I’m a dad to a sweet little Ragdoll who loves nothing more than trying to sneak outside. But since we live in an apartment, there just isn’t much room for her to explore. I’ve always dreamed of giving her a tiny patio of her own—a simple, safe little “catio” where she can enjoy the fresh air.
The other day, while scrolling for ideas, I found so many cute and creative setups. They made me smile, and I thought you might enjoy the inspiration too.
DIY Outdoor Catio with Multiple Levels
Cedar’s catio isn’t just a backyard project—it feels like a love letter from a dad to his favorite cat. He built it in just one week, and the whole DIY project cost about $1500. It has sturdy concrete block foundations, high-quality materials, and sweet little touches like removable side panels that make cleaning easy.
There are several levels and a long catwalk, giving Cedar plenty of room to climb, explore, and relax. And the best part? She’s already been spotted birdwatching during the day and stargazing at night, enjoying her new kingdom like the queen she truly is.
Five-Star Jungle Retreat
The second catio in this article, made by u/OneManFiveCats, looks like a five-star jungle retreat. Honestly, if my own cat saw it, I think she’d pack her little bags and move in!
There’s also a video tour of the catio, and it already has more than 600,000 views. Watching the video makes everything come to life. You can see the ivy-covered tunnels, the cozy walkways, and the solar lights glowing on the platforms—each one named after a different cat.
My favorite part is the mix of real, cat-safe plants like catnip, mint, and even an olive tree. They added some fake greenery too, so it stays bright and lush all year long. It’s beautiful and safe, which makes my heart happy.
DIY Window Catio Outdoor
I really loved how this catio came together. It’s not just cute—it’s actually very clever. u/sluke1090 built it right off the window with a plexiglass roof and a big overhang, so it stays dry even when it’s raining. You can also close the window when the catio isn’t being used, which solves the usual problem of losing heat or cool air.
At first, people worried that bugs might sneak in through the gaps in the wire, but the update with a tighter mesh fixed that right away. The only concern some folks pointed out is the cutouts in the support beams—they thought the cuts might be a little too deep. But with the extra bracing on the outside, everything looks steady and secure.
Overall, it’s a sweet, smart little build that shows a lot of love and problem-solving.
Charming Screened Outdoor Cat Patio
u/HARRIZ22 built this whole catio from scratch—no plans, no blueprints, just an idea in their mind and about £300–£350 in materials. Honestly, that alone makes me nervous, but the final result is so charming.
The catio is fully screened on every side, even the roof, so it’s safe while still letting in lots of sunlight. Inside, there’s a comfy little couch, a basket of flowers, and a sweet, cozy setup that feels more like a tiny backyard sunroom than a space made just for cats. It’s warm, bright, and full of heart—exactly the kind of spot any cat (or human!) would love.
DIY Catio in the Front Porch
u/koneillp turned their front porch into a catio, and honestly, it looks like it was always meant to be part of the house. They used painted wood that blends right into the porch, then added strong 2×2 galvanized wire mesh to keep everything safe and secure.
The design is simple, and the owner even said they were worried it might end up looking a little messy. But it actually turned out clean, neat, and surprisingly polished.
The cats can come and go through a little window cat door, which gets locked at night. They only use the space when someone is home, and you can just tell it’s a spot made with love and care.
Spacious Outdoor Cat Patio
u/AFoxC’s garden catio is one of those builds that looks simple at first, but the more you look, the more clever it becomes. For under £300 and in less than two days, they turned an ordinary yard into a safe, open space where their cat can roam and explore.
The mesh roof is a smart touch, too. It keeps everything secure and stops their adventurous Savannah from trying to escape. It’s a great example of how a little creativity—and a lot of love—can turn a regular backyard into a happy place for a curious cat.
Cozy Outdoor Cat Patio Paradise
This 11’×11′ catio by u/NVgal58 might be one of the most thoughtful pet projects I’ve seen in a long time. It sits right outside the living room window, so the cats can step straight into their own little world.
They added low-pile astroturf from Lowe’s for the floor, which is a big upgrade from the old dirt setup. And my favorite detail? They kept a big rock right in the middle because the cats love sitting on it. That just feels so sweet and personal.
Even though the design looks open and airy, it’s fully enclosed with mesh fencing to keep birds and other wildlife safely out. It’s simple, safe, and made with so much love.
This catio is such a beautiful example of how a simple idea can turn into something truly special. In the first picture, you can see the bare frame going up—just clean, sturdy wood and a whole lot of hope. It already feels full of love, like someone carefully imagined every corner with their cats in mind.
By the time you get to the second picture, it’s transformed into a cozy outdoor haven. The bright green astroturf gives it a soft, grassy feel, turning the whole space into a little backyard paradise. And that big rock right in the center? It’s such a sweet touch. You can tell it wasn’t placed there for looks—it stayed because the cats enjoy it. There’s something heartwarming about keeping a detail simply because it makes your pets happy.
The cats look so content inside, exploring the shelves, relaxing on the floor, and taking in all the fresh air and sunshine. The mesh fencing keeps everything open and bright while still protecting them from birds and wildlife, so they get the best of both worlds: freedom and safety.
It’s the kind of project that shows how much love a person has for their pets. Every board, every screw, every thoughtful feature feels like a little “I love you” to the cats who get to call it their outdoor home.
Mesh Catio with Cozy Hideouts
u/SimplePengui has a custom-built setup that feels like a little suite for their three young Ragdolls. It has tall condos, cozy hideouts, and even clear bubble windows that everyone—yes, even me—is obsessed with. PetCaves UK designed the whole thing for about £2.8k, and even though it’s not a DIY project, it truly looks like a dream cat castle.
The catio uses a tight mesh that keeps the cats safe while still giving them a great view of the world outside. There’s a lot of smart planning in the materials, too. OP is waiting to seal the wood until it weathers a bit, which shows just how thoughtful they are.
One of my favorite parts? The space also works as a peaceful summer work spot. It’s a place made with love, where both humans and cats can relax and enjoy the warm sunshine together.
DIY Cat Patio with Smart Layout
u/mle32000’s catio is a true DIY project, built completely from scratch and improved little by little over several months. They planned everything themselves—from the framing to the angled shelf mounts to the final paint and stain. You can really see the love and care that went into every step.
The layout is smart and welcoming. There are wide 12-inch shelves where the cats can stretch out and relax, smaller shelves for climbing around, and tiered platforms that work for both active cats and those who move a bit slower. It’s a space made for every kind of kitty.
The whole structure is anchored with strong 4×4 posts set in concrete, and the shelves are bolted in place for extra strength. You can tell just by looking at it that everything is sturdy and built to last. It’s the kind of project that shows how much someone wants their cats to feel safe, happy, and right at home.
Free-Standing Cat Patio
This 80-square-foot catio wraps around two windows, so the cats can come and go like little royals. The whole build took only two days, which is pretty amazing. It’s also freestanding, so they didn’t need a permit, and most of the wood is pressure-treated to help it last.
The floor is plywood covered with turf, but a few people in the comments worried it might rot over time. u/AnnesMan admitted they were so excited to finish the project that they skipped adding a moisture barrier. Still, they’re planning to repaint or replace the floor later. And if the plywood ever gives out, they already have a backup plan to switch to deck boards. It’s a great reminder that even when things aren’t perfect, love and effort make a space feel special.
Cat Patio Garden Retreat
u/BeneficialClerk2103’s catio is more than just a DIY project—it feels like a little retreat right outside their home. It has a strong 10mm polycarbonate roof and heavy-duty wire mesh, so it’s sturdy and ready for any kind of weather. But what really makes it special is how alive and natural it feels.
There’s a whole garden inside, with safe, non-toxic plants growing in every corner. It looks wild in the best way, like a tiny outdoor paradise made just for their cats. Honestly, seeing this kind of love and care put into a space always brightens my day.
Catio with Handmade Rope Ladder
u/Hi_from_Danielle’s patio-turned-catio is the kind of setup that just feels right the moment you see it. It’s full of soft, natural touches—driftwood, sisal rope, spider plants, and even hand-grown greens like wheatgrass and chia. There’s also a bead chandelier that sends little rainbows dancing across the space, which is such a sweet detail.
The handmade rope ladder isn’t just adorable—the cats actually use it! With four cats in a small house, this little fresh-air retreat feels like a gift for everyone. It’s cozy, creative, and filled with so much love.
These photos bring the whole story of u/Hi_from_Danielle’s patio-turned-catio to life. The moment you look at them, you can feel how much love went into this space.
The first image shows the outside view, and it already feels so warm and inviting. The soft string lights give it a gentle glow, and the clear roof lets in plenty of sunshine. The mix of white lattice, pale green framing, and natural wood textures makes the whole space feel light, cozy, and handmade with care.
Inside, the magic really shows. The cats have a little world of their own—quiet, sunny, and full of places to explore. One cat lounges on the soft brown-covered bench, soaking up the warm sunlight, while another rests happily on a patch of real grass. That little grass garden is such a sweet touch, giving them a place to stretch, roll, and pretend they’re outside in the yard.
Up higher, you can see cats perched on shelves and platforms, looking out at the world with curious eyes. The driftwood pieces, hanging ropes, and tiny decorations make the space feel creative and natural, like a little forest corner tucked right into the patio.
Every detail feels thoughtful—from the cozy seating to the safe mesh walls to the handmade climbing pieces the cats actually use. With four cats in a small home, this sunlit retreat must feel like a breath of fresh air for everyone. It’s bright, peaceful, and full of heart—a little sanctuary built with so much love.
DIY Outdoor Catio Made from Scratch
u/twitch2641’s catio is a true DIY success story. They built it completely from scratch using SketchUp, and the whole project cost under $450—much cheaper than the $1,000 prefab cages they were looking at. It’s a great example of how creativity can save money and still look amazing.
The catio sits in the corner of their porch and is fully screened with strong fiberglass mesh. Inside, there’s outdoor-rated carpet, fresh paint, and even a clever window insert that works like an AC unit. It seals the cat door in place without needing to drill into the house, which is such a smart idea.
The whole structure is free-standing, so it can be moved or taken down if needed. At first, it didn’t have a door, but the owner quickly added one to make going in and out much easier. It’s thoughtful, simple, and clearly built with a lot of love for their cats.
Simple Cat Patio
Mango’s first snow day on the new catio felt like watching a child see magic for the very first time. The catio was built for u/Few_Vermicelli_5794’s birthday in Georgia, and it doesn’t even have flooring yet. But even with just the bare cedar planks, it’s already a favorite spot.
Mango sat proudly on the second shelf, wide-eyed as he watched the snow fall. His mom, Melon, chose to stay warm inside, which honestly feels very relatable. The whole build cost about $1800 and was made by a local crew. There were no official plans or a fancy kit—just a photo for inspiration and a simple list of materials handed to a contractor. It’s a sweet reminder that sometimes the simplest projects bring the most joy.
Happy Blue and Turquoise Catio
These pictures show a catio that feels so bright, cheerful, and full of personality that you almost want to move in yourself. Everything is painted in happy shades of blue and turquoise, which makes the whole space feel sunny even on a cloudy day. The roof panels bring in soft, colorful light, giving the catio a playful, rainbow-glow vibe.
Inside, the cats clearly know this is their kingdom. You can see a couple of them exploring—one lounging on the floor rug, another walking around like they’re on a little adventure, and one perched up high on a long teal platform, taking in the view like the ruler of the land. There are cozy hanging beds made from macramé, little woven baskets, and cute touches everywhere, including a small table shaped like a cat holding a plant. It’s whimsical in the sweetest way.
The layout is so thoughtfully done—there’s space to climb, nap, hide, and watch the world outside. From the soft round rug on the floor to the bright pops of color and hanging toys, it feels like a mix between a playground and a peaceful outdoor lounge.
Overall, the whole space feels joyful, handmade with love, and absolutely perfect for curious, spoiled cats who deserve a sunny spot to relax and explore.
Charming Small Catio with Simple Design
This tiny catio by u/thisllbefine may be small, but it’s packed with charm and clever ideas. It’s built right off the laundry room window, which makes it easy for the cats to pop in and out. The frame is made from 1×3 primed wood, the floor is cedar, and the corners use strong pressure-treated 2x2s.
The black-coated hog wire gives it a clean, modern look while still letting the fresh air flow through. And even though it’s little, it’s built really well. It’s secured with HeadLOKs drilled into the studs, plus a bead of sealant to keep everything watertight. The best part? It all stays sturdy without hurting the siding.
It’s a sweet, simple space that shows just how much love can fit into a small build.
Evening Retreat Cat Patio
u/No-Extent9565 turned their backyard into a soft, glowing evening retreat. There are cat shelves for climbing, cozy chairs for relaxing, and enough plants to make the whole place feel like a tiny outdoor jungle. It’s not just a pet space—it’s a spot everyone can enjoy together.
People kept joking that they wanted to be adopted next, and honestly, I get it. The whole area feels peaceful and spacious, and you can tell it was made with so much love and care. It’s the kind of place where both humans and cats can unwind and feel happy.
Hexagon-Stacked Catio
Take a look at this amazing hexagon-stacked catio by u/alfar22. It almost looks like a piece of modern art made just for cats. The whole structure is built right onto the side of the house, and each wooden hexagon creates a little “honeycomb” cell the cats can climb through, peek out of, and—let’s be honest—take long, cozy naps in.
There isn’t a step-by-step guide for how it was built, which made a few people sad because they wanted to try making their own. But even without the instructions, it’s such a fun and eye-catching design. It’s the kind of catio that makes you smile the moment you see it.
Catio with Sunny Cat Room Vibes
u/AngryTaper’s catio shows that you don’t need a big yard to make something truly special. This little setup sits right on the patio, and it feels more like a sunny cat room than a cage. It’s small, cozy, and full of charm.
Built for about $350 using cedar shingles and strong mesh, it may be compact, but it’s designed with so much thought. There’s just enough room for lounging, birdwatching, and soaking up the sunshine. It’s the perfect reminder that even a tiny space can bring a lot of joy—especially to a happy cat.
Hope you love these DIY outdoor catio ideas! Please share them.
