The Cedar Skyline | Recent Catio Build in San Jose, California
📍Location📍
San Jose, CA
Project Overview
This custom freestanding catio was thoughtfully designed for a household of five active cats, giving them the freedom to enjoy fresh air and sunshine whenever they please. Built on top of an existing deck, the structure incorporates a newly constructed base to ensure long-term stability—allowing the entire enclosure to remain fully freestanding without the need to attach to the home. This approach was especially important to the homeowners, who wanted to avoid drilling into the house, preserve property value, and eliminate the need for permits.
A key feature of the design is the seamless integration of an existing doggy door, which serves as the primary entry and exit point for the cats. To safely connect this access point to the enclosure, a small freestanding tunnel was constructed, creating a secure and enclosed pathway between the home and the catio.
Inside, the space was designed as a dynamic “jungle gym” environment tailored to the needs of five energetic cats. The layout emphasizes vertical exploration with a range of low-to-high climbing opportunities, interconnected ramps, and generously sized shelves that allow the cats to stretch out, lounge, and rest comfortably. The result is a secure, enriching outdoor extension that blends functionality, safety, and thoughtful design—perfectly suited to both the cats’ needs and the homeowners’ vision.
Design Challenges
- Designing a fully freestanding catio that does not require anchoring to the home or existing deck structure
- Maintaining structural stability while building on top of an existing deck without compromising its integrity
- Working around the existing doggy door placement, which sits beneath a lower roofline that limited direct enclosure options
- Creating an alternative layout by positioning the catio to the side of the doggy door
- Designing and building a secure enclosed tunnel to safely connect the doggy door to the main catio structure
- Ensuring the catio could be built taller than the adjacent roofline while still maintaining a seamless and functional connection point
Key Design Features
- Fully freestanding structure designed to maintain complete independence from the home and existing deck, preserving structural integrity while eliminating the need for permits
- Enclosed tunnel system connected to the existing doggy door, creating a safe, dedicated entry and exit point while working around structural limitations of the home
- 10-foot-tall enclosure height providing ample vertical space and elevated vantage points for all five cats to climb, perch, and observe their surroundings
- All-natural cedar scratching post integrated into the interior to encourage healthy scratching behavior while complementing the natural materials of the build
- Sloped roof design that mirrors the pitch of the home’s existing roofline, creating a cohesive and visually seamless appearance
- Custom latch access door on the tunnel allowing for easy maintenance and secure access when needed
- Full-size human access door for convenient cleaning, maintenance, and interaction within the catio space
Dimensions & Layout
Main Catio Size: 12 ft wide × 6.5 ft deep × 10 ft tall
Structure Type: Fully freestanding with a dedicated deck base
Tunnel Connection:
- Approx. 24 inches long
- Connects existing cat door to the catio
- Height transitions from ~20–24 inches at entry to 36 inches at the catio
Catio Gallery
Materials Used
Lumber: Cedar
Why Cedar?
- Naturally rot-resistant and built to withstand outdoor conditions long-term
- Strong yet lightweight, making it ideal for a fully freestanding structure
- Pet-safe and free from harsh chemical treatments
- Stained in a rich walnut finish for added protection and a warm, polished look that complements the home
- Resists warping and cracking better than many other wood options
Roofing: Clear Polycarbonate
- Installed to allow natural sunlight to enter the catio, creating a bright and open environment
- Filters out harmful UV rays while still providing safe, comfortable sun exposure for the cats
- Protects against rain and outdoor elements without darkening the space
- Durable and weather-resistant, designed for long-term outdoor use with minimal maintenance
Fencing: 1×1 Black Critterfencing
- Material: Galvanized steel core with protective black PVC coating
- Mesh Size: 1×1 inch square openings
Why This Fencing?
- Keeps cats securely enclosed
- Provides strong structural protection while maintaining open sightlines
- Durable and weather-resistant, ideal for year-round outdoor exposure
- Black coating reduces visual obstruction, allowing the structure to blend naturally into the landscape
- Rust-resistant finish ensures long-term performance with minimal maintenance
Interior Features & Enrichment
- Climbing Shelves
Cedar shelves installed at varied heights create a multi-level environment where cats can climb, perch, and observe from different vantage points. The staggered layout encourages natural movement and exploration.
- Ramps
Strategically placed ramps connect each level, allowing for smooth transitions between heights and making the vertical space accessible for all cats.
- Floor-to-Ceiling Cedar Scratching Post
A natural cedar scratching post provides a dedicated outlet for scratching behavior, helping protect the structure while supporting healthy instincts.
- Cat Cubbies (x2)
Two built-in cubbies offer enclosed, cozy retreat spaces where cats can rest, relax, and feel secure while still being outdoors.
Feature Purpose & Pet Personality Fit
This catio was thoughtfully designed around the needs of five energetic, highly active cats who love to run, jump, and explore their environment. The goal was to create a space large enough to support group play while also offering a variety of zones for climbing, resting, and retreating—ensuring each cat could engage with the space in their own way.
- The spacious layout allows all five cats to move freely at the same time, supporting their high energy levels and natural desire to run and play together.
- Tiered shelves and ramps were designed to create a full vertical experience, giving the cats the freedom to climb to elevated vantage points or relax on lower levels depending on their mood.
- The floor-to-ceiling cedar scratching post provides a dedicated outlet for scratching behavior, helping redirect activity away from furniture while supporting healthy instincts.
- Two enclosed cat cubbies were included specifically for cats who prefer tighter, more secure spaces—offering comfortable hideaways for rest and privacy.
- The overall layout balances active zones with quiet retreat areas, allowing both playful and more reserved personalities to feel comfortable and enriched within the same space.