The Claw Chalet | Recent Catio Build in Akron, Ohio
📍Location📍
Akron, Ohio
Project Overview
This custom freestanding catio was designed to provide a safe, stimulating outdoor retreat for a pair of high-energy cats while complementing the natural look of the client’s home. Measuring 6 ft wide by 8 ft deep and 8 ft tall, the enclosure is built entirely from stained cedar, chosen for its warm aesthetic and long-lasting durability. A clear polycarbonate roof allows natural light to filter in while protecting against rain and weather. The catio sits on a raised deck base and includes direct access through cat doors from both the office and bedroom windows, giving the cats flexible entry points. Inside, shelves, ramps, bridges, and a floor-to-ceiling scratch post create an engaging vertical playground, while a cubby provides a cozy resting nook.
Project Goals
- Create a secure, durable enclosure with a natural wood aesthetic to blend with the home
- Offer multiple access points through both the office and bedroom windows
- Prioritize vertical enrichment for high-energy cats that love climbing and perching
- Maximize light and comfort with a clear polycarbonate roof
- Design a functional layout that remains open for future modifications or portability
Design Challenges
- Tree Removal: An existing tree in the construction area needed to be cleared
- Front Access Consideration: Ensuring the catio’s placement would not obstruct furniture deliveries or main access to the home
- Balance of Aesthetics & Function: Meeting the client’s desire for natural cedar while maintaining durability against weather and wildlife
- Future Planning: Designing with flexibility to allow for relocation or expansion if needed
Key Design Features
- Freestanding structure: 6 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft tall, built on a raised deck base
- Stained cedar lumber for natural appearance and long-term resilience
- Clear polycarbonate roof for daylight and weather protection
- 1” x 1” black PVC-coated critterfencing for security and clean aesthetics
- Full-sized human access door for easy maintenance
- Dual cat access points from both office and bedroom windows
- Modular design allowing for future relocation or expansion
Multiple Levels to Explore
Enrichment Elements
- Tiered shelves and ramps wrapping all sides for climbing and play
- Two bridges spanning across the catio for added traversal and fun
- Floor-to-ceiling scratch post to support natural scratching behavior
- Enclosed cubby for cozy resting and hiding
- Tree stump integration discussed for natural texture and play potential
Catio Gallery
Build Specifications
This build was designed as a freestanding catio to provide a secure, enriching environment for a high-energy pair of cats while maintaining a natural, modern aesthetic. Constructed on a raised deck base and crafted entirely from stained cedar, the structure balances function, beauty, and durability. The clear polycarbonate roof ensures protection from rain while allowing filtered daylight to keep the enclosure bright and inviting.
Dimensions & Layout
- Main Catio Structure: Approximately 6 ft wide × 8 ft deep × 8 ft tall, built on a deck foundation and independent from the house.
- Connection Points: Planned cat doors linking the catio to both the office window and bedroom window, offering multi-room access.
- Flooring: Raised cedar decking for clean integration and drainage.
- Tree Feature: An existing tree in the build zone will be removed, but the stump will remain within the catio as a natural enrichment element.
Materials Used
Lumber: Stained Cedar
- Why Cedar?
- Naturally rot-resistant and weather-hardy, ideal for year-round exposure
- Chemical-free and pet-safe, unlike pressure-treated lumber
- Long-lasting durability with minimal maintenance needs
- Rich stained finish enhances the natural wood aesthetic, blending seamlessly with the home’s exterior
- Provides a warm, organic look that aligns with the client’s preference for natural materials over painted options
Roofing: Clear Polycarbonate Panels
- Why Polycarbonate?
- Lightweight yet highly durable material designed to withstand weather conditions
- Lightweight yet highly durable material designed to withstand weather conditions
- Transparent finish keeps the catio feeling bright and open
- UV-resistant coating reduces sun glare and helps protect both cats and cedar wood
- Modern, low-profile appearance complements the clean lines of the stained cedar structure
Fencing: 2×2 Black Critterfencing
- Material: Galvanized steel core with a protective black PVC coating
- Mesh Size: 1×1 inch square openings
- Why This Fencing?
- Prevents escapes by even the most agile cats while keeping them fully secure inside
- Strong galvanized steel interior provides strength to resist bending or damage
- Black PVC coating protects against rust, extends longevity, and softens visual impact
- Fine mesh size offers maximum safety while maintaining airflow and visibility
- Dark finish blends naturally with shadows, minimizing visual obstruction and preserving the clean cedar aesthetic of the catio
Interior Features & Enrichment
This freestanding cedar catio was designed to maximize stimulation, climbing, and lounging opportunities for a high-energy pair of cats. Its interior layout incorporates vertical elements, cozy retreats, and cross-catio traversal paths, ensuring both active play and restful downtime. With access planned through two windows, the cats will enjoy an extended sense of territory that blends seamlessly with the home’s living space.
Feature List
- Climbing Shelves & Ramps
Tiered shelves and angled ramps line all sides of the catio, encouraging vertical exploration and supporting full-body movement. Their staggered placement allows the cats to leap, perch, and traverse different levels with ease.
- Bridges
One airy cedar bridge spans across the enclosure, giving the cats elevated runways to move between perches. This feature encourages playful traversal and provide prime vantage points for observing their surroundings.
- Cubby Hideaway
A single enclosed cubby offers a quiet retreat for rest and hiding. This tucked-away space ensures the cats have a cozy den-like environment when they need a break from activity.
- Floor-to-Ceiling Scratch Post
A full-height scratching post supports natural claw maintenance while also serving as an additional vertical climbing structure. Its placement integrates seamlessly with the ramps and bridges for multi-use enrichment.
- Dual Window Entries
Cat doors from both the office and bedroom provide multiple points of access, giving the cats flexibility and expanding their usable space.
Feature Purpose & Pet Personality Fit
This build was customized with a high-energy pair of cats in mind, designed to channel their natural instincts for climbing, running, and perching. With multiple access points from both the office and bedroom, the enclosure expands their territory while providing vertical stimulation and safe outdoor enrichment. The design balances activity, rest, and natural sensory engagement, creating a catio that will evolve with their needs.
- Tiered shelves and ramps were installed on all sides to encourage climbing, leaping, and continuous motion.
- The floor-to-ceiling scratch post supports natural scratching behavior and adds a vertical climbing challenge.
- An enclosed cubby offers a calming retreat for moments of rest or hiding.
- Stained cedar and clear polycarbonate roofing were chosen not only for durability, but also to maintain a bright, airy, and organic environment that feels like an extension of the outdoors.