The SkyTrail Lodge | Recent Catio Build in Lake Oswego, Oregon
📍Location📍
Lake Oswego, OR
Project Overview
This custom wrap-around catio in Lake Oswego, Oregon was created to provide a secure, enriching outdoor space for two energetic one-year-old cats adopted from Maui. Safety and environmental harmony were key goals for the homeowner.
Project Goals
- Create a secure outdoor enclosure due to high coyote activity in the area
- Offer 24/7 outdoor access from the home via a window
- Complement an already landscaped backyard without disturbing the existing design
- Provide engaging views and climbing opportunities for two highly active cats
Design Challenges
- Navigating around:
- Tree roots and existing pavers
- A large Douglas Fir tree on a hillside
- Retaining walls and home siding during tunnel installation
- Ensuring proper drainage and durability due to Oregon’s heavy rainfall
- Roofing all tunnel sections to protect the cats from constant wet conditions
Key Design Features
- Integration with outdoor living spaces, including a nearby pergola where the family gathers
- Constructed from cedar for beauty and longevity, and painted/stained to match the client’s vision
- Freestanding catio built against the home, allowing direct window access
- 50-foot enclosed tunnel leading to a dedicated viewing area overlooking the garden
See This Catio Build In The News
50 ft of Tunnel
Enrichment Elements
- Bird- and insect-viewing area at the tunnel’s end
- Ramps, platforms, cubbies, and domes designed to support high-energy play and exploration
- Secure fencing mesh to balance strength, wildlife protection, and aesthetics
Catio Gallery
Explore the details of this custom Lake Oswego catio through images and video that showcase its craftsmanship, layout, and unique features.
Build Specifications
This build combines functionality, safety, and custom design to match both the aesthetic of the home and the active lifestyle of two young cats.
Dimensions & Layout
- Main Catio Structure: Approximately 9 feet wide × 4 feet deep × 8 feet tall. A wrap-around layout positioned against the side of the home for seamless 24/7 access via a window.
- Tunnel System:
Up to 50 feet of enclosed tunnel, fully roofed and securely mounted, winding through the landscaped backyard. - Viewing Area:
Located at the far end of the tunnel, positioned to overlook the client’s garden, offering a stimulating environment for bird and insect watching. - Connection Points:
- Primary access from a window exit on the home
- Additional access doors for humans on the catio, tunnel, and viewing area for cleaning and maintenance
Materials Used
Each material was selected with long-term durability, pet safety, and Pacific Northwest weather in mind.
Lumber: Cedar
- Why Cedar?
- Naturally rot-resistant and weather-hardy
- Pet-safe and chemical-free
- Visually complements garden aesthetics when painted or stained
- Ideal for blending with existing landscape elements without clashing
Roofing Options
- Classic Ribbed Steel Metal Roofing
- Long lifespan and highly resistant to moisture
- Provides full protection during Oregon’s heavy rains
Roofing was applied over the entire tunnel system to ensure protection year-round, especially given the region’s consistent rainfall.
Fencing: Black PVC-Coated 1x1 Critter Fencing
- Material: Galvanized steel core with PVC coating
- Gauge & Mesh Size: 1×1 inch openings strike a balance between visibility, airflow, and security
- Why this fencing?
- Prevents escape while allowing full visibility
- Strong enough to deter predators like coyotes
- Sleek black finish offers a modern, low-visibility look that blends with shadows and background landscaping
Interior Features & Enrichment
This catio was built with enrichment in mind, offering a dynamic and stimulating environment that encourages climbing, lounging, and observing—all while staying safe from outdoor predators.
Feature List
- Climbing Shelves
Multiple cedar shelves installed at staggered heights allow the cats to leap, climb, and explore vertically—an essential outlet for young, energetic cats.
- Ramps
Angled cedar ramps provide continuous movement across levels, connecting platforms and adding variety to the navigation paths inside the structure.
- Perches
Elevated lounging spots positioned for both sunbathing and shaded rest—ideal for midday relaxation with panoramic views.
- Cat Cubbies (x2)
Cozy hideaways built into the corners of the catio for privacy, naps, and a sense of safety—perfect for retreating after high-energy play.
- Cat Domes (x2)
Clear bubble-style observation windows offer the cats a 180° view of their surroundings while also adding a playful, interactive design element.
- Tunnel Enclosure
Fully enclosed and roofed tunnel gives the cats long-distance roaming ability while moving through the backyard safely and securely.
- Garden Viewing Area
A spacious end-of-tunnel platform positioned to overlook the backyard garden—ideal for birdwatching and nature-watching.
Feature Purpose & Pet Personality Fit
With both cats being just one year old, this build focused on height, motion, and sensory stimulation. These features were chosen to match their energetic, curious nature:
- We installed tiered climbing shelves and ramps to keep these adventurous one-year-olds constantly engaged and moving.
- The tunnel and viewing zone offer long-distance travel and exploration while keeping them secure from coyotes and other wildlife.
- Cubbies and domes were added to offer quiet hideouts and visual stimulation—important for building confidence in young, curious cats.
- The domes and garden-facing perch encourage natural behaviors like birdwatching, while blending into the landscape.