Catio 5: Heritage Catwalk
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Creative Use of Space | Attached, Elevated with Catwalk | Cat Use | DIY Built
SPECIAL DISPLAY: Guest Adventure Cats show how they get out-and-about with their humans, plus portable catio options.
ACCESSIBILITY INFO: Two uneven steps with no handrails. Dirt path. Watch for uneven stones. Caution advised.
ABOUT THE CATIO:
Year Built: 2020, updated in 2025
Materials Used: 2” x 2” lumber, 1” x 12” lumber, cedar shingle roof, metal screen and a store-bought gazebo.
Dimensions: 10’ x 1’ x 5’, plus ~10’ catwalk and gazebo.
Features: A wall-mounted, multi-level catio features a window entry and scratching post, leading to a 9’ enclosed catwalk that ends at a cat-sized gazebo with 360° views.
Reasons to visit: See how a historical home incorporates a narrow, wall-mounted catio that can become a multi-level adventure. An attached catwalk leads to a cat-sized gazebo with 360-degree views, giving Wellington and Horatio plenty of space to scratch, sunbathe, explore, and birdwatch from above.
How many cats use the catio? Two: Wellington and Horatio.
Who designed/built it? DIY
What inspired the design of the catio? They wanted a design that would not interfere with movement through the yard while allowing the cats to enjoy time alongside them on the deck. What began as a simple window box evolved into a tunnel along the deck railing leading to an observation gazebo. When the house was repainted in 2025, they took the opportunity to rebuild the window box section with more space, multiple levels, and room for several cats.
Why was this location chosen? It's hidden from the street and allows the cats to hang out with them on their deck.
How do the cats enter the catio? Through a window in the bedroom. In the winter, they have a plexiglass insert with a cat door to keep drafts out and still allow access.
What are the cats’ favorite features? The scratching post, the different levels, sunbathing in the catwalk and watching birds from the gazebo.
Did the Hosts notice any behavioral changes in the cats after adding the catio? They have always been playful, but the hosts think they like having their own space to explore free of humans.
What advice would you give to someone looking to build a catio? Do it – it’s very rewarding and the kitties love it!
Is there anything the Hosts would have done differently? The original design often resulted in traffic jams in the tunnel, so when they remodeled it, they added more levels and space to allow both cats to move around without getting in each other’s way. The first version also used window screen, which was difficult to clean. The updated design uses 2” x 3” metal mesh and includes an access door for easier cleaning, although it does allow some bugs in.
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!