to the cats who use it every day. Together, they showcase our commitment to building thoughtful, lasting environments that enhance both feline lives and the homes they’re part of.
Inspired by One of These Catios?
If one of these builds sparked an idea, we’d love to help bring it to life for your home. Every Cat Topia catio is custom-designed around your space, your cats’ needs, and your budget, no templates, no one-size-fits-all solutions. Ready to get started with your own catio? Explore our gallery or schedule a consultation to begin designing a space your cats will love.