Catio 8: The Olive Garden
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Efficient Design | Detached with Catwalk | Cat Use | DIY Built from Purchased Plans
SPECIAL DISPLAY: Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon
ACCESSIBILITY INFO:
Eighteen (18) front steps with handrails to the yard level.
Earthen, flat yard.
Grass and stone pathway.
ABOUT THE CATIO:
Year Built: 2025
Materials Used: Cedar, pressure-treated lumber, wire fencing, lots of brackets.
Dimensions: 4’ x 8’ x 8’ plus the 16’ catwalk from the house.
Features: Their lean-to-style catio features a sloped roof and a human-access door, plus a 16-foot catwalk connecting it to the side of the house. An in-wall cat door gives Olive easy access, while simple interior shelves provide convenient stepping points for her to reach the catio entrance.
Reasons to visit: The catio is accessed from an unexpected location high on the exterior wall. This clever approach turns an otherwise overlooked part of the home into a feline gateway, giving the cat an elevated entrance and making creative use of the vertical space - a great way to have a catio that is not adjacent to the house, using a catwalk that is tall enough to walk under.
How many cats use the catio? One: Olive.
Who designed/built it? DIY with purchased contractor plans.
What inspired the design of the catio? After attending previous Catio Tours, they were inspired to create a safe outdoor space for Olive, who has always loved being outside and frequently tried to make a break for the door whenever it opened. The catio gives her the best of both worlds: outdoor adventure without the risks of roaming.
Why was this location chosen? It provides both good shade and sun, plus it is close to the grass.
How does the cat enter the catio? Up interior shelving to the cat door in the home’s exterior wall, through the catwalk out to the catio.
What are the cat’s favorite features? Olive is still getting used to it, but she likes the hammocks and the cat grass.
Did the Hosts notice any behavioral changes in the cat after adding the catio? Not yet, but Olive is still growing accustomed to it.
What advice would you give to someone looking to build a catio? They recommend allowing several weekends for construction and having the right tools on hand, including a chop saw and a narrow crown stapler for attaching wire fencing. If building a custom catwalk, careful planning is essential before getting started.
Is there anything the Hosts would have done differently? A 16’ catwalk connects the catio to the house. One side of the catwalk was framed using two 2” x 4” x 16’ pressure-treated boards, while the other side was framed with four 1” x 1” x 8’ boards. In hindsight, the host recommends using 2” x 4” x 16’ boards on both sides for greater strength and stability.
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!