Catio 6: Gumbo’s Chicken Watch

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Creative Use of Space | Attached, Elevated with Catwalk | Cat Use | DIY Built | Chicken Coop

ACCESSIBILITY INFO:

  • Six steep stairs with no handrails

  • Narrow flat pavement by the catio

  • Grass in backyard

  • Narrow pathway to exit down an inclined driveway

  • Expect a line due to the limited space to see the catio. Please be patient and thoughtful when viewing it so more people can see it.

ABOUT THE CATIO:

  • Year Built: 2026

  • Materials Used: 1" x 1" metal mesh, 2" x 4" and 2" x 2" lumber, 1/2" plywood, pet-friendly artificial grass, exterior-grade nails and screws, and a whole lot of staples.

  • Dimensions: 15' catwalk connecting three levels of cat play space: a 3' x 3' bottom level, 3' x 7' middle level, and 8' x 8' top level.

  • Features: Their catio begins at a living room window with a plexiglass insert and cat door, then extends 11' along the house before turning 90° for another 4' and connecting to the existing chicken coop. Three levels offer varied experiences, including a lower level for interacting with the chickens, a middle lounging area, and an upper level with multiple perches, a connecting catwalk, tunnels, scratching posts, and a see-through dome overlooking the coop.

  • Reasons to visit: This clever catio makes the most of an unusual layout, connecting the living room to the chicken coop via an 11' elevated catwalk. Three levels give the cat plenty of options, from interacting with the chickens below to lounging in the sun, exploring tunnels, and claiming the highest perches. With a see-through dome overlooking the coop and an impressive collection of climbing and scratching features, it’s a creative example of making a complex space work for both cats and chickens.

 

  • How many cats use the catio? One: Princess Gumbo.

  • Who designed/built it? DIY, but with the caveat that they draw on 35 years of experience as a contractor, builder, and maker.

  • What inspired the design of the catio? Several factors came together when they decided to build the catio. They considered where the cats could access it from the house, what would provide the best experience for them, and how ambitious they wanted the design to be. At the same time, their chicken coop needed a new roof. Since it was close to the window they planned to use for catio access, they decided to connect the two structures in a way that was both visually appealing and structurally sound.

  • Why was this location chosen? They chose the location based on the layout of their home, allowing them to separate the cat and dog while also keeping the catio conveniently close to the chicken coop.

  • How does the cat enter the catio? The cats enter through a cat door mounted in a living room window.

  • What are the cat’s favorite features? The cat’s favorite spots include the tallest perch in the southeast corner and a sunny second-floor perch that catches the midday sunbeam.

  • Did the Hosts notice any behavioral changes in the cat after adding the catio? She now comes and goes throughout the day, having quickly made the catio part of her routine. After a couple of weeks, she even started using the litter box placed inside, which has been a welcome development for her humans.  

  • What advice would you give to someone looking to build a catio? They recommend carefully considering how to use the available space and, most importantly, what will make the catio enjoyable for the cat. 

  • Is there anything the Hosts would have done differently? As it is a new catio, they have yet to determine what changes they wish they had made.

Back to All Catios

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!