Building a "catio"landscaping with pets' needs in mind

One of my (many) projects is building an outdoor cat enclosure, or "catio" so my cat, Coco, can spend some time outdoors safely. I discovered that in Austin, TX, mimosa trees are considered a nuisance, as they propagate easily from bird droppings, and they are not native. Also, particular to Austin, tree houses are not allowed. I LOVE tree houses. So, I've determined to solve both issues at the same time. I've pruned all the branches off the mimosa, leaving the main trunks, with some branching. This structure will somehow incorporate perches among the branches for Coco, from where she can happily enjoy watching the birds, and other going's on from a lofty point of view. So at least I will get to see her enjoy the cat version of a tree house, within the enclosure.

So far, I've decided that the catio will be 8X10 feet, with a wooden deck. I'll use some kind of stock fencing on the sides, and in part, the top. I think I'll add a metal roof for shade and protection from the elements over perhaps half of the top. I haven't made up my mind whether to use wood or iron for the structural elements, and the height in part will be determined by the height of the fencing I can find, and cost, but will probably be about eight feet. The challenge will be to construct it so that it will be attractive, as well as useful. This will probably depend in part in how well I design it, and secondly, I think adding vines, such as cross vine, so that it will better blend in with the yard. I already have cross vines and a passion flower vine, which so far are growing well on my back chain-link fence.

I'll post some photos when construction begins.

Is anyone else wrestling with similar issues? Or successfully built a handsome catio?

I have seen several. The most inventive guy too advantage of a window and built a cat door into the window so the cat had the option of going outside when she wanted to. The enclosure was not much, a few shelves at different heights and some chicken wire to keep cats in and wildlife out.

The other was much more extensive, not connected to the house, and had an enclosure, partially solid floor area and dirt 'floor' area with grass. Several levels of perches.

Thanks, Diana--Having a "grassy floor" area is a good idea I hadn't thought about. It would be something Coco would appreciate, especially with a little catnip planted! It is not so easy to think like a cat! The wood decking is more people-oriented than it is for the cat.

It would be ideal to have an access window from the house, but the house does not lend itself to that solution easily.

I have put a table next to my office window, where Coco can watch birds at a feeder only feet away. I set this up only a few days ago, and introduced her to it. Yesterday, I found her there, intently watching the activity outside!

It is important to keep her mind active--my Austin neighborhood is much more dangerous to her than the quiet street we lived on in Duluth, where she came in and out as she pleased. I believe that she only pretends to be domestic! I do worry about the fledgeling birds, however--they are defenseless against such efficient predators as a cat. It seems wrong to attract birds to my feeders, then unleash the cat on them!

Cant help you with your plans for the CATIO, but I've a funny feeling Coco will be very happy no matter what type of play station you erect for her/ him. I like your attitude regarding feeding birds where cats are active and out free lancing. Wish more cat owners would have the same thoughts.
I've a cat myself called Lucky, she did get hold of the odd bird BUT brought it into the hose still alive, she got locked in the laundry for her troubles and eventually learned, the bird are also my friends. she's now 19 years old and still get's a twinkle in her eyes when she sees all the birds on the bird feeder, but at her age, they would need to fly into her grip / mouth LOL.
Enjoy your project and Coco.
Kindest regards.
WeeNel.