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The Backyard Vista | Recent Catio Build in Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Virginia Beach, VA

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Project Overview

This custom free-standing catio was designed to give four formerly indoor-outdoor cats a safe way to continue enjoying the outdoors—without compromising their safety or the home itself. The project began with the removal of a pre-existing catio, clearing the space for a thoughtfully planned enclosure that could sit near the main living room window, where the client plans to add a cat flap to their screen window for easy access.

Built from stained cedar for a premium look and long-term durability, the catio was designed to lean visually against the home without being directly attached—eliminating the need for permits and preventing any damage to the structure. The result is a spacious, enrichment-focused enclosure that allows the cats to climb, lounge, and explore vertically, giving the owners peace of mind knowing their cats are safe while still experiencing the outdoors.

Project Goals

  • Create a secure outdoor space for four cats transitioning from an indoor-outdoor lifestyle
  • Provide enrichment through multiple shelves and vertical climbing levels
  • Position the catio near the living room window for future cat door access
  • Use premium, long-lasting materials for durability and aesthetics
  • Build a free-standing structure with no attachment to the home
  • Remove the existing catio prior to construction without impacting the property
Inside view of a custom catio showing wide wooden shelves, enclosed wire panels, and a secure entry door leading to the backyard.

Design Challenges

  • Navigating around existing conditions:
    • Removing a pre-existing catio without impacting the home or surrounding space
    • Designing a new enclosure that could sit near the main living room window without attaching to the house
  • Balancing access and safety:
    • Planning for a future cat flap installation through a screen window
    • Creating secure access for four cats transitioning from an indoor-outdoor lifestyle
  • Maximizing enrichment within a defined footprint:
    • Designing vertical climbing opportunities for cats that naturally gravitate toward high spaces
    • Incorporating shelves and ramps without overcrowding the enclosure

Key Design Features

  • Free-standing custom catio designed to lean visually against the home without direct attachment—avoiding permits and preventing structural impact
  • Stained cedar construction for a premium look, durability, and long-term performance
  • Vertical enrichment-focused layout with multiple shelves and ramps to encourage climbing and exploration
  • Pressure-treated framing for structural integrity and longevity
  • 1×1 black PVC-coated welded wire fencing for safety, airflow, and clear visibility
  • Clear polycarbonate roof to provide weather protection while maintaining natural light
  • Floor-to-ceiling scratch post and integrated cat cubby for comfort and engagement
  • Human access door for easy cleaning and interaction
  • Wall-mounted cat door access positioned near the main living space for seamless indoor-outdoor transitions

Enrichment Elements

  • Interior shelves and ramps designed to encourage climbing, exploration, and daily activity for four active cats
  • Vertical shelving layout that mimics the high vantage points the cats already loved—similar to fridge tops and tall cabinets
  • Floor-to-ceiling scratch post providing a dedicated outlet for scratching, stretching, and muscle engagement
  • Integrated cat cubby offering a secure, enclosed resting space within the catio

Catio Gallery

Exterior view of a custom wooden catio attached to a home, featuring wire mesh panels, a sloped roof, and multiple interior climbing levels.
Inside view of a custom catio showing wide wooden shelves, enclosed wire panels, and a secure entry door leading to the backyard.
Close-up of a custom catio entry door with wooden framing, secure latch, wire mesh panels, and weather-protected roofing.
Interior view of a custom wooden catio featuring multiple built-in shelves, ramps, and a central cat tree for climbing and lounging.

Build Specifications

This free-standing custom catio was designed to provide year-round outdoor access, enrichment, and safety for four cats transitioning from an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Positioned near the main living room window, the structure allows for seamless future cat flap access while remaining fully detached from the home—avoiding permits and preventing any structural impact. Built with premium materials, the enclosure balances durability, visibility, and long-term performance.

Dimensions & Layout

  • Main Catio Structure:

Approximately 12.5 feet wide × 6 feet deep × 8 feet tall. Built as a free-standing enclosure that visually leans against the home without direct attachment. The layout was designed to accommodate multiple cats comfortably while maximizing vertical space for climbing and enrichment. A full-size human access door was included for easy entry and maintenance.

  • Construction Scope:

The project included the removal of a pre-existing catio, followed by complete custom design, material sourcing, on-site construction, and professional installation.

  • Materials & Roofing:

Constructed using stained cedar and pressure-treated lumber for a premium appearance and long-term durability. Enclosed with 1×1 black PVC-coated welded wire fencing for safety and visibility, and topped with a clear polycarbonate roof to provide weather protection while allowing natural light.

  • Connection Points:

Fully free-standing structure with no attachment to the home

Materials Used

Each material was selected to support long-term durability, cat safety, and a premium visual finish—while ensuring the structure remains fully free-standing and non-invasive to the home.

 

Lumber: Cedar

Why Cedar?

  • Naturally resistant to rot, insects, and weather exposure
  • Provides a premium look and feel that elevates the overall design
  • Stains beautifully for a cohesive, high-end finish
  • Chosen to stand the test of time longer than many standard lumber options
Close-up of a custom catio entry door with wooden framing, secure latch, wire mesh panels, and weather-protected roofing.

Roofing Options

Roofing: Clear Polycarbonate Panels

  • Allows natural light into the catio for a bright, open feel
  • Provides protection from rain and weather exposure
  • Supports year-round outdoor access without compromising visibility
Interior view of a custom wooden catio featuring multiple built-in shelves, ramps, and a central cat tree for climbing and lounging.

Fencing: 2×2 Black Critterfencing

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

Why This Fencing?

  • Prevents escapes while keeping all four cats safely enclosed
  • Strong enough to deter predators and outdoor threats
  • Small mesh size adds an extra layer of security for curious climbers
  • Allows excellent airflow and visibility for outdoor sensory enrichment
  • Black-coated finish visually recedes, minimizing visual obstruction and maintaining a clean, premium look
Inside view of a custom catio showing wide wooden shelves, enclosed wire panels, and a secure entry door leading to the backyard.

Interior Features & Enrichment

This catio was designed to provide daily stimulation, movement, and vertical engagement for four cats transitioning from an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. The interior layout focuses on climbing, perching, and resting at multiple heights—allowing the cats to safely enjoy the enrichment they naturally seek indoors, now extended into an outdoor environment.

Feature List

  • Climbing Shelves
    Multiple interior shelves are installed at varying heights to encourage vertical movement and exploration. The staggered layout supports jumping, perching, and full-body engagement—ideal for cats that naturally gravitate toward high spaces like cabinets and refrigerators.
  • Ramps
    Integrated ramps connect shelf levels throughout the catio, allowing cats to move easily between heights. This creates a continuous climbing flow while supporting confident navigation for all four cats.
  • Perches
    Elevated resting platforms provide comfortable spots for lounging, observing the outdoors, and soaking in fresh air. These vantage points allow cats to safely engage with their surroundings while remaining protected.
  • Floor-to-Ceiling Scratch Post
    A full-height scratch post offers a dedicated space for scratching, stretching, and muscle engagement—supporting both physical health and natural behavior.
  • Cat Cubby
    An enclosed cubby provides a secure retreat within the catio, giving cats a quiet place to rest or take a break from stimulation when needed.

Feature Purpose & Pet Personality Fit

This build was customized for four formerly indoor-outdoor cats with high curiosity, strong climbing instincts, and a love for elevated spaces. The design prioritizes safe outdoor access, vertical enrichment, and freedom of movement—allowing the cats to continue experiencing the outdoors while giving the homeowners lasting peace of mind.

  • Tiered shelves and integrated ramps were intentionally designed to support confident climbers that naturally seek high vantage points, encouraging jumping, perching, and full-body movement throughout the day.
  • Vertical enrichment elements reflect the cats’ existing behaviors—such as lounging on tall cabinets and refrigerators—by recreating those preferred elevations in a safe outdoor environment.
  • The floor-to-ceiling scratch post supports daily stretching, scratching, and muscle engagement, helping channel natural instincts while reducing indoor wear and tear.
  • The enclosed cat cubby provides a calming retreat for moments of rest or decompression, allowing cats to self-regulate stimulation after active play.
  • Window-adjacent placement and wall-mounted cat access create a familiar transition point between indoor and outdoor spaces, reinforcing routine and confidence while maintaining safety.
  • The free-standing design expands the cats’ territory without altering the home, offering enrichment and exploration while preserving the structure and eliminating permit requirements.

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