Q&A with Lead Designer Peter Brown: Understanding Catio Design

Today I am sitting down with our Lead Designer, Peter Brown, to get the low down on all things catio design. Peter has been Lead Designer for the last 9 months at Cat Topia. Peter grew up around construction as his dad was a custom home builder. Peter gradually found his own way into the construction world where he was working on making custom furniture pieces. Peter got connected with Lance Harding, owner of Cat Topia, where they worked together to build an outdoor sectional. Lance quickly saw how talented and creative Peter was at design and asked Peter to come work for Cat Topia.

Q: What does the catio design process look like?

A: Everything starts with our Catio Specialist, Sky. He is able to collect all the important information from our clients regarding that space they want the catio built, the size of the catio, and all the additional elements that they want to have included for their cats.

Once Sky has collected all the information, we are able to start the catio project. From there, I start creating the rough draft of the structure based on the client’s preferences and customizations. Once I have a design catered to the client’s liking, I send it over for the client’s review and we discuss any adjustments. Once changes are made, if necessary, I send it back to customers for final approval.

Q: What factors should be considered when designing a catio?

A: A very important thing to be aware of is that the materials and lumber that we use for our custom catios will directly correlate to the cost of the catio. When you are putting something in your backyard, we and our clients want it to be aesthetically pleasing. It is important that it blends well with the house and has a seamless look.

As it relates to the cats, we want to ensure that they have an efficient and accessible way of getting from the bottom to the top easily. We also take into consideration the owners ability to get in and out of the catio and even lounge in the space with their cats.

Q: How do you determine the best size and layout for a catio design?

A: From a catio designer lens, I have a conversation with the client to discuss specific site details from the home owner. This process is very unique to each client and their hopes for their custom catio. It's important to me that each client has a clear understanding of the design and feels excited about it.

Q: Can a catio be designed to fit small spaces like a balcony or patio?

A: Catios are cool in that way because we can create a catio to fit small spaces. During our information collection phase where the client tells us what they would like, we are able to assess what we need to do in order to make something work. For instance we utilize tunnel systems for or simply window boxes for smaller spaces. Window boxes are actually a really cool minimalist way to give your cat a safe space to be outdoors without having a lot of space.

Q: What are some popular customization options for catios?

A: In a majority of our catios I design, a common standard you will see are shelves and ramps. This is something we often include as it contributes to the cats ability to explore, climb, and engage in the catio in a more exciting way. On top of the ramps and shelves, I create tunnel systems that are designed to go directly to the catio and allow for easy access for cats to enter into a catio. That is something that makes us very unique because I can get creative depending on the client’s hopes for their catio to create intricate tunnel systems, cool shelving, and ramps.

It is important that I make sure these are created in a way to maximize comfort for the cats as well. I can also help create custom doors as a statement piece where it could have more of a rustic or cabin feeling for instance. But I can really do many customizations, it’s all based on the client’s preference.

Q: What safety features should every catio design include?

A: Our catios are cool because we ensure the maximum amount of safety and comfort for cats. We make sure there are elements like locks on doors, specific roofing elements, screening, and adequate foundation placement. I pay attention to all these details throughout my process to ensure maximum safety.

Q: Are there any weatherproofed accessories, like heating or cooling elements, that help with extreme temperatures?

A: Something I do is once I have the catio details from Sky, I take into consideration many factors such as the climate and will add specific elements that can help reduce too much sunlight or promote more shade or wind protection. This is all based on a client’s hopes for their catio.

Q: What are the best ways to make a catio more enjoyable for a cat?

A: We have all of the normal upgrades, already with ramps and shelves, and it really just comes down to the client and what specific additions they are wanting for their cats and their needs. That could look like a cat hammock, a cubby, scratching posts - cat toys/elements - plant elements. Honestly, there are endless possibilities.

Q: How do different climates affect material choices in a catio design?

A: When clients are talking with our catio specialist, Sky, he is able to advise them on the specific materials that would be the best, based on where the client is located in the United States. We take into consideration different climate factors seen in that area which helps us determine the most suitable materials for the client and their cats. Again, because our catios are custom built and we serve nationwide, the design is based on many factors.

Q: Do I need any special permits to install a catio?

A: Depending on the client’s specific asks for their custom catio, we might need permits to ensure ethical building practices. We also work with people who have HOA’s and if that is the case, we have a solidified process we go through to make sure clients are all squared away with their HOA.

Q: Do you believe catios add value to a home?

A: I do. Our whole process is so detailed. We build durable and made to last catios that are beneficial to our clients and their cats.