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The Treehouse Kingdom | Recent Catio Build in Branson, Missouri

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Branson, MO

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Project Overview

This freestanding catio was thoughtfully designed to run alongside the home, enclosing the basement window—an area where the client’s six cats already loved to gather and watch wildlife and drifting leaves. The goal was to transform their favorite viewing spot into a spacious, secure outdoor retreat that would comfortably accommodate all six cats while expanding their access to elevated vantage points.

The design features a generously sized enclosure connected to an elevated tunnel that stretches toward the mountains, leading to a separate “viewing house.” Inspired by previous mountain-facing builds, this mini structure offers a protected, high-up lookout where the cats can safely observe wildlife and their surrounding environment. By elevating the tunnel, the team preserved usable lawn space below while adding an extra layer of protection from ground-level predators—resulting in a dynamic, multi-level outdoor experience tailored to both the cats and the landscape.

Project Goals

  • Create a spacious enclosure large enough to comfortably accommodate all six cats
  • Enclose the basement window to enhance and expand their favorite wildlife viewing area
  • Design an elevated tunnel stretching toward the mountains to maximize views
  • Raise the tunnel high enough for people to walk underneath, preserving lawn space
  • Increase safety by elevating key structures away from ground-level predators
  • Build a separate, elevated viewing house inspired by prior mountain-facing designs
  • Provide a secure, enriching environment that allows the cats to observe wildlife from above
Tall freestanding elevated catio tower with pitched roof, cedar and charcoal wood framing, fully enclosed mesh panels, and sturdy support posts beside a modern dark home exterior at sunset.

Design Challenges

  • Designing something that would not take up too much yard space
  • Elevating the structure to minimize ground footprint and preserve usable lawn area
  • Creating a fully freestanding build that would not attach to the home
  • Avoiding permits and preventing any potential structural impact to the house
  • Keeping both the tunnel and separate viewing point raised off the ground
  • Providing protection from predators while maintaining strong sightlines

Key Design Features

  • Freestanding main enclosure positioned along the basement window to expand the cats’ favorite wildlife viewing area
  • 15-foot elevated tunnel stretching toward the mountains, allowing people to walk underneath while preserving yard space
  • Separate mini cat house at the end of the tunnel, designed as a protected wildlife viewing retreat
  • Framed roof on the mini cat house for added structure, shade, and weather protection
  • Custom-built door for secure and convenient human access
  • Bench seating with built-in hideout cubbies that double as a comfortable lounging space for humans while giving cats private retreat areas within the benches
  • Custom-built cat bed integrated into the structure for added comfort and enrichment
  • Two-tone cedar lumber for a warm, elevated aesthetic that complements the home while adding visual depth

15ft of Tunnel

Build Specifications

This build was designed to provide a spacious, elevated outdoor experience while maintaining safety, visibility, and seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. Constructed as a fully freestanding structure, it expands the cats’ favorite viewing area while preserving yard space and protecting the integrity of the home.

Dimensions & Layout

  • Main Catio Structure: Approximately 10 feet wide x 10 feet deep x 8 feet tall. Built as a freestanding enclosure positioned along the basement window, creating a generous space for six cats to climb, lounge, and observe wildlife. Includes a human-sized access door for convenient entry.
  • Tunnel System: A 15-foot elevated tunnel extends from the catio, wrapping around the corner of the house and leading to a separate viewing area near the retaining wall by the patio. The tunnel is designed without a roof and raised high enough to allow foot traffic underneath while minimizing ground impact.
  • Cat Viewing Area: A separate enclosed structure at the end of the tunnel, positioned to maximize wildlife visibility. Includes its own access door and a framed roof for shade and weather protection.

Catio Gallery

Wide-angle view of multi-level custom catio system attached to home, featuring elevated lookout tower, connecting catwalk bridge, and spacious ground-level enclosure on a sloped wooded property.
Tall freestanding elevated catio tower with pitched roof, cedar and charcoal wood framing, fully enclosed mesh panels, and sturdy support posts beside a modern dark home exterior at sunset.
Elevated custom wooden catio tower and connecting catwalk built with rich cedar planks and dark charcoal framing, enclosed in galvanized wire mesh and supported by heavy timber posts among mature backyard trees.
Close-up detail of handcrafted catio railing with geometric cross-bracing, black metal hardware, cedar planks, and tightly secured wire mesh panels on an elevated catwalk.
Elevated enclosed catwalk bridge supported by thick cedar posts and charcoal brackets, connecting a raised tower to a large attached catio enclosure.
Front view of attached ground-level custom catio with framed screen door, cedar interior shelving, multiple climbing ramps, and full mesh walls overlooking a scenic yard.
Interior view of large wooden catio enclosure with multi-level cedar platforms, angled climbing ramp, macrame hanging cat hammock, and spacious open floor area.
Close-up interior of elevated catio tower featuring cedar bench seating, wire mesh walls, translucent roofing panel, and suspended macrame hammock with cushion.
Corner platform detail inside catio tower with staggered cedar shelves, small corner perch, and green carpeted scratching post for vertical enrichment.
Interior view looking upward inside elevated catio tower showing cedar framing, wire mesh enclosure panels, angled roofline, and sunset sky visible through translucent roof panels.
Close-up of built-in arched wooden cat cubby shelf inside elevated custom catio tower, crafted from rich cedar with visible wood grain, surrounded by sturdy framing, wire mesh panels, and angled climbing ramp.

Materials Used

Lumber: Cedar

Why Cedar?

  • Naturally rot-resistant and durable for long-term outdoor use
  • Strong yet lightweight, ideal for elevated structures
  • Pet-safe and free from harsh chemical treatments
  • Provides a warm, natural finish that complements the home

Two-Tone Stained Finish

  • Custom-stained cedar to enhance depth and visual contrast
  • Clear coat applied to shelves for added protection and durability
  • Designed to maintain color integrity while withstanding outdoor exposure
Close-up detail of handcrafted catio railing with geometric cross-bracing, black metal hardware, cedar planks, and tightly secured wire mesh panels on an elevated catwalk.

Roofing Options

Roofing: Ribbed Steel Metal

  • Installed on the main catio and cat viewing area
  • Provides reliable protection from rain, snow, and sun exposure
  • Durable against high winds and seasonal weather changes
  • Designed for longevity with minimal maintenance required

Open-Air Tunnel Design

  • 15-foot elevated tunnel constructed without a roof
  • Maintains airflow and unobstructed sky views
  • Connects the main 10’ x 10’ x 8’ catio to the separate viewing area near the retaining wall
Front view of attached ground-level custom catio with framed screen door, cedar interior shelving, multiple climbing ramps, and full mesh walls overlooking a scenic yard.

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 within the 10’ x 10’ x 8’ main catio, 15-foot elevated tunnel, and separate viewing area
  • Provides strong structural protection while maintaining open sightlines toward the mountains and surrounding wildlife
  • 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
Elevated custom wooden catio tower and connecting catwalk built with rich cedar planks and dark charcoal framing, enclosed in galvanized wire mesh and supported by heavy timber posts among mature backyard trees.

Interior Features & Enrichment

This catio was designed to support movement, vertical exploration, rest, and privacy for six cats. The interior layout encourages climbing, lounging, and safe observation, while offering tucked-away retreat spaces for moments of quiet and independence.

Feature List

  • Climbing Shelves
    Cedar shelves installed at varied heights throughout the 10’ x 10’ enclosure allow cats to leap, perch, and observe their surroundings. The staggered layout promotes full-body movement and vertical enrichment.
  • Ramps
    Slanted cedar ramps connect shelf levels, creating smooth transitions between elevations and making vertical movement accessible and engaging.
  • Cat Hammocks (x2)
    Two suspended hammocks provide elevated lounging areas, offering comfort and a gentle sway that many cats naturally enjoy.
  • Cat Cubbies (x2)
    Built-in cubbies offer enclosed retreat spaces where cats can rest privately while remaining safely outdoors.
  • Bench Hideouts
    Custom hideaway spaces are built directly into the bench seating, allowing cats to tuck themselves away when they want solitude while still remaining near their humans.
  • Tunnel Exploration Pathway
    The 15-foot elevated tunnel provides a stimulating transition space between the main catio and the viewing house, encouraging movement and exploration.
  • Custom-Built Cat Bed
    A handcrafted cat bed integrates seamlessly into the layout, giving the cats a dedicated, comfortable resting zone within the enclosure.
  • Mini Cat House with Attic Space
    The separate viewing area includes an upper attic-style loft, creating an additional elevated perch where cats can observe wildlife from a protected, high vantage point.

Feature Purpose & Pet Personality Fit

This build was thoughtfully designed around the personalities and natural behaviors of six highly observant, curious cats. Because they already gravitated toward the basement window to watch wildlife and movement outdoors, the catio was positioned to expand that exact experience—transforming their favorite indoor lookout into a secure, immersive outdoor environment.

  • The location along the basement window supports their natural tendency to observe wildlife, leaves, and shifting light patterns—turning a daily habit into a safe outdoor ritual.
  • The 15-foot elevated tunnel was created for adventurous, territory-expanding personalities. It gives confident explorers a defined pathway that feels like an extension of their domain while keeping them safely above ground.
  • The separate mini viewing house with attic space caters to high-perching cats who prefer to survey their surroundings from the highest possible vantage point.
  • Tiered shelves and ramps support energetic climbers who thrive on vertical movement and physical stimulation.
  • Hammocks, cubbies, and bench hideouts provide secure retreat options for cats who may need quiet breaks or prefer enclosed spaces when overstimulated.
  • The custom-built cat bed and lounging zones accommodate more relaxed personalities who enjoy soaking in the environment without constant climbing.

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