Catio 7: The Pawthorne Bridge
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Expansive Design | Multiple Catios | Cat Use | DIY Built
ACCESSIBILITY INFO:
Seven steep and uneven steps with a handrail to go up to yard level and come down to street level
Uneven, narrow dirt path
Watch for trip hazards in the pathway
Caution advised
Expect a line at this site due to media attention. Please be patient and thoughtful when viewing the catio so more people have a chance to see it.
ABOUT THE CATIO:
Year Built: 2022, 2023, 2025, and new construction as of summer 2026
Materials Used: The catios are built primarily from cedar and pine, with sturdy posts and carefully constructed joints. The bridge decks are slightly angled for drainage while providing secure footing for cats. Structural and decorative elements are finished to complement the home, while some covered areas are left natural for the cats’ comfort. A laser cutter was used to create the bridge pieces.
Dimensions: Multiple dimensions from various areas on the sides, as well as “bridge” section of the yard.
Features: Their catio setup includes an additional catio 8’ x 3’ x 4’ enclosure off the back porch around the corner from the Pawthorne Bridge, a window catio extending from the basement along the sidewalk, and a towering 20’ high connection point at the basement to the first floor. From there, a bridge-shaped catio extends to the side fence, inspired by Portland’s iconic Hawthorne Bridge.
Reasons to visit: Visit to see one-of-a-kind catios, including the Pawthorne Bridge, as well as two additional bridges under construction, along with a box catio on the back porch and a window catio along the street side of the house. There is plenty to explore.
How many cats use the catio? Four: Fezzik, Puck, Adder, and Earl Nimbus the Gray.
Who designed/built it? The Hosts’ son-in-law did the design and build.
What inspired the design of the catio? They wanted a walkway or bridge to link the front catio tower to the back porch catio, giving the cats above-ground space to run. They also wanted it to add some flair and ornamentation to the yard. The designer then came up with the elaborate miniature Portland bridge concept.
Why was this location chosen? They chose the northern side of the house for the larger catios to keep them shaded and out of direct sunlight.
How do the cats enter the catio? The cats enter the catio through soft-flap pet doors fitted into window inserts, giving them year-round access from inside the house while keeping the elements outside. From there, they can travel across the 16-foot catwalk connecting the house to the main catio, or make their way through the box catio, which provides another enclosed route and space to explore. A catio tower also connects multiple levels of the home, allowing the cats to come and go from both the basement and second-floor stair landing. The interconnected design gives the cats plenty of options for moving between the house and their outdoor spaces.
What are the cats’ favorite features? The cats enjoy every part of the catio as they have endless options for napping and wildlife watching.
Did the Hosts notice any behavioral changes in the cats after adding the catio? The cats are much happier to go outside safely on their own.
What advice would you give to someone looking to build a catio? Their bridges are the result of eight years of experience building enclosures for their feline family at a previous home, beginning with catios made from salvaged roofing pallet materials. They recommend choosing materials with the finished design in mind and paying close attention to safety. Any sharp edges, slag, or cut surfaces should be deburred and smoothed to protect the cats’ precious toes.
Is there anything the Hosts would have done differently? They wish they had built the catios sooner, and they still have two more bridge catios to finish. For future builds, they would choose black fencing to help the structures blend into the surroundings rather than stand out as much as the gray fencing.
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!