Catio 4: Frankie & Dora’s Clubhouse
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Expansive Design | Attached with Short Connector Catwalk | Cat & Human Use | Built by Presenting Sponsor, Catio Craftsman
SPECIAL DISPLAYS:
Catio Craftsman, Michael Jaeger, will be on-site to answer your catio build questions!
Demonstration catio showcasing different fencing and roofing options.
Catio Tour Raffle Prizes + Credit Card Payment
ACCESSIBILITY INFO: Flat paved driveway and backyard. Easy access.
ABOUT THE CATIO:
Year Built: 2025
Materials Used: Cedar and Douglas fir framing with cedar planking, corrugated polycarbonate roofing, and galvanized standoffs to keep the structure off the concrete. Painted to match the house with a TimberPro UV Honey stain for contrast.
Dimensions: 16’ x 6’ x 8’
Features: Rectangular design with multiple levels for napping and jumping, a cozy hideaway box, fountain, and mirrored sky lounge with twin hammocks, deck areas, and privacy walls.
Reasons to visit: Visit this catio to speak with the builder, Catio Craftsman, to see how thoughtful design can give cats plenty of ways to climb, nap, play, and watch the world go by. Frankie and Dora especially love the twin hammocks in their mirrored sky lounge, while multiple levels, cozy hideaways, deck areas, and privacy walls offer plenty of options for exploring or relaxing. Easy access from the house lets them come and go whenever they please, making the catio a true extension of their indoor space.
How many cats use the catio? Two: Frankie and Dora.
Who designed/built it? Catio Craftsman.
What inspired the design of the catio? They wanted the catio to feel like a natural extension of their home and garden rather than simply an enclosure for the cats. The goal was to give Dora and Frankie a safe way to enjoy the outdoors while keeping the structure integrated with the yard. They trusted Michael (Catio Craftsman) with the design and gave him the freedom to create something that suited the space. The result blends naturally with the house and garden while feeling open and airy and still completely safe for the cats.
Why was this location chosen? The location was chosen to give the cats easy access from the house while making the catio feel like a natural extension of their indoor living space. They can decide for themselves when they want to head outside and when they want to come back in.
How do the cats enter the catio? Through a window insert and a short connector catwalk .
What are the cats’ favorite features? The hammocks.
Did the Hosts notice any behavioral changes in the cats after adding the catio? Yes! They seem happier and more stimulated. Having access to the catio gives them something interesting to do throughout the day, and they can go outside whenever they need a little change of scenery or some fresh air.
What advice would you give to someone looking to build a catio? They would definitely recommend it. They suggest thinking about what the cats enjoy, whether that is climbing, watching birds, sleeping in the sun, or exploring, and designing the space around those interests. Making it easy for the cats to access the catio whenever they want is also important. It gives their people peace of mind while allowing the cats to enjoy the outdoors safely.
Is there anything the Hosts would have done differently? They are very happy with the catio. Seeing how much the cats enjoy having their own outdoor space has them thinking of even more things they could add. If they changed anything, they might add more shelves, cozy resting spots, and fun features for the cats to explore.
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!