mine ignores it all week and then sits out there in the rain like hes paying rent on it lol

Hello and good day all,

I have quite an ambitious project, and Im hoping the fine folks here can help me out. Even simply images, layouts, ideas, reference materials, build parts, dimensions, brackets, etc - I will absorb it all and it will help!

I apologize in advance for the length, but I will try to be detailed to prevent lack of information issues. (HOUSTON TX AREA)

I have this large-ish patio area that is 10 ft by 12 ft solid concrete slab (original to the house). It is 10 feet deep from the back door (which used to have an old doggy door from the prior owners that we originally were going to repurpose, BUT we have since replaced the backdoor and cannot - so we will resort to opening a window as a pathway). Our Pavers were not as deep, but I recently re-paved them, levelling them, and extending them to just shy of 10 feet (theyre actually 9 ft 9 inches, but I plan to get a seperate smaller paver to officially make them 10 feet exact).

In my images you can see that I had bought those self-standing catios - three of them, and at first we had them longwise, but turned them sideways to fit better after I extended the pavers. We had them against the house, but for the window access, I had to build a wooden frame to slide into the brick windowframe to cover any gaps because I am extremely paranoid about them finding a hole.

We recently had new windows installed. That wood frame no longer fits. If I try to rebuild it and set it in, it runs the risk of damaging the windows already and would 100% void my warranty for it (by owner caused deliberate damage).

*So I am in need of getting some MOVEMENT on my grand ambitious catio idea. *

I want to entirely enclose the patio as a walk-in catio. Then extend it down the 45-50 foot line down the pavers to just shy of the AC (Leaving room for maintenance to work around it, of course). Potentially we may stop it just shy of those back windows. I also cannot drill into the soffets or roof edge without voiding the warranty on the (also new) roof, soffets, and fascia.

We are not opposed to breaking up the 10 by 12 patio into a 10 by 10 section, or a 10 by 8, since we plan to extend it the whole way down. The only height rule we have is "tall enough for us to not bonk our heads" (which happens with the other smaller ones we bought). My gitters/soffet line runs approl 9.5-10 ft high, and Im the tallest one at 5'11'' so theres a decent play there.

My original thinking was to build it in "sections". Do the patio first. Then the section next to it. The section next to that. Etc. So each is structurally sound, just placed side by side (and no mesh between them). We plan to add a door right by the patio, and another at the far end.

Our problem is we cannot decide on how to start. It rains a lot here. I see folks use a 4 by 4 as a base frame, and build the walls on top of that. Ours would rot sitting directly on the concrete where the wood would absorb all that water upwards. I saw folks use these concrete risers, but again, that wouldnt work so well as I dont want to "put a deck", and Id have to deal with framing around the slanted concrete to prevent cat escapists. Then I thought maybe I could frame he thing in concrete cindeblocks, but 1: potentially expensive, 2: thats a lot of cinderblocks to get enough to frame the whole thing so we dont have to re-frame around the blocks, and 3: aesthetics (thats my moms argument).

We will be doing all the manual labor. Im pretty handy and weve done plenty of projects on our own.. just never building an outside structure that sits. My greatest concern after structurally sound is weathering (rains a lot, and windy, as were near Houston TX area).

So.. help a gal out?

Hello! I'm looking for a window sill attachment for my cat to climb into a box and be able to look out the window, but I keep a black shade on my office window to not let any sunlight in. Are there any products that are a black box with a hole for a cat to crawl in, limiting sunlight into the room, but still letting the cat enjoy the outdoors?

anyone else run their catio off a door. do you just leave it open for them or is there a better way to close it up when its cold

I had built one before but only out of some metal cubes and it rusted and eventually fell apart. This is my first full size one and so far it's inhabitants seem to like it. Still a ways to go but once I put the roof on they can get some outside action.

I redid my deck with the intention of making it a catio. It will eventually have a roof and we will fully screen it in. It’s a small deck, only 10x8.

We’ve been talking about how it may be a nice place to sit during rainfall or when it’s exceptionally buggy outside. (This porch is on the side of the house, the front of the house faces a lake so that’s the main outdoor seating area)

So the idea is maybe a small outdoor table, like bistro size. Somewhere we could eat lunch or set up a laptop for a little bit and then the rest with “cat stuff”. But I don’t want it to be ridiculously crowded either. I’m wondering if anyone has a similar setup for inspiration.

Hi Friends!

Im scheming a build thatll turn my Pergola into a Catio. Atm my plan is to have wood framed mesh/wire panels and doors and such, classic Catio design.

The ground of this pergola is plain concrete. Is there anything in particular I should do if I wanted to put some flooring ontop of the concrete? Its a rental so I dont want to damage it accidentally with weather damage and the like 😅

Im looking for a catio where I can push one side up against the house and open the window to let the cat in/out however our kitchen window only has the highest top part that can be opened so the cage would need to be about 2.5m tall to reach up to this. Ive seen ones on Wayfair and amazon but they all look identical and have mixed reviews (plus I dont think theyre tall enough). Cat is a climber so high is good.

Can anyone recommend please?

I recently moved into a 100+ year old house with an unroofed balcony. My girls used to love going out on our apartment balcony and I miss letting them outside, but I’m struggling. As you can see in the photos, the railing is extremely climbable and the bars easy to slip through. The second issue is the floor. It’s not flat, it slopes away from the house (I think it may have just been the patio roof before) I’ve considered buying one of those premade catios or making one out of a green house frame and letting the cats access it from the open window, but nothing sitting flat on the floor will also sit flat against the wall. I’m also really not wanting to screw anything into the walls, what with their age. It’s a rental, after all. The only solution I can think of is to build some kind of platform for the catio to sit on, but I’m not all that smart so I figured I’d ask brighter minds than mine if they had any ideas.

starting the frame this weekend and now im wondering if i should pave the base or just let them walk on the grass under the mesh. what did you guys do

Hey everyone,

Long time lurker. I've built both the window unit and standalone one here. I'm trying different materials to build a tunnel of sorts and connect them. So far I have not been successful. Does anyone have ideas on how to do this? I need the tunnel to be 3.5 ft sloped down and 2 ft straight. Unless there's an option to do both? Plz help. Thanks!

every morning the floor out there is covered in springs and little mice. is this a normal catio thing or is she just weird

We had a cheap Temu catio that our two cats really enjoyed. It was destroyed last July in a windstorm so we took the opportunity to upgrade significantly. My older cat didn't love the new one but did OK while my younger would flat refuse to be brought in! But beginning a few weeks ago the older despises being in it and the younger has started following her example. It should be noted that weather is changing, and what were morning temps in the high 80s and low 90s are now 30 degrees cooler, but still pleasant. I've attached some pics of the new catio and would love to hear suggestions on how I might make the cats more comfortable out there. Alternatively, if weather change really is that big a deal I can move it off my patio for now and get space back until it warms back up next year.

Edit: many have suggested connecting it so the cats can come and go as they please. As much as I would love to do this there is just no way without breaching an exterior wall. We haven't entirely ruled this out (we're cat owners after all 🙃) but it's a Spring project at this point. Also, I can't find any pics of the previous catio but it was positioned in the same place as this one and was if anything more exposed and with less-comfortable resting areas. It did not have come and go access. The biggest difference between then and now are temperatures.

I live in an appartment and would like for my cat to have a little window box. The problem is that my windows slide horizontally, so all the options that I see online wouldn't work. I unfortunately don't have any way to build a custom one either. Does anyone know if vertical cat boxes are a thing or anyone that can make one?

Hey Reddit! 👋

I'm Sal, one half of 2 Brothers Catios, a family-owned business run by two brothers from Long Island, New York.

My brother John is the craftsman, builder, and animal rescuer. I'm the guy who handles the customers, consultations, and business side.

We've spent years building custom catios, outdoor cat enclosures, and animal habitats, and there's something we wish more cat owners understood:

Not all catios are built the same. Not even close.

And we're not here to convince everyone they need a $15,000 catio. They don't.

But if you're considering investing thousands of dollars into something your pets will use for years, there are some things worth knowing.

We're going to explain how we build our structures, why we prefer freestanding catios, what professional installation actually involves, and exactly what our products cost.

No mystery pricing. No pressure. Just two brothers who love building things for animals. 🐾

Over 100 projects done.

Perfect 5 ⭐ star reviews.

News features in Newsday 🗞️

and The Bergen Record NJ

Our consultation fees are determined per project and get deducted from the final invoice if you decide to move forward. Dive right in 🏊

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🏡 1. Why We Believe FREESTANDING Catios Are the Way to Go

One of the biggest differences between our custom cat enclosures and many traditional catios is that we specialize in freestanding construction.

Here's why:

✅ Protect your home's exterior. We minimize unnecessary drilling into siding and other exterior surfaces.

✅ More flexibility. Freestanding structures can often be modified, repositioned, or relocated more easily than permanently attached enclosures.

✅ Preserve your outdoor space. Don't want to sacrifice your entire deck or backyard? Our Catio Towers provide vertical climbing space without requiring a massive footprint.

✅ Easier future renovations. Replacing siding or making exterior improvements doesn't necessarily mean dismantling an enclosure attached directly to your home.

✅ Built for stability. Our structures feature substantial framing, reinforced connections, and durable, weather-resistant materials.

And YES, your cats can still access their catio directly from your house! 🪟

We design custom window-access systems and enclosed cat tunnels that connect your home to the outdoor enclosure.

Freestanding doesn't mean disconnected.

It means your catio is independently constructed while still functioning as an extension of your home.

Of course, proper anchoring and structural engineering still matter. Every property is different, and freestanding construction isn't automatically the best solution for every situation.

These are over 400lbs, a hurricane is not moving them. 🌬️

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🔨 2. Our Construction Method Is Probably Our BIGGEST Difference

Here's something we encourage everyone shopping for a catio to do:

Look closely at the corners, framing, screws, staples, and wire edges.👀

Seriously.

Many outdoor cat enclosures have exposed staples, visible screws, and wire mesh fastened directly to the exterior framing.

Those methods aren't necessarily unsafe when properly executed, but they can leave the structure looking unfinished.

We do things differently.

John developed a construction approach that conceals the fastening points and secures the wire within finished framing.

That means:

🔹 Concealed screw holes and fasteners

🔹 Staples hidden beneath finished woodwork

🔹 Reinforced mesh connections

🔹 Clean interior AND exterior framing

🔹 No unfinished-looking wire edges

🔹 A polished appearance from practically every angle

🔹 Carefully constructed connecting tunnels and bridges

Your cat is safe and protected.

Even our enclosed cat walkways receive the same attention to detail.

We use heavy-duty welded wire, reinforced framing, pressure-treated lumber, protective finishes, and durable roofing materials appropriate for each project.

Our goal is simple:

We want your catio to look like a professionally crafted outdoor structure, not a wooden frame with fencing stapled onto it.

It's more labor-intensive.

It's more expensive to manufacture.

And it's one of the biggest reasons we're proud of what we build.

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🏭 3. We MANUFACTURE and INSTALL Our Own Catios

This is another distinction that matters to us.

We're among a relatively small group of specialized catio businesses that handle both custom manufacturing and professional installation directly.

Some companies primarily sell catio plans or DIY kits. Others coordinate construction through outside contractors.

There's nothing inherently wrong with those business models.

But we wanted complete control over the finished product.

With 2 Brothers Catios:

✅ We discuss your needs directly.

✅ We design the structure.

✅ We source the materials.

✅ We manufacture the product.

✅ We coordinate transportation.

✅ We perform the installation.

✅ We stand behind our craftsmanship.

You're not explaining your vision to one company and hoping another contractor interprets it correctly.

The people responsible for building your catio are the people responsible for making sure it works.

That's important when you're trusting a structure with your animals' safety.

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💰 4. Let's Talk PRICING. No Surprises.

We're big believers in showing prices before someone contacts us. All purchases are subject to delivery and installation fees.

Our products are premium, professionally constructed structures.

They're not inexpensive, and we don't pretend otherwise.

Here's a general guide to our custom catio prices:

🐾 WINDOW BOXES — Starting at $5,000

Compact, custom-built window-access enclosures.

Great for cats who love sitting by the window and owners who want a smaller outdoor addition.

Available for nationwide delivery! 🇺🇸

🐾 CATIO TOWERS — Starting at $7,500

Our vertical cat playgrounds!

Multiple climbing platforms, perches, and elevated areas.

Ideal for homeowners who want to preserve their deck or yard space while giving their cats plenty of enrichment.

We offer different sizes and configurations, including larger XL Towers.

Available for nationwide delivery! 🇺🇸

🐾 KLUBHOUSES — Starting at $12,500

Larger outdoor enclosures with room for multiple cats to explore.

Depending on the design, these can include walk-in access, lounging areas, elevated platforms, and connecting tunnels.

🐾 KINGDOMS — Starting at $16,000

Our larger custom habitats.

Think multiple connected structures, climbing towers, enclosed bridges, walkways, and outdoor spaces designed around your property.

🐾 CUSTOM LUXURY CATIOS — $25,000 to $100,000+

For homeowners, estates, rescues, or facilities envisioning something truly extraordinary.

We're talking large-scale interconnected structures, elaborate tunnels, multiple habitats, and fully customized animal environments.

🐾 CUSTOM INTERIOR ANIMAL ENCLOSURES

Not every animal habitat needs to be outdoors!

We also manufacture custom indoor enclosures, habitats, climbing structures, and other specialty projects.

Pricing depends on the design, size, materials, and installation requirements.

IMPORTANT: These are starting prices, not guaranteed final quotes. Size, materials, complexity, location, and installation requirements affect the total.

We'd rather have someone decide we're outside their budget immediately than waste their time hiding prices behind a sales appointment.

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🚚 5. YES! We Deliver Catios NATIONWIDE! 🇺🇸

We frequently get inquiries from people outside New York asking whether we can build something for them.

The answer is YES!

Here's how our service works:

📍 ON-SITE CATIO CONSTRUCTION

We offer professional on-site construction throughout our service areas in:

🗽 NEW YORK

Including Long Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, the Hamptons, Westchester County, and the Hudson Valley.

🌳 NEW JERSEY

Including Northern New Jersey and qualifying projects throughout the state.

🏡 CONNECTICUT

Including Fairfield County and other qualifying locations.

Our team travels to your property, handles the construction and installation, and ensures everything is completed properly.

🇺🇸 NATIONWIDE CATIO TOWER & WINDOW BOX DELIVERY

We WILL deliver our Catio Towers and Window Boxes anywhere in the United States!

You do NOT need to live in NY, NJ, or CT to own one of our structures.

Whether you're in:

☀️ California

🌴 Florida

🤠 Texas

🏔️ Colorado

🌵 Arizona

🌲 Oregon

Or anywhere else in the country, we're happy to discuss your project.

Our Towers and Window Boxes can be manufactured at our facility and transported to your location.

Transportation and installation fees are determined individually based on your location, structure, and installation requirements.

We discuss those costs upfront so you know exactly what to expect.

🏰 LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS NATIONWIDE

Planning something extraordinary?

For qualifying custom projects exceeding $75,000, we'll consider off-site construction and nationwide transportation and installation arrangements.

That includes large luxury catios, elaborate animal enclosures, interconnected habitats, and specialty commercial projects.

Distance doesn't necessarily have to stop us from building something incredible for your animals.

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🐈 6. We're NOT Just a Catio Company!

Despite our name, we can design and construct custom indoor or outdoor enclosures for practically any pet or animal.

For example:

🐕 Dogs: Custom runs, kennels, ramps, accessibility structures, and protected outdoor areas.

🐇 Rabbits: Custom rabbit hutches, protected outdoor habitats, and exercise enclosures.

🦜 Birds: Custom aviaries, large flight enclosures, and indoor bird habitats.

🐢 Turtles & Tortoises: Custom habitats and protected outdoor environments.

🐈 Cats: Towers, Kingdoms, Klubhouses, tunnels, window boxes, and entire outdoor playgrounds.

🐾 Other Animals: Tell us what you have in mind!

Small projects. Large projects. Private residences. Commercial properties. Animal facilities.

We love unusual requests.

If you have an idea that doesn't exist in a catalog, that's exactly the kind of challenge John enjoys.

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😺7. Animal Rescue Is Part of Our Story

John isn't simply someone who builds animal enclosures.

He's also involved in animal rescue and has been featured in News 12.

That experience has shaped how we think about safety, accessibility, enrichment, and long-term animal welfare.

We work directly with:

🏡 Individual homeowners and pet owners

🐈 Animal rescues and shelters

❤️ Registered animal charities and nonprofits

🐾 Animal protection and welfare organizations

🏥 Veterinary and boarding facilities

🏢 Commercial animal-care businesses

We also offer special pricing consideration for qualifying rescues and charitable organizations.

Our work has been featured in local media, including Newsday, and John's animal rescue involvement has received television coverage.

Our goal isn't simply to sell expensive structures.

It's to create environments that genuinely improve animals' lives.

\---

🏆 8. What Makes Our Catios Different?

When someone searches for a custom catio builder, professional catio installer, luxury catio manufacturer, or outdoor cat enclosure contractor, they're often comparing companies with very different construction methods.

Here's what we believe separates our work:

🔨 DIRECT MANUFACTURING

We build our own products instead of simply reselling kits or handing plans to unrelated contractors.

🏡 FREESTANDING DESIGN

Our structures are designed to minimize unnecessary attachment to your home.

🛡️ PREDATOR-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION

We use heavy-duty welded wire, reinforced framing, and carefully designed connections to help protect animals from common outdoor hazards.

No enclosure can eliminate every possible risk, but safety is central to our designs.

🪵 CONCEALED FASTENERS

We hide screw holes, staples, and wire attachment points within finished framing.

🌧️ WEATHER-RESISTANT MATERIALS

We use pressure-treated wood, protective finishes, and durable roofing materials suited to the project.

🐈 CUSTOM CAT ENRICHMENT

Our structures can include climbing platforms, elevated perches, tunnels, bridges, lounging areas, and other enrichment features.

🚚 PROFESSIONAL DELIVERY & INSTALLATION

We don't simply manufacture the product and leave you to figure everything out.

💰 TRANSPARENT PRICING

We publish starting prices and explain transportation, installation, and consultation costs upfront.

🤙FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS

When you contact us, you're dealing directly with the people responsible for the business.

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❓ 9. Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Catios

"Why would I spend $10,000 when I can buy a catio online for $400?"

You might not need to!

If a smaller DIY catio kit meets your needs, your budget, and your safety expectations, there's nothing wrong with that.

But a mass-produced kit and a substantial, professionally manufactured custom structure are two different products.

It's similar to comparing a prefabricated shed with a custom-built backyard studio.

Or a Mercedes to a Camry because they both have wheels. 🚗

Both serve a purpose. They're just built for different expectations.

"Are freestanding catios better than attached catios?"

We generally prefer freestanding construction because it can reduce unnecessary modifications to your home's exterior, provide flexible placement options, and make future renovations easier.

However, proper anchoring and structural design are essential.

"Can cats access your catios directly from the house?"

Absolutely!

We frequently design access through suitable windows and enclosed connecting tunnels.

Your cats can enjoy their outdoor enclosure without needing to be carried outside.

"Do you install catios on Long Island?"

Yes!

We're based on Long Island and serve qualifying properties throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the Hamptons.

"Do you build catios in New Jersey and Connecticut?"

Yes!

We offer custom catio construction and professional installation throughout our qualifying service areas in both states.

"Can I order a Catio Tower if I live outside the Northeast?"

YES!

Our Towers and Window Boxes are available for nationwide delivery.

Transportation and installation fees are quoted separately based on location and project requirements.

"Can you build a catio that isn't on your website?"

Absolutely!

Our standard models are starting points.

If you want an enormous custom playground, a series of interconnected towers, or a completely original design, we'd love to hear about it.

"Are your structures maintenance-free?"

We design them for minimal upkeep using durable materials and protective finishes.

However, no outdoor wooden structure is literally maintenance-free forever.

Periodic inspections and occasional upkeep are still sensible.

"How long does everything take?"

It depends on the project and our schedule.

A typical project involves consultation, design approval, material procurement, manufacturing, and final installation.

Larger custom projects require additional planning. We are already starting to book out spring installations.

"Do you charge for consultations?"

Yes.

Our professional in-home consultation is $200, credited toward your project if you move forward.

We visit the property, evaluate the space, discuss your needs, and help determine the right solution.

Travel-related charges may apply to certain locations or projects and are discussed beforehand.

"Why do you require payment in full?"

Because every structure is manufactured specifically for the customer.

We don't manufacture generic inventory that can simply be returned to a shelf.

Once the design is approved, payment is due within seven days so materials can be purchased and construction can begin. Over 100 projects, all 5 star reviews ⭐. We have proven our trust with our demographic.

We explain these terms before anyone commits.

"Can you build a catio for an animal shelter or rescue?"

Absolutely!

We work with animal rescues, shelters, charities, animal welfare organizations, and commercial animal-care facilities.

We can also discuss special pricing consideration for qualifying nonprofit projects.

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🔎 10. Looking for a Professional Catio Builder Near You?

One thing we've learned is that many cat owners don't even realize professional catio builders and installation companies exist.

We regularly hear from people who have been researching outdoor cat enclosures, catio kits, freestanding catios, and custom cat playgrounds.

For anyone searching for a professional builder, here's a quick breakdown of where we work and what we specialize in.

🗽 Custom Catios Long Island, NY

Custom-built cat enclosures, outdoor cat playgrounds, catio towers, and professional catio installation throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the Hamptons.

🏡 Catios Westchester, Rockland County, Sullivan County & Hudson Valley

Freestanding cat enclosures, luxury catios, custom outdoor cat habitats, and professionally installed catio structures.

🌳 Custom Catios New Jersey

Serving qualifying projects throughout New Jersey, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic counties.

🐾 Catios Connecticut

Custom cat enclosures, outdoor cat runs, and professional catio installation throughout Fairfield County and other qualifying areas.

🇺🇸 Nationwide Catio Delivery

Our custom Catio Towers and Window Boxes are available for delivery throughout the United States, with transportation and installation arrangements discussed individually.

For qualifying custom projects exceeding $75,000, we can also discuss larger nationwide builds.

What Types of Catios Do We Specialize In?

🐈 Freestanding Catios: Independently constructed outdoor cat enclosures designed to minimize unnecessary attachment to your home.

🌳 Catio Towers: Vertical cat playgrounds with multiple platforms, climbing areas, and elevated perches.

🏡 Walk-In Catios: Larger outdoor cat enclosures with room for people and pets.

🪟 Cat Window Enclosures: Custom outdoor habitats accessible through suitable windows.

🌉 Catio Tunnels & Bridges: Enclosed cat walkways connecting multiple structures.

🏰 Luxury Custom Catios: Large-scale backyard cat playgrounds, interconnected cat enclosures, and elaborate outdoor cat habitats.

🐾 Indoor Animal Enclosures: Custom interior structures for cats and other animals.

Whether you're looking for a catio contractor, custom catio builder, outdoor cat enclosure installer, luxury catio designer, or freestanding catio manufacturer, we're happy to discuss your project.

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🐾 11. The Thing We're Most Proud of Isn't the Price Tag

It's the craftsmanship.

We want customers to look at their catio years after installation and still be happy they made the investment.

We don't want exposed staples, sloppy connections, unfinished corners, or shortcuts that create unnecessary maintenance problems.

We want a customer to call us, have their structure professionally installed, and enjoy knowing their pets have a secure, thoughtfully designed environment.

Because the best catio isn't necessarily the biggest or most expensive.

It's the one that's properly designed, responsibly constructed, and right for the animals using it.

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💬 12. Now We'd Actually Love to Hear From Reddit!

We're curious:

If money weren't an issue, what would your DREAM catio look like?

Would you want:

🏰 A giant backyard Kingdom?

🌉 Tunnels connecting different structures?

🌳 A vertical climbing Tower?

🏡 An entire screened-in outdoor room?

🐈 Or something completely ridiculous that nobody has built yet?

Those crows are sure lucky that the netting is keeping Cleo from getting at them.

not even mad at this point. is this universal or did i just buy the wrong bed

I rent the house we live at so I can’t make any drastic permeant changes. But we have a front patio I was thinking about enclosing, think golf netting would work? I could use a steel tension wire around the edges to anchor the net on.
Something like this: https://www.amazon.ca/Practice-Hanging-Hitting-Hockey-Chipping/dp/B0FHHK6HZG

My boy goes out regularly on a leash but I know he would love to get out side more often.