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The Cedar Retreat | Recent Catio Build in Kuna, Idaho

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Kuna, ID

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Project Overview

This custom 10’ x 10’ cedar catio was designed for a homeowner in Kuna, Idaho seeking a secure, open-air space that would allow their two cats to enjoy the outdoors safely—especially during grilling sessions when the sliding door is left open. Built on the existing concrete patio, the enclosure attaches directly to the home and integrates cleanly with the property’s exterior. Constructed from stained cedar, 1” x 1” PVC-coated welded wire, and topped with a clear polycarbonate lean-to roof, the structure balances durability with unobtrusive design. Interior shelves, ramps, and a full-size bench offer enrichment for the cats and comfort for their owner, creating a shared outdoor retreat that supports daily routines without the stress of door-dashing cats.

Project Goals

  • Create a secure outdoor enclosure that prevents door-dashing behavior when the homeowner grills or relaxes outside
  • Integrate the catio with the existing concrete patio using low-profile anchoring and clean attachment points
  • Ensure proper water management with a south-sloping polycarbonate roof and aluminum flashing along the home’s rear wall
  • Match the home’s exterior tones using stained cedar for a cohesive, natural aesthetic
  • Provide functional enrichment for two cats through a system of shelves and ramps
  • Include comfortable shared-use features such as a human-access door and interior bench
  • Maintain clear sightlines and openness with transparent roofing and fine-mesh fencing for visibility and ventilation
Catio corner with wooden ramps and shelves connected to a central log post over a concrete floor.

Design Challenges

  • Navigating around:
    • The existing concrete patio footprint and the attachment area on the home’s exterior
    • Maintaining a clean visual line from the sliding glass door and outdoor seating area
    • The client’s need to grill with the door open without the cats escaping

  • Managing environmental factors:

    • Ensuring proper water runoff with a south-sloping lean-to roof and rear-wall flashing
    • Anchoring the structure securely to concrete using brackets and Tapcons while allowing drainage beneath the bottom plate
  • Balancing usability with durability:
    • Designing interior shelves and ramps that enrich two active cats without overcrowding the 10’ x 10’ layout
    • Providing enough space for shared human use within the enclosure while maintaining comfortable movement and visibility
    • Selecting cedar materials that withstand long-term outdoor exposure and match the home’s natural aesthetic
  • Ensuring seamless access:
    • Allowing cats to enter directly through the sliding door without installing a cat door
    • Positioning the human access door for ease of cleaning, maintenance, and daily interaction

Key Design Features

  • Attached cedar catio integrated directly with the home for convenient access through the sliding glass door
  • 10′ x 10′ layout on existing concrete patio, secured with 4×4 post brackets and Tapcon fasteners
  • Lean-to clear polycarbonate roof sloping south to encourage water runoff and preserve natural light
  • 1″ x 1″ PVC-coated welded wire fencing for visibility, ventilation, and reliable security
  • Stained cedar lumber for a cohesive, warm appearance that blends naturally with the home
  • Multiple interior shelves and ramps designed to enrich two cats with vertical movement and lounging zones
  • Grill space inside the catio allowing the owner to cook outdoors safely alongside the cats
  • Slightly elevated bottom plate to prevent water buildup and support long-term structural performance
  • Direct cat access via sliding door, eliminating the need for a tunnel or cat door installation
  • Strategic placement to solve door-dashing, enabling the homeowner to grill with the sliding door open while keeping the cats fully contained
  • Flashing installed along the house connection for moisture protection and increased structural longevity
  • Full design, materials, construction, and installation included to ensure professional fit, finish, and reliability

Client wanted a shared space

Enrichment Elements

  • Interior shelves and multi-level platforms that give the cats vertical climbing opportunities, elevated vantage points, and varied resting spots throughout the enclosure
  • Cedar ramps connecting the upper and lower levels to support natural feline movement, encouraging exploration, exercise, and confidence in navigating different heights
  • Layered perching zones where the cats can observe outdoor activity, sunbathe, or enjoy shaded retreats depending on the time of day
  • A dedicated corner hideaway area created naturally by the shelf layout, offering a cozy retreat for moments of rest or reduced stimulation

Catio Gallery

Front view of a custom wooden catio showing mesh walls, interior shelves, and a central log post.
Catio corner with wooden ramps and shelves connected to a central log post over a concrete floor.
Catio roof interior displaying clear corrugated panels and wooden framing with enrichment ramps below.
Interior catio view showing a clear polycarbonate roof, natural log post, and wooden shelves above a stainless steel grill.
Front view of a custom catio attached to a house with wooden framing, mesh walls, and a secure entry door.
Wooden catio shelves and angled ramps inside an enclosed outdoor space.
Clear polycarbonate roofing on a catio supported by natural wood framing.
Catio door and mesh wall with interior bench-style shelf along the bottom.
Rear exterior view of a wood-framed catio enclosure with a clear roof and visible interior platforms.
Catio interior featuring wooden shelves and an angled climbing ramp along the mesh wall.
Grill placed inside a catio enclosure beside wooden shelves and mesh walls.
Exterior view of a custom catio attached to a home with wooden framing and mesh walls.
Interior catio shelves and climbing ramps made from natural wood with a central log post.
Interior roof view of a custom catio featuring clear polycarbonate roofing panels and natural wood framing.

Build Specifications

This catio was designed to provide safe outdoor enrichment, seamless home integration, and dependable year-round usability. Built directly onto the existing concrete patio, the enclosure creates a dedicated space where the homeowner can grill, relax, and leave the sliding door open without worrying about the cats “door-dashing.” The design prioritizes visibility, ventilation, durability, and a clean connection to the home’s exterior.

Dimensions & Layout

  • Main Catio Structure: A fully enclosed 10 feet wide × 10 feet deep × 10 feet tall structure built on the home’s existing concrete patio. The catio attaches directly to the house and features a south-sloping lean-to roof for effective water runoff. A human-sized access door is positioned on the right side when facing the sliding glass door.
  • Interior Layout: The enclosure includes multiple shelves and ramps arranged for vertical enrichment.
  • Cat Access: Cats enter directly through the rear sliding glass door, which the client manually opens and closes. No cat door or tunnel installation is included, ensuring the cats remain contained during outdoor grilling sessions.
  • Connection Points:
    • Posts are anchored to the concrete patio using 4×4 brackets and Tapcon screws, ensuring a secure, long-lasting installation
    • The bottom plate is slightly elevated to allow drainage and prevent water accumulation beneath the structure
    • Aluminum flashing is installed along the home’s rear wall to protect siding and enhance water management
    • Designed to maintain clear visibility from inside the home with unobtrusive fencing and transparent roofing

Materials Used

Each material was selected for durability, visibility, weather protection, and seamless integration with the home’s exterior concrete patio.

Lumber: Cedar

Why Cedar?

    • Naturally rot-resistant and ideal for long-term outdoor installations
    • Pet-safe, chemical-free, and well-suited for enclosures used by domestic cats
    • Performs reliably in Idaho’s varied weather conditions, including sun exposure and rainfall
    • Provides a warm, natural appearance that complements the home’s exterior and patio area
    • Accepts stain evenly, creating a cohesive finish across framing, trim, and interior elements
Front view of a custom catio attached to a house with wooden framing, mesh walls, and a secure entry door.

Roofing: Clear Polycarbonate Panels

Why Polycarbonate?

  • Allows filtered natural light into the enclosure while providing shelter from rain
  • Lightweight yet impact-resistant for year-round protection
  • Installed in a lean-to configuration sloping south for efficient water runoff
  • Works seamlessly with rear-wall flashing to prevent moisture intrusion at the home connection
Catio roof interior displaying clear corrugated panels and wooden framing with enrichment ramps below.

Fencing: 1" × 1" PVC-Coated Welded Wire

Why This Mesh?

  • Strong, escape-proof grid pattern that prevents cats from squeezing through
  • PVC coating adds rust resistance and long-term outdoor durability
  • Black finish maintains clean sightlines for both homeowner and cats
  • Enhances airflow while ensuring full enclosure security
Wooden catio shelves and angled ramps inside an enclosed outdoor space.

Interior Features & Enrichment

This catio was designed to provide vertical movement, lounging opportunities, and a safe outdoor retreat while integrating seamlessly with the home’s rear patio. Its interior layout supports climbing, resting, and shared use—allowing the cats to explore freely while the homeowner enjoys the space without worrying about escapes during grilling or outdoor activities.

Feature List

  • Climbing Shelves
    Cedar climbing shelves positioned along multiple walls give the cats access to varied heights for perching, observing, and full-body movement. Their staggered layout encourages natural exploration and active play.
  • Ramps
    Cedar ramps connect shelf levels throughout the interior, creating accessible pathways between elevations. These ramps help both cats move comfortably across the enclosure, even during colder or wet weather conditions.
  • Perches
    Elevated resting spots offer both shaded and sunlit lounging areas beneath the clear polycarbonate roof. These vantage points enable the cats to safely monitor outdoor activity while remaining fully contained.
  • Direct Access From Sliding Door
    The catio connects directly to the home’s rear sliding glass door, giving the cats free access to the enclosure whenever the door is open. This feature was essential for the client, who wanted a secure solution to persistent door-dashing whenever he stepped outside to grill.
  • Corner Retreat Space
    The arrangement of shelves and ramps naturally creates tucked-away resting spots, offering a quiet retreat for the cats when they want a break from play or stimulation.

Feature Purpose & Pet Personality Fit

This build was customized specifically for two energetic “door-dasher” cats who would wait for any opportunity to slip outside the moment the sliding door opened. The design focused on creating a secure, enriching extension of the home that allows the owner to grill, relax, and enjoy the patio without constantly chasing escape attempts. Each feature supports natural feline behaviors while providing a calm, structured environment for daily outdoor time.

  • Tiered shelves and cedar ramps encourage healthy climbing, jumping, and full-body movement—ideal for active cats who thrive with vertical engagement.
  • Elevated perches and tucked-away corners offer secure viewing points and retreat spaces, helping both cats feel protected and grounded rather than overstimulated by outdoor activity.
  • Materials were selected for sensory richness and comfort—cedar’s natural scent, clear polycarbonate lighting, open visibility, and consistent airflow all contribute to a stimulating yet relaxing environment.
  • The direct connection to the sliding door creates a smooth indoor–outdoor flow, giving the cats freedom to explore while eliminating unsafe escape routes—a perfect fit for cats known to hover at the doorway and make their move the second the door cracks open.

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