Backyard Catio Phase 4: Functional and Accessible

Phase 4 of the catio: Adding the gate and cat door and closing up a few more gaps. Details steps, supplies, tools, and cost.

Source: J. Pallanich/Pawsome Pet Pal

This is part four of a multi-part series on building a catio. Check out Part One (Why a catio, setting posts), Part Two (chain link and roof support), and Part Three (roof, gap and getting closer).

The catio saga is nearing conclusion! FIrst came the posts, then the chain link, then the roof. Now the gate and cat door are in place, meaning it’s functional and accessible, and Espresso can finally use his catio unsupervised!

Gate Grand Entrance: Somehow, building the gate from the gate kit took almost as long as placing all the chain link around the rest of the catio! But, we were able to close the door on that chapter of the construction phase.

Plywood Palace Portal: A window was transformed into a purr-sonalized entrance using a plywood cutout.

Final Flourishes: We shored up a few remaining gaps and secured the bottom part of the chain link to ensure this catio is escape-proof.

Espresso is exploring and reigning supreme over his new kingdom.

Source: J. Pallanich

Next Up: In addition to training Espresso to use the cat door, next steps include catifying the place by adding ramps, ledges and hiding spots. Oh, and a floor, probably pavers. Stay tuned.