Catio 10: Pete’s Retreat
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Creative Use of Space | Attached | Cat Use | DIY Built | Platinum Backyard Habitat Certified
SPECIAL DISPLAY: Backyard Habitat Certification Program
ACCESSIBILITY INFO: Flat paved driveway. Easy access.
ABOUT THE CATIO:
Year Built: 2022
Materials Used: Cedar, composite decking, 1/2" metal mesh, and a polycarbonate roof.
Dimensions: 9’ x 2.5’ x 6’
Features: The catio is located off the sunroom at the back of the house. The cats enter through a cat door leading to a platform, then can climb to a variety of elevated perches and a hammock. At ground level, they can enjoy a sisal-wrapped scratching post and an enclosed cat house with a cozy bed.
Reasons to visit: See how a compact backyard space can become a vertical playground for three cats. The Purrch makes clever use of limited space with multiple elevated perches, a hammock, scratching post, and cozy cat house, while giving the cats a peaceful retreat from the dogs.
How many cats use the catio? Three: Pete, Hook, and Zombie.
Who designed/built it? DIY.
What inspired the design of the catio? They had seen other catios but developed the design themselves based on what would work best in the smaller space available.
Why was this location chosen? They have a typical small Portland backyard, so they considered the available space carefully. They chose a location beneath a window that would not interfere with established areas of the yard and provided space for a cat door through the side of the house. They chose not to use the window itself as the entrance to preserve visibility and address security and safety concerns.
How do the cats enter the catio? The cats enter through a cat door installed in the side of the house. Door extensions span the width of the wall, and a cube storage shelf positioned in front of the door provides a convenient entry point from the indoors, with one cube left open for the cats to come and go.
What are the cats’ favorite features? The cats love the high perches and sisal-wrapped scratching post, but the doorway cubby is a favorite spot for lounging and watching the action.
Did the Hosts notice any behavioral changes in the cats after adding the catio? They seem more content having a space of their own, especially one where they can enjoy some peace and quiet away from the dogs.
What advice would you give to someone looking to build a catio? Do it! There are a lot of options now for designs, and even pre-made ones you can use.
Is there anything the Hosts would have done differently? They wish they could have built a larger catio, but this one works well for the space they have.
The 14th Annual Catio Tour - September 12, 2026
Hosted by Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon and Bird Alliance of Oregon
Presented by Catio Craftsman
The Catio Tour is part of the Cats Safe at Home™ campaign, which seeks to reduce the number of cats living outdoors in the Portland metropolitan area in a humane and environmentally responsible manner. We believe that every cat deserves a safe home where they are loved, cared for, and kept free from hazards. The Catio Tour was created to offer inspiration for those looking for ways for their cats to have safe outdoor time. We hope you enjoy this year’s Catio Tour!