Glossary

Catio

A fully enclosed outdoor space, from a window box to a garden room, where a cat can enjoy fresh air without roaming free.

Also called: cat patio, outdoor cat enclosure, cat run

A catio is an enclosed outdoor area built for cats. It can be a small cage fixed to a window, a walkway between a cat flap and a garden run, or a large screened structure with shelves, ramps and plants. The aim is to give an indoor cat sights, sounds, smells and sunshine while keeping it away from traffic, predators, fights and diseases, and keeping birds and wildlife safe from the cat.

A well-planned catio has a solid roof or mesh that cannot be climbed over, wire or mesh with small gaps so paws and heads cannot get through, a secure door, and shade and shelter from rain. Add perches, a cat tree or branches and a hiding place. Check for toxic plants before adding greenery, and never leave a cat in a catio in extreme heat or cold.

Some rental homes and local rules limit what you can build, so check with your landlord or planning office. If a catio is not possible, a cat harness and a window perch offer smaller doses of outdoor interest.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

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Related terms

Cat tree A multi-level piece of furniture with platforms, perches, hideaways and scratching surfaces that lets an indoor cat climb and survey the room. Window perch A shelf, hammock or bed that attaches to a window so an indoor cat can sit and watch the outside world. Cat harness A set of straps or a vest that fits around a cat's chest and back so it can be clipped to a lead for supervised outdoor time. Cat-proofing Checking a home for hazards a curious cat could chew, swallow, climb, squeeze into or fall from, and removing or blocking them.

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