The New and Improved Catio

Our cats loved the enclosed patio we built for them in July 2019. I spent a lot of time reinforcing and repairing the structure over the last few years. Sadly, the materials could not survive the sun, wind, and snow. Freddy also became more aggressive in his attempts to escape, with occasional success! He kept tearing at weak points and I couldn’t trust them. Last fall, with supporting zip ties now brittle from UV light, one of the ledges broke and collapsed. I closed the catio and made plans to built a stronger model in the spring.

Spring break came and it was time to commit. I made some blueprints and ordered wood and hardware. I don’t know what I’m doing! My plans had many problems I didn’t anticipate. I have little experience in carpentry, so the first day was a slog.

I quickly decided the 2x4s were too heavy and thicker than I needed. I wanted to split them myself, but we only have handsaws and a jigsaw. Luckily Ben has a co-worker with a well stocked woodshop. I whipped up some lemon poppyseed muffins to send along with my trimmed pieces that required splitting.

My second mistake was thinking that nails are useful. I tried to have the kids help me nail together the box frame. We got frustrated with each other, having trouble holding the large (and still heavy) beams in place. No matter how well we placed and augments a joint with nails, it slipped apart easily. Ugh! Ben helped me again later, and we gave up on nails. I bought a box of screws and we were in a whole new game. Dang it, I wish I hadn’t bungled around with nails for a half day.

So here’s my progress picture after a long day of struggling.

The next two days were fun and fruitful. I figured out how to build a “docking tunnel” that connects the pet door to the enclosed box. Initially I wanted the box entirely closed with chicken wire and attached to the house door too. But the catio was so heavy, we think it’s ok to leave the bottom open, and the tunnel wedged close to the door.

Time to release the kitties!

So far it seems secure and solid. The tunnel hasn’t budged from the door portal and I don’t see any new gaps. Before attaching the wire, we took a sample clipping and pushed it on Freddy’s head. I figured he could get neck deep, but it won’t go over his shoulders. Sure enough, one morning this week I noticed Freddy was naked. On a hunch I looked outside and found his collar, outside the catio borders. I think he pushed his head through and it came off when he pulled back in. I’ll keep an eye on him, but I’m not too worried. I hope he learned his lesson.

(He also sneaked into the clothes dryer this week. When I shut the door to fluff for a few minutes, I heard clunking. It was only 2-3 rotations. Freddy hopped out when I reached in, looking healthy and mad. So that’s TWO lessons Freddy needs to learn.)

Freddy definitely spends more time outside thank NImbus. He’s the first out in the morning. He favors the top shelf for sleeping. I’m glad we had this stretch of warm weather to complete the build. But spring snow and chill returned. Freddy doggedly asks to go outside anyway. I think when the sun comes back it’ll be Nimbus more often.