Like dogs, cats should never roam freely outside. From predators to infectious diseases, there are so many dangers! However, there are a few things that can be detrimental to keeping your cat indoors at all times.
Indoor cats are often bored and inactive, leading to an increased risk of obesity and related diseases. Fortunately, this isn’t something that daily playtime and mental enrichment can’t solve!
One of the best ways to provide enrichment in our cats’ lives is to let them explore the outdoors safely, either with a harness and leash or in a catio (also known as a cat patio or outdoor cat enclosure).
In this article, I tested and reviewed five catios to help you decide which will work best for your home.
At a Glance: The Best Catios You Can Buy
In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You will find detailed information about each product later in the article.
Good Overall
10.0
Chosen by 31 people today!
Coziwow Wooden Outdoor Catio
- Three test shelves and a sleeping hammock
- Solid, weather-resistant wood and weather-resistant roof
- Two connected doors so you can collect your cat easily
Runner up
9.8
Chosen by 31 people today!
Aivituvin AIR37 Walk-In Outdoor Cat House
- Five shelves and two houses for your cat to explore
- Seven doors so you can reach your cat no matter where they are in the catio
- Plenty of floor space for litter boxes or toys
The best Pop-Up Enclosure
9.5
Chosen by 25 people today!
Outback Jack Kitty Compound Cat Playpen
- A large enclosed pop-up area for those who can’t keep the catio all year round
- Set up and take down can both be done in minutes!
- Mesh bottom helps keep cats in and vermin out
The Best Indoor Enclosure
9.4
Chosen by 21 people today!
LovMor Catio
- A high platform on wheels keeps cats off the ground and is easy to move
- Two large doors so you can easily access your cat at any time
- Three arenas for curious cats to explore
Compact Yet Versatile
9.3
Chosen by 18 people today!
Aivituvin AIR22-M Cat on Wheels House
- The multi-level Catio offers several levels to explore while taking up less floor space
- Two large doors for human access, and two doors for crawling cats
- Front hinges and latches
Why You Trust Us
I’m a lifelong cat owner who keeps her cats indoors, but I also know the importance of enrichment and letting cats explore new areas safely. I have trained several of my cats and enjoyed testing and reviewing several catios to see what works best in various situations.
I am a very cautious person, especially when it comes to the safety of my cats, so the first thing I looked for in each catio was possible escape routes. I also took notes on the assembly process, the durability of the materials, and how my cats felt about each catio. Below are my honest reviews.
Top 5 Catios Tested and Reviewed
There are many factors that go into choosing the best catio, and each home has different needs. While the Coziwow Wooden Outdoor Catio is our top pick, we also broke down our picks into categories such as best pop-up catio and best indoor catio. We hope this helps you find the best catio for you and your cat!
How to Choose the Best Catio
A catio is an investment, and you want to make sure you get the right one for your cat! Here are some things to consider before buying:
Types of Catio
There are different types of catios, from private enclosed spaces on wheels to window boxes to large screened-in patios.
One of the main things to consider is whether you would like the catio to be freestanding or attached to your home so that your cat can enter independently through a window or door. The latter are usually built into your house or connected to the outside, so they are very dedicated. Freestanding patios are best for those who rent their homes or want to be able to move an enclosure.
The size
Next, consider where your catio will be placed and how much space you have for it. Are you looking for a large enclosure, or a small box that can attach to your window?
Be sure to measure your space before buying, including the height of your windows and any platform you want to set the catio on.
Escape-Proof Design and Human Access
Most importantly, you want materials that will catch the cat’s claws and a design that is difficult for cats to escape from. This means connecting doors, a secure floor (or a flat surface for floorless catios), and a solid fit for the house if it’s not a stand-alone catio.
Another thing to think about is how you will get to your cat if you need them. The ideal is a human-sized door to reach in and pick up, but small access points also work. Ideally, you won’t have to work too hard to catch your cat, as this gives them more opportunity to sneak past you and escape the catio.
Strength
When it comes to durability, there are a few things to look out for. First, it is better if the catio is made of solid wood, but this can be very expensive and is not within everyone’s budget.
You’ll also want to look for a strong mesh around the catio, which is securely attached to the inside of the frame. This makes it very difficult to push the screen out.
Finally, consider protecting the catio from the weather. This may mean looking for a catio with a waterproof roof, building a platform so the wood doesn’t sit on wet ground, or even placing the catio under an awning to protect it from heavy snowfall.