Catio 2: The Den of Zen
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Expansive Design | Detached with Catwalk | Cat & Human Use | DIY Built | Encore Catio Location with Renewed Landscaping | Backyard Habitat Certified
SPECIAL DISPLAY: Humane World for Animals
ACCESSIBILITY INFO: Very slight inclined paved driveway. Flat paved path in the backyard .
ABOUT THE CATIO:
Year Built: 2021
Materials Used: The catio incorporates a mix of wood, bamboo, wire, metal roofing, sisal, and pavers, including Douglas fir and cedar for the structure and woven wire for enclosure panels.
Dimensions: 9’ x 12 ’x 12’, plus multiple lengths of catwalks.
Features: An 80’ raised catwalk extends from a second-story closet, making a 90-degree turn over a Japanese memorial garden before connecting to a 9’ x 12’ bamboo and wood enclosure. The space includes a human-access door, a secluded doghouse-style retreat, suspended bridge, multiple perches, and a real apple tree. A microchip-reading pet door provides controlled access and tracks the cats through an app.
Reasons to visit: This catio is a destination in itself, featuring an 80’ elevated catwalk, a dramatic turn over a Japanese memorial garden, a suspended bridge, abundant perches, and even a real apple tree. Visitors can see how creative design can turn a catio into an expansive, multi-level adventure for cats. While visiting, you will also be able to look over the fence at a neighbor’s catio. Although it is not officially part of the tour, it offers another great example to inspire your own catio-building ideas.
How many cats use the catio? Two: Mango and Goober.
Who designed/built it? DIY with a neighbor.
What inspired the design of the catio? Their yard has a Japanese- and Asian-inspired theme, so they carried that aesthetic into the catio design.
Why was this location chosen? They chose the location because it made the most sense for their yard and allows the cats to keep an eye on them while they garden in the backyard.
How do the cats enter the catio? They enter the catwalk through a pet door on the second floor and enter the catio at the other end of the catwalk via a ramp.
What are the cats’ favorite features? They love their hanging beds the most, as well as all the perches available.
Did the Hosts notice any behavioral changes in the cats after adding the catio? They are happier and more independent, although they have to wonder if a cat can really become any more independent than a cat already is.
What advice would you give to someone looking to build a catio? Build one! It doesn't have to be the Taj Mahal, just big and detailed enough for your cat(s) to enjoy being outside.
Is there anything the Hosts would have done differently? They would have installed the wire on the outside of the wood, rather than internally.
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!