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The Elevated Oasis | Recent Catio Build in Windcrest, Texas

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Windcrest, TX

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Project Overview

This custom freestanding catio was designed to extend from the client’s living room window—where her three cats already loved to perch and watch the outdoors—transforming it into a safe, enriching exterior experience. To preserve the home’s structure, the catio remains fully detached, connected instead by an elevated, enclosed tunnel that allows the cats to move freely while also serving as a space to lounge. The enclosure itself is compact yet thoughtfully designed to maximize vertical space, featuring a variety of climbing and resting elements that create an engaging, “jungle gym” environment. Finished with durable materials that complement the home and equipped with built-in conveniences, the result is a secure and seamless extension of the cats’ favorite indoor space.

Project Goals

  • Create a freestanding catio that avoids direct attachment to the home to prevent structural damage
  • Provide safe and convenient window access from the living room into the catio
  • Design a fully enclosed, elevated tunnel system allowing cats to move freely between spaces
  • Incorporate a tunnel wide enough for lounging, not just transit
  • Build a compact yet spacious enclosure suitable for three cats
  • Design the interior as a stimulating “jungle gym” with shelves, ramps, and climbing features
  • Include built-in litter box solutions for cleanliness and convenience
  • Ensure the structure is fully enclosed on all sides for safety and security
  • Use durable, high-quality materials that match the home’s existing architecture
  • Elevate the tunnel system to enhance safety and maintain usable ground space
Compact custom catio enclosure with a wooden storage box attached, featuring multiple interior platforms, climbing ramps, and a visible hanging hammock inside

Design Challenges

  • Designing a fully freestanding structure without attaching to the home
  • Avoiding drilling into the house to eliminate permit requirements and preserve structural integrity
  • Fully enclosing the living room window while maintaining a seamless connection point
  • Creating a stable, level foundation in an area covered with loose gravel
  • Preparing and leveling the ground surface to properly support the catio structure
  • Reintegrating and replacing gravel around the finished build for a clean, cohesive look

Key Design Features

  • Freestanding main enclosure (5′ x 5′ x 9′) designed to provide a spacious, secure outdoor retreat without attaching to the home
  • Window access connection allowing cats to move directly from the living space into the catio
  • 6-foot elevated enclosed tunnel connecting the home to the catio, giving cats a safe pathway that also doubles as a lounging area
  • Fully enclosed and raised tunnel system to enhance safety while maintaining usable ground space below
  • Built-in litter box with additional enclosed litter area for cleanliness and privacy
  • Finishes and materials selected to complement the home’s existing architecture for a cohesive, polished look
  • Custom-built human access door for easy cleaning and maintenance
  • Maintenance access door within the tunnel for added convenience and functionality
  • Cedar lumber framing with critter-resistant fencing for durability, safety, and a natural aesthetic
  • Corrugated polycarbonate roofing to provide weather protection while allowing natural light
  • Interior shelves, ramps, and bridge to create an engaging, climbable environment
  • Cat bubble dome feature to give cats an elevated, panoramic viewing experience

5ft of Tunnel

Build Specifications

This build was designed to create a compact yet highly functional outdoor space that prioritizes safety, durability, and seamless access from the home. Constructed as a fully freestanding structure, it avoids any direct attachment to the house while still expanding the cats’ living environment through a secure, enclosed tunnel system. The design emphasizes vertical space, enrichment, and ease of maintenance, all while using materials selected to complement the home’s existing architecture.

Dimensions & Layout

  • Main Catio Structure: Approximately 5 feet wide x 5 feet deep x 9 feet tall. Built as a freestanding enclosure with fencing on all four sides, allowing flexibility in placement without needing to tie into the home’s exterior. Includes a human-sized access door for easy entry and maintenance.
  • Tunnel System: A 6-foot elevated, fully enclosed tunnel connects the home to the catio, providing a safe and weather-protected pathway for cats. Raised off the ground to enhance safety and preserve usable space below, the tunnel also includes an access door for maintenance.
  • Interior Features: The catio is designed with built-in shelves, ramps, and a bridge to create an engaging climbing environment. Includes a built-in litter box along with an additional enclosed litter area for cleanliness and convenience. A cat bubble dome adds an elevated viewing feature, enhancing enrichment and stimulation.

Catio Gallery

Angled exterior view of a custom catio with a covered tunnel connection, multiple mesh panels, and interior climbing structures visible through the enclosure
Wide exterior view of a custom-built wooden catio system with a main enclosure, connecting tunnel, and elevated window access beneath a shaded tree
Exterior side view of a large elevated custom catio attached to a stone house with a screened window tunnel connection, multiple access doors, and sturdy wooden posts
Front view of an elevated custom catio with mesh doors, wooden framing, a covered tunnel section, and a pool visible in the backyard setting
Compact custom catio enclosure with a wooden storage box attached, featuring multiple interior platforms, climbing ramps, and a visible hanging hammock inside
Upward angle view inside a custom catio highlighting the rope bridge, transparent dome cat bed, wooden climbing ramps, and hanging macrame chair beneath a covered roof
Interior view of a custom wooden catio featuring multi-level platforms, a rope suspension bridge, clear acrylic bubble dome bed, angled climbing ramps, and a hanging macrame cat hammock for enrichment and lounging

Materials Used

Lumber: Cedar

Why Cedar?

  • Naturally rot-resistant and well-suited for long-term outdoor use
  • Strong yet lightweight, ideal for elevated and freestanding structures
  • Pet-safe and free from harsh chemical treatmentsProvides a warm, natural appearance that complements the home’s architecture
Compact custom catio enclosure with a wooden storage box attached, featuring multiple interior platforms, climbing ramps, and a visible hanging hammock inside

Roofing Options

Roofing: Corrugated Polycarbonate

  • Installed on the main catio structure to provide full overhead coverage
  • Allows natural light to enter while protecting against rain and harsh weather
  • Lightweight yet durable, making it ideal for elevated and freestanding builds
  • Designed for long-term performance with minimal maintenance required
Front view of an elevated custom catio with mesh doors, wooden framing, a covered tunnel section, and a pool visible in the backyard setting

Fencing: 1×1 Black Critterfencing

  • Material: Durable steel core with protective coating for long-term outdoor performance
  • Mesh Size: 1×1 inch openings for secure containment and visibility

Why This Fencing?

  • Keeps cats safely enclosed within the freestanding catio and elevated tunnel system
  • Provides strong protection from predators while maintaining clear sightlines
  • Allows airflow and natural light to pass through without compromising safety
  • Durable and weather-resistant, ideal for year-round outdoor exposure
  • Subtle design blends seamlessly with the structure and surrounding environment
  • Low-maintenance material built to withstand long-term use
Exterior side view of a large elevated custom catio attached to a stone house with a screened window tunnel connection, multiple access doors, and sturdy wooden posts

Interior Features & Enrichment

This catio was designed to encourage climbing, exploration, rest, and independent movement for three cats. The interior layout focuses on vertical engagement and functional comfort, creating a balanced environment that supports both active play and quiet retreat spaces.

Feature List

  • Climbing Shelves
    Cedar shelves installed at varying heights throughout the enclosure allow cats to jump, perch, and observe their surroundings, promoting natural climbing behavior and vertical enrichment.
  • Ramps
    Integrated ramps connect different levels of the catio, creating smooth transitions and making movement between elevations easy and engaging.
  • Cat Bridge (1x)
    A suspended bridge adds an interactive pathway, encouraging exploration while providing an elevated vantage point within the space.
  • Cat Bubble Dome (1x)
    A built-in bubble dome offers a unique, enclosed lookout where cats can safely observe their surroundings from a secure, elevated position.
  • Built-In Litter Box
    A dedicated litter area is integrated directly into the catio for convenience, keeping daily routines contained within the space.
  • Enclosed Litter Box Extension
    An additional fully enclosed litter box area with a door provides added privacy while maintaining cleanliness and accessibility.

Feature Purpose & Pet Personality Fit

This catio was thoughtfully designed to support the unique personalities and natural behaviors of three curious, playful, and observant cats. Each element of the space encourages exploration, independence, and comfort—creating an environment where every cat can engage with the outdoors in a way that suits their individual temperament.

  • The window-connected entry point supports naturally curious cats who enjoy observing movement, light, and outdoor activity—turning their favorite indoor habit into a safe, extended experience.
  • The enclosed tunnel caters to confident explorers who enjoy traveling between spaces, offering a secure pathway that also doubles as a place to pause, lounge, and observe.
  • Elevated shelves and vertical features appeal to adventurous climbers who seek higher vantage points and thrive on movement and exploration.
  • The cat bridge introduces a playful challenge, encouraging active cats to engage their balance and coordination while navigating the space.
  • The bubble dome is perfect for curious observers, giving them a unique, enclosed lookout where they can watch their surroundings while feeling secure.
  • Built-in litter areas and enclosed retreat spaces support more reserved or independent cats who value privacy and quiet moments away from stimulation.

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