DIY Guide To Building An Affordable Custom Catio
Materials
Wire panels (You’ll probably need multiple packs. Do your best to estimate what size catio you want and count up the panels, including several extras for flooring/pads. Then look into the adorable eyes of your sweet kitty and add one more to your cart.)
Artificial turf (I like this one specifically because it’s very durable and is designed for pets so it has drainage holes)
Snips (optional)
Awl (optional)
Instructions
Use the clips included with the wire panels to assemble the panels in whatever shape works for your space. Feel free to play around with the overall structure and the internal shelves until it makes sense for your space and your cat(s).
Note: Most cats will prefer having 2 panels in height at every point.
Once you know what “floor” panels you’ll have, add the artificial turf. Cut it just slightly smaller than the wire panel with the snips, poke holes in the corners using the awl, and tie it with zip ties in each corner to the panel. I didn’t put an actual floor on mine but you can if you want.
Note: I listed the snips/awl as optional because I’m sure there are several tools you could use to accomplish the same things. Be aware though, that the backing on the turf is very tough, so regular scissors likely won’t work.
Once you’re happy with where everything is, add zip ties. It’s probably more than necessary, but I prefer to add them in each corner and in the middle of each side, for a total of 3 zip ties per panel side.
Tighten as you go, making sure that the clips are connected correctly to the panels and don’t pop out as the tension changes. Leave the long end of the zip ties on the outside of the catio. Clip the long end of the zip tie off. The ends should be on the outside of the catio so the sharp edges don’t poke the cats.
That’s it! Contact me at @steel.silk on Instagram or send me an email at steelsilkblog@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to share a photo of your catio!
