Find My Catio: Outdoor Cat Enclosure Finder • Kritter Kommunity

What is a catio?

A catio is a secure outdoor enclosure that lets an indoor cat enjoy fresh air, sunshine and the sights and sounds of the outdoors without roaming free. You will also see catios called outdoor cat enclosures, cat patios or cat runs. They range from a small window box to a walk-in enclosure big enough for you to step inside with your cats.

Types of outdoor cat enclosures

Window catios mount to a window or wall. They are the smallest option and a good fit when space is tight.
Walk-in catios stand in a yard, patio or deck and are tall enough for a person to enter, which makes cleaning and playing with your cats easier.
Attached catios and tunnels connect to a window, door or cat flap so your cats can come and go on their own.
Freestanding catios need no wall fixing, which suits many renters.
Balcony catios are made for apartments and terraces. They must be secured to the building, so check your lease first.
Portable cat tents are soft, temporary and easy to move. They are not permanent catios, but they can help if you cannot build one.

How to choose the right catio

Space: measure the width, length and height you have, and leave room for any base skirt or door swing.
Number of cats: more cats need more floor space and more perches. When we match catios, we treat roughly 5 square feet of floor space per cat as a minimum, and more is better.
Own or rent: renters usually need a freestanding catio that does not attach to the building.
Walk-in or not: a catio you can step into is easier to clean and lets you spend time with your cats.
Weather: look for a roof or cover for sun, rain and snow. Some catios include one and others sell it separately.
Materials: wood kits usually cost less. Coated steel mesh systems are generally built for longer outdoor life.
Assembly: some kits go together in under an hour, while modular systems can be a bigger project.

How much does a catio cost?

Prices vary widely. In our research (September 2026), portable tents started at about $45, ready-made wood-and-wire catio kits ran from about $170 to $320, and larger modular steel systems ranged from about $850 to more than $5,000 depending on size and options. Prices change often, so always check the current price with the seller.

Before you buy: local rules and safety

Check your HOA or community rules, your lease, and any local building or permit requirements before you buy or install. Follow each product’s own assembly and safety instructions, make sure latches and mesh are secure, and ask your veterinarian about outdoor time for your cats. This is general guidance, not legal advice.

How Find My Catio chooses your matches

Find My Catio starts with fit: your space, cats, budget and rules about renting or attaching to a building. Among the catios that fit, it weighs price and value, then product evidence such as reviews, build material and warranty. The same answers always give the same matches. Commissions never affect which catio is ranked first, and where a maker does not state a detail we say so. We currently compare ready-made kits and modular systems from Habitat Haven, Omlet and Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit or HOA approval for a catio?

It depends on where you live and how the catio is built. Larger or attached structures are more likely to need approval. Check with your HOA, landlord and local building office before you buy.

Can I use a catio if I rent?

Often yes, if it is freestanding and needs no wall fixing. Catios that attach to the building, including balcony runs and window boxes, usually need your landlord’s permission.

How big should a catio be for two cats?

There is no single rule. As a starting point, we use at least about 5 square feet of floor space per cat when matching, so two cats need at least about 10 square feet. More floor space and vertical shelves give cats more to explore.

Do catios need a roof?

A roof or cover gives shade and rain protection and helps keep cats safely inside. Some catios include one, while others sell awnings or covers separately, so check what is in the price.

What is the difference between a window catio and a walk-in catio?

A window catio is a small box that attaches to a window. A walk-in catio is a larger enclosure you can step into, and it can connect to your home with a tunnel or window panel.

Is a portable cat tent the same as a catio?

No. Soft tents are temporary and easy to move, while a catio is a sturdier structure built for regular outdoor use. Tents can be a starting point if you cannot install a permanent catio.

Looking for more? Browse our outdoor cat enclosure guides.