Giving Cats the Outdoors—Safely, Comfortably, and With Heart
If you’ve ever watched a cat press their nose to a window, tracking birds with that little chirping sound they make, you know just how strong their desire to explore the outside world can be. Many families struggle with the tension between wanting to honor that instinct and wanting to keep their cats safe from cars, predators, and—most importantly—human-caused harm.
At The Jade Project, we’ve lived this reality deeply. Jade has always loved fresh air, sunshine, and bird-watching. After her injury in 2025, safe outdoor access became even more important for her healing and confidence. Creating protected outdoor spaces—like catios—has become one of our favorite ways to give cats freedom without sacrificing safety.
Today, we want to share what we’ve learned, both as guardians of five cats and as advocates for safer, more compassionate communities.
Why Catios Matter
Catios (cat patios) are enclosed outdoor structures that let cats safely enjoy sunshine, breezes, wildlife sights, and the sensory richness of the outdoors—all while keeping them protected from dangers.
For many families, catios offer the best of both worlds:
Cats get stimulation, enrichment, and exploration.
Wildlife stays protected from hunting.
Neighbors have peace of mind.
Families avoid the risks of free-roaming cats, such as cars, toxins, territorial conflicts, and cruelty.
For Jade, our catio became more than just a playground—it became a sanctuary where she could rest, rebuild her confidence, and rediscover her brave little spirit.
Our Catio Setup: A Peek Into Our Porch
As the directors of The Jade Project, we share our home with five wonderful cats. To give them safe access to the outdoors, we installed a large catio on our concrete back porch. It attaches directly to the house, and our dog–cat door opens right into it. This means the cats can come and go freely throughout the day—sunrise stretching sessions, afternoon birdwatching, and evening lounging included.
A few things we’ve learned along the way:
Keep the environment fresh
We love switching out the scenery inside the catio—rotating climbing shelves, adding new hideaways, swapping in seasonal branches or toys, and sprinkling in fresh scents (like cat-safe herbs). A simple refresh goes a long way in giving indoor cats a sense of novelty.
Jade’s favorite spot? A sturdy platform where she can sit and watch her feathered neighbors flutter in and out. She could sit there for hours.
Mind the escape opportunities
No matter the brand or size, it’s essential to check:
All corners and edges
Roof connections
Wire gaps
Locking mechanisms
Ground-level openings
Cats are determined little engineers, and if there’s a spot to squeeze through, they’ll find it.
Don’t forget about the ground
Some catios come with no flooring. Ours, made by Rugged Ranch, sits on concrete—so even without a built-in bottom, there’s no way for the cats to dig out.
Other designs, like Omlet’s, have a “skirt” where the wire bends outward along the ground, preventing even the cleverest paws from tunneling under.
Catio Options: Rugged Ranch, Omlet, and DIY
There’s no one “right” way to build a catio—every home, budget, and cat family has different needs. Here are a few of the most common (and accessible) options to consider:
Rugged Ranch
Rugged Ranch structures are known for their durability and long-term strength, making them a dependable option for families who want something that will withstand years of use. Their heavy-duty design is especially helpful for homes with multiple cats who love to climb, jump, and test boundaries. They’re a great choice for multi-cat families or for people who want a sturdy, low-maintenance enclosure without needing extensive customization.
Omlet
Omlet systems are highly customizable and designed with cats in mind, offering a wide range of accessories that help you build a space tailored to your cat’s personality. With options like tunnels, window boxes, and modular expansions, Omlet makes it easy to adapt or grow your catio over time, especially if your needs change as your cats age. While not as rugged as heavy-duty enclosures, their flexibility and cat-specific features make them an appealing option for creative layouts.
DIY (Do-It-Yourself)
Building your own catio can be an affordable and rewarding option, especially for families who enjoy hands-on projects or want full control over the final design. With basic tools, lumber, and wire, many families create safe, personalized spaces while saving significantly on cost, and DIY builds also allow you to repurpose materials or design around unique home layouts. It’s a great way to get exactly what you want while keeping your budget in mind.
Tips for Building or Choosing Your Own Catio
Whether you buy a kit or build from scratch, here are some things worth considering:
Location matters
Choose a spot with good visibility from inside your home—cats love watching you as much as you love watching them. A well-placed catio also makes it easy for you to monitor activity throughout the day.
Think long-term durability
Weatherproof materials, UV-stable wire, and strong joints will keep your catio safe year-round. Investing in durable components also reduces long-term maintenance.
Create vertical interest
Shelves, ramps, and perches give cats more territory without expanding the footprint. Vertical features also encourage climbing, play, and healthy movement.
Provide shade and shelter
Cats need a protected spot to escape sun, wind, and rain. Even a small covered area helps them feel secure while exploring outdoors.
Add enrichment
Branches, cat grass, toys, scratching posts, and tunnels bring variety and joy to the space. Changing enrichment items regularly keeps things fresh and exciting.
Make it yours—and theirs
Your catio doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive to be meaningful. What matters most is creating a space that reflects your cats’ personalities and the love you put into it.
A More Compassionate Outdoor Experience
Catios are not just structures—they’re invitations to a safer, kinder world for cats. They protect pets, local wildlife, and neighborhood relationships, all while giving cats a chance to enjoy the outdoors in the way they naturally crave.
For Jade, for our five furry family members, and for countless cats whose stories deserve better endings, catios are one of the many ways we can turn care into action.
We hope this inspires you to consider building a safe outdoor space for your own feline companions—or to share the idea with someone who might.
If you’d like more tips, design ideas, or guidance based on your home layout, we’re always here to help. Together, we can keep cats safe, happy, and deeply loved—one catio at a time.
We’d also love to see what you’ve created. If you have a catio, catio furnishings, or plans you’re dreaming up, please share them with us! Your ideas might inspire someone else to build a safe space for their own cats.
