Why Every Cat Should Have a Catio (And Why I’ll Never Let My Cats Roam Free Again)

If you had asked me years ago whether cats should be allowed outside, I would have answered without hesitation:

Absolutely.

After all, cats are animals. They love sunshine, fresh air, climbing trees, watching birds, and exploring nature. It seemed almost unfair to keep them indoors.

Today, I still believe cats deserve all of those things.

The difference is that I no longer believe they should experience them unsupervised.

Growing Up with Outdoor Cats

Growing up, every cat we had was an outdoor cat.

My mom was allergic, so our cats mostly lived outside. It was simply what we knew.

Every once in a while, one of our cats wouldn’t come home. I never questioned it much. I assumed they’d found another family or wandered off somewhere new. It just felt like part of owning cats.

When Sean and I got married, we continued doing the same thing.

For nearly ten years, our cats had a kitty door and came and went whenever they wanted. Honestly, everything seemed perfectly fine. They always came home, and I started believing that cats naturally knew how to protect themselves. They’re intelligent, athletic, and connected to their instincts. I figured they could handle life outdoors much better than we gave them credit for.

Then one of our cats was hit by a car.

It was heartbreaking, but even then I convinced myself it was just a tragic accident. Something rare.

So we eventually welcomed another cat into our family.

Her name was Tika Bell.

She was different for me.

She wasn’t just “our cat.” I loved her the way many people love a child. She followed me everywhere, greeted me at the door, and quickly became one of my closest companions.

About a year later, she disappeared.

We searched everywhere.

Eventually we learned that she had been taken by a predator in our own backyard. Living in Southern Utah, we’re surrounded by beautiful desert landscapes—but that also means we’re surrounded by wildlife.

Losing Tika Bell changed everything.

It was the moment I realized that even the smartest, healthiest cat cannot control the dangers around them.

Cats Deserve Nature… Just Safely

One thing hasn’t changed.

I still believe cats need sunshine.

They need fresh air.

They need to watch birds.

They need to smell the breeze.

They need mental stimulation and opportunities to climb, stretch, explore, and connect with the outdoors.

Just like people, I believe animals benefit from spending time in nature. It provides enrichment, exercise, and mental stimulation that simply can’t be replicated indoors.

The goal shouldn’t be to keep cats away from nature.

The goal should be to give them nature safely.

That’s exactly what a catio does.

What Is a Catio?

A catio (short for “cat patio”) is a secure outdoor enclosure designed specifically for cats.

It allows cats to enjoy all the sights, sounds, smells, sunshine, and fresh air of the outdoors without exposing them to many of the risks that come with free roaming.

A well-designed catio protects cats from:

• Cars and traffic

• Coyotes, hawks, owls, and other predators

• Poisonous plants

• Diseases from stray animals

• Getting lost

• Theft

• Toxic chemicals

• Fights with neighborhood cats

Instead of choosing between an indoor cat or an outdoor cat, a catio gives you the best of both worlds.

The Health Benefits of a Catio

I’ve noticed that my cats become noticeably more relaxed after spending time outside in their catios.

They’ll lounge in the sun, watch birds for hours, climb shelves, smell the breeze, and simply enjoy being cats.

Some of the biggest benefits include:

• Daily mental enrichment

• More physical activity

• Reduced boredom

• Less stress

• Fresh air

• Natural sunlight

• Safe opportunities to explore

• New sights, sounds, and smells every day

For cats that spend their entire lives indoors, even 20 or 30 minutes outside in a secure enclosure can make a huge difference.

You Don’t Need an Expensive Catio

One of the biggest misconceptions is that catios have to cost thousands of dollars.

They absolutely don’t.

Over the years, we’ve built four completely different catios.

1. A Custom Backyard Catio

Our largest catio was custom-built by my husband, Sean, with the help of a contractor friend.

It’s attached directly to our home and gives the cats plenty of room to climb, run, and enjoy being outside.

2. Teddy’s “King’s Quarters”

Our second catio is much simpler.

It’s attached to the side of one of our rental homes where Teddy lives.

Rather than building an entire enclosed room, Sean created a secure outdoor run using sturdy posts, fencing, overhead netting, and a gated entrance.

It’s proof that you don’t need an elaborate design to create a safe outdoor space.

3. Our Habitat Haven Catio

One of my favorite options came from Habitat Haven.

Their catios are modular, beautifully designed, and shipped as DIY kits that homeowners can assemble themselves. They offer a wide variety of sizes and styles, making it easy to find one that fits your home, budget, and available space.

It’s a great option if you want something polished without hiring a contractor.

4. A Small Amazon Catio

Believe it or not, one of our catios cost around $100 on Amazon.

It’s not attached to the house at all.

Instead, we placed it near our pool so the cats have a completely different environment to enjoy. New views, different smells, and another safe place to spend time outdoors all add to their enrichment.

Even a small enclosure can make a meaningful difference.

Every Safe Outdoor Experience Counts

Not everyone has room for a giant backyard catio.

That’s okay.

There are so many ways to safely enrich your cat’s life outdoors.

You might consider:

• A window catio

• A small portable cat enclosure

• A DIY catio built from lumber and wire

• A deck or patio conversion

• A screened porch

• Harness training (for cats that enjoy it)

• A secure pet stroller

• Backpack adventures

The goal isn’t perfection.

The goal is giving your cat more opportunities to safely experience the outdoors.

My Biggest Regret

If I could go back in time, I would have built a catio years earlier.

I can’t change what happened to Tika Bell, and I’ll always miss her.

But her story completely changed the way I care for cats today.

Every cat in our program now has access to secure outdoor spaces where they can soak up the sunshine, breathe fresh air, watch wildlife, and enjoy everything they love about nature—without the unnecessary risks of roaming freely.

Watching them stretched out in the sun, listening to birds, or peacefully observing the world reminds me that they aren’t missing out on life.

They’re simply experiencing it in a safer way.

And after everything we’ve been through, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Catios

Are catios good for indoor cats?

Yes! Catios give indoor cats access to fresh air, sunshine, new scents, and mental stimulation while helping keep them safe from common outdoor dangers.

Can you build a catio yourself?

Absolutely. Many cat owners build DIY catios using wood framing and wire mesh, while others purchase ready-to-assemble kits or even small portable enclosures.

Is a small catio worth it?

Yes. Even a compact catio gives cats opportunities for safe exploration and enrichment. It doesn’t have to be large to make a positive impact.

What is the safest way for cats to enjoy the outdoors?

A secure catio is one of the safest ways for cats to experience nature while protecting them from traffic, predators, disease, and getting lost.