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The Modern Retreat | Recent Catio Build in San Francisco, California

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San Francisco, CA

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Project Overview

This custom-built catio was conceived as a statement of modern design, an elegant blend of architecture and functionality that redefines what a catio can be. The client came to us with a clear vision: they didn’t want a rustic enclosure or a simple outdoor cage. They wanted a luxury extension of their home, a space that felt intentional, architectural, and worthy of their property’s modern aesthetic.

Project Goals

  • Design a modern, elevated catio with a cantilevered deck for a floating architectural effect
  • Use premium, durable materials for longevity and visual appeal
  • Ensure secure outdoor access for cats through high-quality fencing and specialty locks
  • Integrate shelves, ramps, cubbies, and a scratch post for feline enrichment
  • Include a human access door with a specialty lock for convenience and safety
  • Provide a cohesive design that complements the home’s modern aesthetic and upgraded exterior finishes
A long, enclosed custom catio built alongside a modern San Francisco home, featuring black framing, yellow wood platforms, and multiple climbing levels for cats to explore.

Design Challenges

  • Meeting the client’s request for a modern, high-end aesthetic distinct from the more rustic look of many traditional catios
  • Designing a cantilevered deck structure that maintains strength while achieving a floating, elevated visual effect
  • Ensuring the catio’s sleek, architectural style integrates seamlessly with the client’s custom home exterior
  • Balancing luxury visual appeal with functional needs like safety, durability, and weather protection
  • Incorporating premium materials and finishes while maintaining structural efficiency
  • Developing a secure locking system for the human access door—after learning the client’s cat could open standard latches

Key Design Features

  • Custom-built catio measuring 14 ft deep × 7 ft wide × up to 8 ft tall
  • Cantilevered deck design for a sleek, floating appearance
  • Modern aesthetic with clean lines, black finishes, and integrated materials
  • Cedar lumber—painted or stained black, caulked for precision detailing 
  • Composite decking for long-term durability and easy maintenance
  • Black PVC-coated 1×1 critterfencing for a refined look with secure containment
  • Classic ribbed steel roof for weather resistance and contemporary appeal
  • Interior enrichment features, including custom shelves, ramps, cat cubbies, and a scratch post
  • Human access door fitted with a specialty lock for added security

Enrichment Elements

  • Interior shelves and ramps creating a vertical playground for climbing, play, and exploration
  • A floor-to-ceiling scratch post offering full-height stretching and natural claw maintenance
  • Multiple cat cubbies for private retreats and cozy lounging
  • A soft hammock providing a relaxing perch with elevated comfort
  • Bubble domes giving cats panoramic outdoor views while remaining fully enclosed and safe
  • Designed with multi-level enrichment, allowing cats to leap, lounge, and observe their surroundings from a variety of heights
  • A custom bridge connecting elevated areas for added movement and adventure

Catio Gallery

Front view of a spacious custom-built catio in San Francisco with multiple wooden platforms, ramps, and a hanging macrame hammock for cats to enjoy.
A sleek side view of a modern custom catio in San Francisco, featuring black framing, yellow cedar platforms, and multiple ramps surrounded by blooming red flowers.
Close-up of the interior of a San Francisco catio showing clear bubble lookout domes, climbing ramps, and a cozy wooden cat house.

Build Specifications

This modern catio was designed to provide a luxurious, functional outdoor retreat that visually integrates with the client’s custom home. Featuring a sleek, cantilevered structure for a floating look, the layout emphasizes balance, open space, and architectural elegance. The build accommodates both human access and feline enrichment while maintaining a clean, modern silhouette.

Dimensions & Layout

  • Main Catio Structure: Approximately 14 feet deep × 7 feet wide × 8 feet tall, offering generous interior space for vertical climbing, lounging, and exploration.
  • Layout Shape: A rectangular freestanding structure extending outward from the deck with a cantilevered design, creating a floating, elevated aesthetic.
  • Interior Layout: Multiple levels interconnected by ramps, shelves, cubbies, a hammock, bubble domes, and a bridge, forming a multi-tiered vertical playground.
  • Connection Points:
    • The catio connects directly to the home’s deck entry point for seamless indoor-outdoor access.
    • The cantilevered deck extends beyond the home’s footprint to achieve a floating appearance.
    • A human access door with a specialty lock ensures secure entry and maintenance access.

Materials Used

Lumber: Cedar

Why Cedar?

  • Naturally rot-resistant and weather-hardy for long-term durability
  • Pet-safe and chemical-free for a healthy environment
  • Suitable for both painted black finishes, creating a sleek, modern aesthetic
  • Chosen to achieve the client’s request for a premium, contemporary finish rather than a rustic style

Roofing Options

Roofing: Classic Ribbed Steel Metal

  • Why Ribbed Steel?
    • Provides a clean, linear aesthetic that complements the modern design
    • Durable and long-lasting, requiring minimal maintenance
    • Resistant to moisture, wind, and seasonal temperature changes
    • Ensures year-round protection while maintaining visual cohesion with the structure

Fencing: Black PVC-Coated 1x1 Critterfencing

  • Material: Galvanized steel core with protective black coating
  • Mesh Size: 1×1 inch square openings
  • Why This Fencing?
    • PVC coating adds a refined, smooth black finish for a minimalist, modern look
    • The 1×1 spacing ensures safety while allowing unobstructed visibility
    • Resistant to rust, corrosion, and UV exposure for long-lasting durability
    • Maintains clear sightlines, helping the structure blend seamlessly with its surroundings

Interior Features & Enrichment

This catio was designed to provide stimulation and movement while respecting the home’s deck layout and modern environment. Its interior layout offers opportunities for vertical play, lounging, and secure roaming—all while keeping the cats protected from surrounding wildlife.

Feature List

  • Climbing Shelves
    Strategically placed shelves at varying heights encourage climbing, leaping, and full-body movement. Their layout promotes natural feline behavior while giving cats elevated perches to rest and observe their surroundings.
  • Ramps & Bridge
    Four custom ramps connect different elevations within the catio, while a bridge spans across upper levels—creating dynamic pathways for movement and play. These features enhance circulation throughout the space and make it easy for cats to traverse between enrichment zones.
  • Cubbies
    Multiple enclosed cubbies provide private hideaways for rest and security. Each cubby offers a comfortable retreat while maintaining visibility and airflow within the catio.
  • Floor-to-Ceiling Scratch Post
    A full-height scratching post supports stretching and claw maintenance while adding an engaging vertical feature to the design. Its placement encourages healthy activity and satisfies instinctual feline behaviors.
  • Hammock
    A cozy, suspended hammock offers the perfect lounging spot for relaxation and observation. Its elevated position provides comfort, warmth, and a unique viewing angle.
  • Hideaway Spaces
    Tucked beneath ramps and shelves, quiet nooks allow cats to retreat from playtime and unwind in shaded comfort.

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Customer Information