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The Grand Cat Gallery | Recent Catio Build in St. Augustine, Florida

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St. Augustine, FL

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Project Overview

This custom catio was designed to provide a secure outdoor experience for a family of nine barn cats after one of their cats was attacked by a bird while free roaming. The goal was to create a spacious, enriching enclosure that would allow the cats to continue enjoying fresh air and the sights and sounds of the outdoors—without the risks associated with unrestricted outdoor access. By transitioning the cats from free roaming to a protected environment, the design offers both safety and peace of mind for their owners.

Measuring 23 feet wide, 9 feet deep, and 8 feet tall, the enclosure was constructed using painted pressure-treated lumber and 1×1 black PVC-coated critter fencing for durability and predator protection. Built beneath a pre-existing barn roof, half of the catio benefits from solid overhead coverage while the remaining portion remains open to natural airflow. The entire roofline is secured with matching 1×1 black PVC-coated fencing to prevent predators from entering from above. Finished in white to seamlessly match the attached barn, the structure blends cohesively with its surroundings while delivering a large, secure outdoor retreat tailored to the needs of nine active cats.

Project Goals

  • Create a spacious enclosure large enough to comfortably accommodate nine barn cats
  • Transition the cats from free roaming to a secure, protected outdoor environment
  • Prevent aerial and ground-level predator access using durable 1×1 black PVC-coated critter fencing
  • Utilize the existing barn roof structure to provide partial overhead protection
  • Allow for natural airflow through the open-roof section while maintaining safety
  • Construct the enclosure with painted pressure-treated lumber for durability and longevity
  • Match the barn’s white exterior to create a cohesive, seamless appearance
  • Provide an enriching outdoor space that offers fresh air, stimulation, and peace of mind for the owners
Interior view of a spacious white custom catio with multiple wall-mounted shelves, angled stair steps, and a Bengal cat observing the outdoors through secure mesh panels.

Design Challenges

  • Designing an enclosure large enough to comfortably accommodate all nine cats
  • Creating sufficient ramps and shelving for lounging while allowing cats to safely pass one another
  • Positioning the structure beneath a pre-existing roof while extending beyond its coverage
  • Determining whether to construct an additional roof over the exposed half or enclose it with fencing only
  • Balancing covered protection with open-air flow for a natural outdoor experience
  • Ensuring the extended portion remained secure while seamlessly integrating with the existing structure

Key Design Features

  • Painted white lumber finished to match the barn’s exterior aesthetic, creating a cohesive and polished appearance
  • Half-covered, half-open design utilizing the pre-existing structure for overhead protection while enclosing the extended section with critter fencing to maintain airflow
  • Concrete and rock flooring combination with half the enclosure built on concrete and the extended portion finished with decorative rocks for natural texture and drainage
  • Double-screened enclosure system designed to prevent Florida insects, snakes, and rodents from entering the catio or barn
  • Expanded ramp and shelving system thoughtfully arranged to provide ample lounging space while maintaining clear pathways for movement

Build Specifications

This build was designed to provide a spacious, secure outdoor retreat for nine barn cats while seamlessly integrating with the existing barn structure. Constructed using painted pressure-treated lumber and 1×1 black PVC-coated critter fencing, the enclosure prioritizes durability, airflow, and predator protection. By utilizing a pre-existing roof for partial coverage and enclosing the remaining portion with reinforced screening, the design maintains an open-air feel while ensuring complete safety from aerial and ground-level threats.

Dimensions & Layout

  • Main Catio Structure: Approximately 23 feet wide x 9 feet deep x 8 feet tall. Built beneath a pre-existing barn roof, half of the enclosure benefits from solid overhead coverage while the extended half remains open to natural airflow. The entire roofline is enclosed with 1×1 black PVC-coated critter fencing to prevent predators from entering from above.
  • Framing & Materials: Constructed with painted pressure-treated lumber for long-term durability and finished in white to match the attached barn’s exterior aesthetic. The cohesive color choice ensures the catio blends seamlessly with the existing structure.
  • Screening & Protection System: Fully enclosed with double screening, including pet-grade screening designed to prevent snakes, rodents, and Florida insects from entering the catio or barn. The layered protection system provides maximum safety while maintaining visibility and ventilation.

Catio Gallery

Corner exterior angle of a spacious screened catio with white framing, multi-level interior shelves, pebble flooring, and secure mesh enclosure.
Exterior view of a white custom-built catio attached to a home with green metal roof, featuring large mesh panels, interior shelving, and a secure entry door.
Full exterior view of a large custom catio enclosure attached to a farmhouse-style home, featuring white framing, secure mesh walls, elevated shelves, and a vertical climbing post.
Expansive custom catio interior with vertical scratching post, angled climbing ramp, elevated shelves, and pebble ground section enclosed in white framing and mesh.
Wide interior view of a large screened-in catio attached to a home, featuring multiple wooden shelves, a hanging cat swing bed, pebble flooring section, and secure mesh walls.
Interior view of a spacious white custom catio with multiple wall-mounted shelves, angled stair steps, and a Bengal cat observing the outdoors through secure mesh panels.

Materials Used

Lumber: Pressure Treated

Why Pressure-Treated?

  • Built for durability and long-term outdoor exposure
  • Resistant to moisture, rot, and structural wear
  • Strong enough to support a large 23′ x 9′ x 8′ enclosure
  • Painted white to seamlessly match the attached barn’s exterior aesthetic

Painted Finish

  • Professionally painted to create a cohesive look with the existing barn
  • Provides an added layer of protection against weathering and sun exposure
  • Maintains a clean, polished appearance over time
Full exterior view of a large custom catio enclosure attached to a farmhouse-style home, featuring white framing, secure mesh walls, elevated shelves, and a vertical climbing post.

Roofing Options

Roofing: Pre-Existing Barn Roof/1×1 Black PVC Coated Critter Fencing

  • Utilizes the existing barn structure to provide overhead coverage for half of the enclosure
  • Offers reliable protection from rain, harsh sun, and seasonal weather exposure
  • Seamlessly integrates with the barn for a cohesive, built-in appearance
  • Reduces the need for additional structural roofing materials

Open-Air Enclosed Design

  • Extended half of the 23′ x 9′ x 8′ enclosure remains open for natural airflow
  • Entire roofline secured with 1×1 black PVC-coated critter fencing to prevent aerial predator entry
  • Fully enclosed with double screening, including pet-grade mesh to block snakes, rodents, and insects
  • Maintains ventilation and visibility while delivering complete protection
Expansive custom catio interior with vertical scratching post, angled climbing ramp, elevated shelves, and pebble ground section enclosed in white framing and mesh.

Fencing: 1×1 Black Critterfencing

  • Material: Galvanized steel core with protective black PVC coating
  • Mesh Size: 1×1 inch square openings
  • Double Screening: Durable & Scratch resistant Pet Screening

Why This Fencing?

  • Secures both the covered and open-air sections of the enclosure while maintaining ventilation
  • Durable and weather-resistant, designed for long-term outdoor exposure beneath and beyond the pre-existing barn roof
  • Black coating reduces visual obstruction, allowing the enclosure to feel open while blending naturally with the barn exterior
  • Rust-resistant finish ensures structural integrity with minimal maintenance
  • Reinforced with double screening, including pet-grade mesh, to block snakes, rodents, and insects from entering the catio or attached barn
Interior view of a spacious white custom catio with multiple wall-mounted shelves, angled stair steps, and a Bengal cat observing the outdoors through secure mesh panels.

Interior Features & Enrichment

This catio was thoughtfully designed to encourage climbing, lounging, exploration, and natural scratching behaviors for nine active cats. The interior layout supports vertical movement and interactive enrichment while offering cozy retreat spaces for rest and observation.

Feature List

  • Floor-to-Ceiling Natural Tree Scratch Post
    A full-height natural Cedar trunk provides an organic scratching surface while encouraging full-body stretching and climbing. This centerpiece feature supports instinctual behaviors and adds a raw, natural aesthetic to the enclosure.
  • Multi-Level Shelving System
    Multiple staggered shelves installed at varied heights create vertical pathways for climbing, perching, and wildlife observation. The layered design maximizes usable space within the 23′ x 9′ enclosure.
  • Integrated Ramps
    Smooth transitional ramps connect shelf levels, allowing cats to move comfortably between elevations while reducing congestion and promoting fluid movement throughout the space.
  • Cat Cubbies (x3)
    Three enclosed cubbies provide private hideaway spaces where cats can retreat, rest, and observe their surroundings while remaining safely outdoors.
  • Bubble Domes (x2)
    Two mounted bubble domes offer elevated lounging areas with panoramic outdoor views, giving curious cats a unique vantage point to safely watch their environment.
  • Cat Hammock
    A suspended hammock creates a cozy, gently swaying lounging space that many cats naturally gravitate toward for relaxation.
  • Natural Rock Features
    Strategically placed natural rocks add texture and environmental enrichment, creating varied terrain for climbing, exploring, and sensory stimulation.

Feature Purpose & Pet Personality Fit

This build was thoughtfully designed to support the unique mix of personalities within a nine-cat household—four slower-paced senior cats and five energetic Bengals who thrive on movement and stimulation. The layout balances high-energy exploration with comfortable rest zones, ensuring every cat has a space that suits their pace, preferences, and physical needs.

  • The open floor plan and extended 23-foot layout provide ample runway space for active Bengals who love to sprint, chase, and burn off energy between zoomies.
  • Multi-level shelves, ramps, and elevated pathways cater to confident jumpers and climbers, giving athletic cats vertical territory to explore while reducing competition for space.
  • The floor-to-ceiling natural tree scratch post supports instinctual climbing and stretching behaviors, particularly appealing to energetic cats who seek full-body activity.
  • Bubble domes and elevated perches satisfy highly observant personalities who enjoy surveying their surroundings from a secure vantage point.
  • Cat hammocks and lounging shelves offer mid-level rest spots for cats who enjoy relaxing close to the action without constant movement.
  • Three enclosed cubbies provide quiet retreat spaces ideal for senior cats who prefer lower stimulation and predictable resting zones.
  • Natural rock elements introduce varied textures and gentle elevation changes, encouraging exploration for playful cats while remaining accessible for older companions.
  • The combination of shaded areas beneath the covered section and open-air lounging spaces allows each cat to choose between warmth, airflow, sun exposure, or privacy throughout the day.

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