Catio 9: Fur & Feather Fiefdom
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Creative Use of Space | Covered Patio | Elevated | Cat, Dog & Human Use | Chicken Coop
ACCESSIBILITY INFO:
Three front steps with a handrail
Grass to the backyard
Earthen path in the backyard
Narrow walkway
Watch for uneven ground and the fire pit
ABOUT THE CATIO:
Year Built: 2020
Materials Used: Pressure-treated wood, outdoor carpeting, and 14-gauge galvanized fencing.
Dimensions: 70" x 70" x 96"
Features: They enclosed a covered porch with a pre-existing dog door providing access to the house. They added a full-sized door for backyard access through the catio, along with multiple levels of ramps and lounging spots for the cats. A thriving star jasmine has gradually grown over the structure, adding shade and ambiance, while a nearby suet feeder provides plenty of entertainment.
Reasons to visit: See how an existing dog potty porch was transformed into a secure, multi-purpose catio for both cats and dogs, with creative reuse and practical solutions for keeping even the most determined feline escape artists safely contained. While you’re there, check out their DIY chicken coop for five chickens and a hot tub structure lit by a chandelier. Three very different DIY projects make this a stop packed with creative ideas and inspiration.
How many cats use the catio? Two cats: Bowie and Harrowhark, plus two dogs: Clive and Sinclair.
Who designed/built it? DIY.
What inspired the design of the catio? The space began as a covered porch with a dog door leading to an outdoor dog potty, which they had created for their elderly dogs who could no longer manage the stairs. When they brought home Bowie in 2020, they worried he might discover the dog door and wander off, so they decided to enclose the porch.
Why was this location chosen? It was chosen out of necessity to prevent the cats from escaping when the dogs went outside to do their business.
How do the cats enter the catio? Through the doggy door or out of the back kitchen door if it is left open.
What are the cats’ favorite features? Their favorite features include the outdoor carpet-covered frame, which doubles as a scratching post, and the views of their yard and the neighbors’ yards.
Did the Hosts notice any behavioral changes in the cats after adding the catio? They were both introduced to the catio when they were kittens, so no changes, but they do spend a lot of time out there.
What advice would you give to someone looking to build a catio? They had heard that some catio owners avoid providing direct outdoor access to prevent escapes - because their catio also serves as a route to the backyard, they focused on securing the gate as carefully as possible instead. Bowie eventually figured out the lock mechanism and wandered off one night, returning about eight hours later. They then added a spring hook as a secondary safety measure to prevent another escape.
Is there anything the Hosts would have done differently? Realizing that the exterior door needed extra cat-proof safety measures before any escapes happened.
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!