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The Sky Lounge | Recent Catio Build in Las Cruces, New Mexico

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Las Cruces, NM

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Project Overview

This freestanding custom catio and tunnel system was designed to give eight indoor cats a safe, enriching outdoor experience while preserving flexibility for future backyard landscaping. Built as a standalone structure next to a stone wall, the catio measures approximately 15 feet wide, 7 feet deep, and 8 feet tall—rising just above the 6-foot fence line to give cats clear sightlines over their surroundings.

Constructed from pressure-treated lumber painted white and enclosed with black PVC-coated 1×1 welded wire, the structure balances durability, visibility, and modern curb appeal. A 12-foot tunnel connects the home to the catio, routing from the left side of the windows, beneath them, and rising overhead into a bridge-style walkway that allows cats to run above while humans walk freely below.

Inside, the space is fully decked out for feline adventure, featuring shelves, ramps, cubbies, bubble domes, bridges, a floor-to-ceiling scratching post, and dedicated outdoor litter areas—creating a dynamic environment for climbing, lounging, and exploration.

Project Goals

  • Create a secure outdoor enclosure for eight cats with ample space to climb, lounge, and explore
  • Provide designated outdoor litter and relief areas to encourage cats to “poop outside”
  • Build a freestanding catio that is visually separate from the home but fully connected via tunnel
  • Design a 12-foot tunnel system that routes under windows and transitions into an overhead bridge
  • Allow human clearance beneath the tunnel for easy backyard access
  • Elevate the structure above the 6-foot fence so cats can see over their surroundings
  • Use durable, low-maintenance materials suitable for a xeriscaped backyard
  • Incorporate deck-style flooring to handle uneven ground and simplify cleaning
  • Preserve flexibility for future landscaping without risking damage during construction
Three cats exploring shelves and a hanging basket inside a spacious custom catio.

Design Challenges

  • Navigating around:
    • Routing a 12-foot tunnel from the left of the windows, beneath them, and up into an overhead bridge without interfering with the home’s exterior
    • Designing an elevated tunnel that allows cats to run above while maintaining comfortable human clearance below
  • Balancing height, visibility, and structure
    • Building an 8-foot-tall freestanding catio that sits just above a 6-foot fence without creating a visually overwhelming backyard presence
    • Ensuring long-term structural stability for a tall, open-air enclosure
  • Designing for eight cats with diverse needs
    • Creating enough vertical and horizontal space for multiple cats to climb, lounge, and move without congestion
    • Incorporating dedicated outdoor litter and relief areas to support the goal of having cats “poop outside”
  • Adapting to future landscaping plans
    • Designing around a sloped yard with planned xeriscaping, rocks, and pavers instead of grass
    • Selecting a deck-style platform floor to accommodate uneven ground and simplify cleaning

Key Design Features

  • Freestanding custom catio designed as a standalone structure for flexibility and visual separation from the home
  • 12-foot enclosed tunnel connection routing from the left of the windows, beneath them, and rising into an overhead bridge-style entry
  • Overhead tunnel bridge that allows cats to run above while maintaining comfortable walking clearance for humans below
  • Spacious 7′ × 15′ layout with an 8-foot-tall profile, giving cats elevated sightlines above the 6-foot fence
  • Dedicated outdoor litter and relief areas designed to support the cats’ preference for using the bathroom outside
  • Pressure-treated lumber painted white for durability, longevity, and a clean, modern aesthetic
  • Black PVC-coated 1×1 welded wire fencing for predator protection, visibility, and airflow
  • Corrugated metal roof to provide shade, weather protection, and long-term resilience
  • Full interior enrichment build-out, including shelves, ramps, cubbies, bubble domes, bridges, and a floor-to-ceiling scratching post
  • Deck-style platform flooring to accommodate uneven ground and simplify cleaning in a xeriscaped backyard
  • Human-access door for easy entry, cleaning, and maintenance

Build Specifications

This freestanding catio and tunnel system was designed to maximize visibility, enrichment, and durability while accommodating a multi-cat household and future xeriscape landscaping. Elevated slightly above the surrounding fence line, the structure provides cats with clear sightlines while maintaining a clean, intentional backyard footprint.

Dimensions & Layout

  • Main Catio Structure: Approximately 15 feet wide × 7 feet deep × 8 feet tall. Built as a freestanding enclosure positioned next to a stone wall, allowing cats to see above the 6-foot fence while remaining fully secure. A human-sized access door was included for easy entry, cleaning, and maintenance.
  • Tunnel System: A 12-foot enclosed tunnel connects the home to the freestanding catio. The tunnel begins on the left side of the windows, routes beneath the windows, and rises into an overhead bridge-style pathway leading into the catio. This design allows cats to travel overhead while maintaining walkable clearance below for humans.
  • Connection Points:
    • Tunnel connects directly from the home into the catio entry point
    • Overhead tunnel bridge designed to span the walking area without obstructing access
    • Final cat door placement positioned left of the windows for optimal layout and flow

Materials Used

Each material was selected for durability, safety, and long-term performance while supporting a clean, modern look that complements a xeriscaped backyard environment.

 

Lumber: Pressure-Treated (Painted White)

  • Why Pressure-Treated Lumber?
    • Engineered to withstand ground contact, sun exposure, and fluctuating outdoor conditions
    • Painted white for a bright, modern aesthetic that reflects heat and blends with contemporary landscaping
    • Provides long-term structural stability for an 8-foot-tall freestanding enclosure
    • Ideal for installations over uneven or sloped ground where moisture resistance is critical
Two cats lounging on circular platforms attached to a scratching post inside a catio.

Roofing

Roofing: Corrugated Metal

  • Corrugated metal roofing selected for long-term durability and minimal maintenance
  • Provides consistent shade and weather protection while maintaining airflow within the catio
  • Designed to shed rain efficiently, making it well-suited for outdoor installations over sloped ground
  • Highly resistant to warping, rot, and deterioration compared to traditional roofing materials
  • Complements the clean, modern look of the white-painted structure while protecting interior enrichment features
Front exterior view of a freestanding custom catio with secure door and mesh panels.

Fencing: 1×1 Black PVC-Coated Welded Wire

  • Material: Galvanized steel core with protective pvc coating
  • Mesh Size: 1×1 inch square openings
  • Why This Fencing?
    • Small mesh size helps prevent escapes while keeping out predators and wildlife
    • Strong welded construction provides long-term durability and structural integrity
    • PVC coating resists rust, corrosion, and wear from sun exposure
    • Black finish improves visibility for cats while minimizing visual obstruction for humans
    • Allows excellent airflow and natural light throughout the enclosure
    • Blends seamlessly with shadows and surrounding landscaping for a clean, unobtrusive look
Interior view of a custom catio showing a long enclosed walkway with wire mesh and wooden flooring.

Catio Gallery

Front exterior view of a freestanding custom catio with secure door and mesh panels.
Wide exterior shot of a large custom catio with multiple activity zones inside.
Wide interior view of a custom catio with ramps, platforms, and rope bridge.
Vertical climbing shelves installed inside a narrow custom catio corridor.
Interior view of a custom catio showing a long enclosed walkway with wire mesh and wooden flooring.
Exterior view of a freestanding custom catio installed in a backyard beside a home.
Tabby cat resting in a fabric hammock mounted inside a wire-enclosed catio.
Three cats exploring shelves and a hanging basket inside a spacious custom catio.
Orange-and-white cat scratching a sisal-wrapped post inside a custom catio.
Two cats lounging on circular platforms attached to a scratching post inside a catio.
Black-and-white cat resting on a wide shelf inside a wire-enclosed outdoor catio.
Multiple cats climbing and playing on a vertical scratching post inside a custom catio.
Black-and-white cat and white cat perched on catio shelf connected by a wooden rope bridge.
Two cats relaxing on a wooden shelf inside a custom catio with rope bridge and wire mesh panels.

Interior Features & Enrichment

This catio was designed to support natural feline behaviors like climbing, perching, scratching, hiding, and exploring. With eight cats using the space, the interior layout emphasizes vertical movement, varied pathways, and multiple rest zones to reduce congestion and encourage confident, stress-free use of the enclosure.

Feature List

  • Climbing Shelves
    Strategically placed shelves at varying heights allow cats to climb, leap, and perch throughout the catio. The staggered layout encourages full-body movement while giving cats multiple elevated vantage points.
  • Ramps
    Sloped ramps connect different shelf levels, creating smooth transitions between heights. These pathways support confident movement for cats of all ages and abilities while promoting continuous exploration.
  • Bridges
    Two interior bridges add dynamic movement options and alternative routes through the space. These elevated walkways help reduce traffic bottlenecks and encourage playful exploration.
  • Bubble Domes
    Two clear bubble domes provide elevated lounging spots with outward visibility. These features allow cats to relax while safely observing their surroundings from above.
  • Enclosed Cubbies
    Two built-in cubbies offer quiet, enclosed retreat spaces for cats who prefer privacy or need a break from stimulation. These hideaways help reduce stress in multi-cat environments.
  • Floor-to-Ceiling Scratching Post
    A full-height scratching post encourages natural scratching behavior while supporting vertical stretching and muscle engagement.
  • Outdoor Litter & Relief Areas
    Two designated outdoor litter areas provide cats with a safe, comfortable place to use the bathroom outside, supporting the household’s goal of keeping litter activities out of the home.

Feature Purpose & Pet Personality Fit

This catio was intentionally designed to support the daily rhythms, preferences, and social dynamics of an eight-cat household. Rather than centering on individual features, the layout focuses on how cats move through space, share territory, and choose between activity and rest.

  • Designed for choice and autonomy
    With multiple vertical levels and varied pathways, cats can decide how they engage with the space—whether that means active movement, quiet observation, or complete retreat. This freedom of choice is especially important in multi-cat homes where individual comfort levels vary.
  • Vertical territory reduces social pressure
    By expanding usable space upward, the catio allows cats to spread out naturally instead of competing for a single area. This helps reduce stress and conflict while supporting confident movement throughout the enclosure.
  • Movement paths reflect natural feline behavior
    The overhead tunnel and internal circulation routes were designed to mirror how cats prefer to travel—elevated, continuous, and unobstructed. Cats can patrol, explore, and transition between areas without needing to backtrack or cross another cat’s path.
  • Balance between stimulation and retreat
    The design intentionally pairs open sightlines with tucked-away spaces, giving cats the ability to shift from engagement to rest as needed. This balance supports both high-energy explorers and more reserved personalities.
  • Supports natural outdoor habits
    Dedicated outdoor relief areas were included to align with the cats’ preference for using the bathroom outside, reinforcing instinctual behavior while keeping the indoor home environment cleaner.
  • Built for shared use without congestion
    The overall layout was planned to accommodate eight cats simultaneously, allowing multiple activities to happen at once—climbing, lounging, observing, and resting—without bottlenecks or crowding.

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