Catios (cat patios) are a great way to satisfy your cat's desire to be outside without worrying that they'll get into trouble or run away. These enclosed areas, often with perches or other features, provide a safe and easy way to give your cat more territory and stimulation, and can help reduce conflicts and behavioral problems with other pets in the household.
In this comprehensive guide, we've researched and compared the best catios available on Amazon. We've evaluated each product based on size, durability, ease of assembly, features, and value. All products reviewed here include direct Amazon purchase links with our affiliate tag.
Quick Answer: Our Top Picks
If you're in a hurry, here are our top recommendations:
- Best Overall: Aivituvin Outdoor Cat House - Multiple levels, accommodates 3-5 cats, connects to house windows
- Best Window Mount: Cat Solarium Sun Room Package - Hangs outside window, 180-degree view, no interior footprint
- Best Budget: Outback Jack Outdoor Cat Enclosure - Affordable, portable, easy setup
- Best Portable: Kitty City Outdoor Mega Kit - Large, tool-free assembly, weather-resistant
- Best Indoor: Amazon Basics Large Cat Playpen - Collapsible, multi-level, highly customizable
- Best Travel: Donoro Portable Pet Play Pen - Lightweight, folds flat, indoor/outdoor use
Understanding Catios
Catios provide several important benefits for cats and their owners:
- Safety: Allows cats to experience the outdoors without the risks of traffic, predators, or getting lost
- Stimulation: Provides environmental enrichment and mental stimulation
- Territory Expansion: Gives cats more space, which can reduce conflicts in multi-cat households
- Behavioral Benefits: Can help reduce behavioral problems by providing an outlet for natural instincts
- Health Benefits: Fresh air and sunlight exposure can benefit your cat's overall health
Important: Catios should always be properly secured and monitored. Ensure the enclosure is escape-proof and that your cat has access to shade, water, and shelter from the elements.
What to Look for in a Catio
When choosing a catio, consider these important factors:
- Size: Should be large enough for your cat to move around comfortably, with space for perches and activities
- Durability: Look for weather-resistant materials that can withstand outdoor conditions
- Security: Mesh or wire should be strong enough to prevent escape and keep predators out
- Assembly: Consider how easy it is to set up and whether you need tools
- Portability: Decide if you need a permanent installation or a portable option
- Features: Consider perches, multiple levels, weather protection, and connection options
- Location: Think about where you'll place it—against a window, freestanding, or attached to your house
Product Comparison Table
| Product | Type | Size | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aivituvin Cat House | Outdoor enclosure | 31.5" x 31.5" x 70.9" | Multiple cats, permanent | $$$ |
| Cat Solarium | Window mount | Various | Window access, space-saving | $$ |
| Outback Jack | Portable enclosure | Various | Budget, portability | $ |
| Kitty City Mega Kit | Portable enclosure | 33" x 47.2" x 46.7" | Portability, weather-resistant | $$ |
| Amazon Basics Playpen | Indoor/outdoor | 35.8" x 22.4" x 50.6" | Indoor use, customization | $$ |
| Donoro Play Pen | Portable tent | 46" x 46" x 23" | Travel, portability | $ |
Best Catios: Detailed Reviews
1. Aivituvin Outdoor Cat House - Best Overall
For multiple cats that need a lot of space, the Aivituvin Outdoor Cat House is an excellent choice. This 70-inch tall catio features six platforms, two resting boxes, and a middle platform, making it perfect for 3-5 cats. Made of high-quality wood with a waterproof flat asphalt roof, it protects your cats from the elements while providing plenty of space to explore.
Key Features:
- Multiple levels with six platforms and two resting boxes
- Can accommodate three to five cats
- Designed to connect to house windows and pet doors
- Human-sized main entry door
- Waterproof flat asphalt roof
- Reinforced wooden corner strips for durability
- Can combine multiple catios for larger enclosures
Pros:
- Spacious design perfect for multiple cats
- Multiple levels provide vertical space cats love
- Durable construction with reinforced corners
- Weather-resistant roof protects from elements
- Can connect to your house for easy access
- Expandable by combining multiple units
Cons:
- Assembly can be difficult
- Requires significant space
- Higher price point
- Not portable once assembled
Best For: Multiple cats, permanent installations, large spaces, connecting to house windows
Buy Aivituvin Outdoor Cat House on Amazon →2. Cat Solarium Sun Room Package - Best Window Mount
The Cat Solarium Sun Room Package is perfect for cats who love staring out the window. This window-mounted catio hangs directly outside your window, giving your cat a 180-degree view of the environment. The half-circle design protrudes outside the window, allowing your cat to sit "outside" while remaining safely enclosed.
Key Features:
- Hangs directly outside window
- 180-degree view of environment
- No interior footprint
- Bug screen included
- Entry door with cat flap
- Durable enough to hold up to 50 pounds
- Available in various configurations
Pros:
- No interior space required
- Perfect for window-loving cats
- 180-degree view provides excellent stimulation
- Bug screen keeps insects out
- Cat flap allows controlled access
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Renders the window otherwise unusable
- Requires window installation
- May take cats time to acclimate
- Limited space compared to larger catios
Best For: Window-loving cats, space-saving solutions, apartments, single-cat households
Buy Cat Solarium Sun Room Package on Amazon →3. Outback Jack Outdoor Cat Enclosure - Best Budget Option
The Outback Jack Outdoor Cat Enclosure offers an affordable way to give your cat outdoor access. This portable enclosure is easy to set up and provides a safe outdoor space for your cat to enjoy fresh air and sunshine.
Key Features:
- Affordable price point
- Portable design
- Easy setup
- Weather-resistant materials
- Secure mesh enclosure
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy to set up and move
- Good value for money
- Portable for different locations
Cons:
- May be smaller than premium options
- May not be as durable as higher-end models
- Limited features compared to larger catios
Best For: Budget-conscious owners, single cats, temporary use, small spaces
Buy Outback Jack Cat Enclosure on Amazon →4. Kitty City Outdoor Mega Kit - Best Portable
The Kitty City Outdoor Mega Kit is a large, portable catio that offers plenty of space for your cat to explore. Constructed over a plastic frame with a mesh cover, it's fairly easy to assemble and doesn't require any tools, making it a great option for those who want portability without sacrificing size.
Key Features:
- Tool-free assembly
- Large size (33" x 47.2" x 46.7")
- Plastic frame construction
- Weather-resistant mesh cover
- Portable design
Pros:
- No tools required for assembly
- Large size provides ample space
- Portable and relatively easy to move
- Weather-resistant materials
- Good value for the size
Cons:
- Mesh cover can be difficult to fit over frame
- May require attention to detail during setup
- Not as easy to repeatedly set up and break down
- Plastic frame may be less durable than wood
Best For: Portable use, large cats, outdoor adventures, tool-free assembly preference
Buy Kitty City Outdoor Mega Kit on Amazon →5. Amazon Basics Large Cat Playpen - Best Indoor
The Amazon Basics Large Cat Playpen is a budget-minded crate-style catio that works well as a temporary indoor catio. This collapsible, portable option is highly customizable and features a spacious, multi-level interior perfect for fostering, socializing, or recovery purposes.
Key Features:
- Easy assembly with all parts included
- Collapsible and portable
- Highly customizable
- Spacious, multi-level interior
- Three platform areas
- Can be wheeled to different locations
Pros:
- Very easy to assemble
- Collapsible for easy storage
- Highly customizable with accessories
- Multi-level design
- Portable with wheels
- Spacious enough for litter box
- Great for fostering or recovery
Cons:
- Feels more like a kennel than a patio
- Not recommended for outside use
- Structure may shake when cat jumps
- Some cats may be hesitant due to cage-like feel
Best For: Indoor use, fostering, recovery, temporary housing, customization needs
Buy Amazon Basics Cat Playpen on Amazon →6. Donoro Portable Pet Play Pen - Best Travel
The Donoro Portable Pet Play Pen is an eight-sided enclosure that's lightweight yet sturdy, making it perfect for travel. It pops open quickly and folds down flat, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. The water-resistant construction and carrying case make it ideal for taking your cat on adventures.
Key Features:
- Indoor/outdoor use
- No assembly or setup required
- Easily folds down flat
- Carrying case included
- Two zippered doors
- Removable bottom for easy cleaning
- Water-resistant 600-denier Oxford cloth
- Available in four sizes
Pros:
- Extremely portable and lightweight
- Quick setup—pops open instantly
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Carrying case included
- Works indoors and outdoors
- Removable bottom for cleaning
- Multiple size options
Cons:
- Zippers can catch and pulls can break off
- Door zippers may not be escape-proof
- May be less durable than hard-frame options
- Some cats may not like the tent-like feel
Best For: Travel, camping, temporary use, portability, indoor/outdoor flexibility
Buy Donoro Portable Pet Play Pen on Amazon →How to Use Catios Safely
Proper use ensures your cat's safety and enjoyment:
- Secure Installation: Ensure the catio is properly secured and cannot be tipped over or moved by your cat
- Escape Prevention: Regularly check mesh, wire, and connections for any damage or weak spots
- Weather Protection: Provide shade and shelter from rain, wind, and extreme temperatures
- Water Access: Always provide fresh water in the catio
- Supervision: Monitor your cat, especially when first introducing them to the catio
- Litter Box: Consider adding a litter box for multi-cat households or extended use
- Acclimation: Give your cat time to get used to the catio—serve meals or treats inside to encourage use
Where to Place Your Catio
Catios can be placed in various locations:
- Against a Window: Allows cats to come and go from inside the house
- Freestanding: Can be placed anywhere in your yard
- Attached to House: Connected via pet door or window for easy access
- On a Deck or Patio: Great for apartment dwellers or those with limited yard space
- In Shade: Important to protect cats from direct sunlight and heat
Things to Consider
When setting up and using a catio, keep these considerations in mind:
- Indoor Cats: Indoor cats can absolutely use catios—they may need time to acclimate, but serving meals in the enclosure can help
- Litter Box: Adding a litter box provides another option for multi-cat households, but should never replace indoor litter boxes
- Weather: Consider how the catio will handle different weather conditions in your area
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning and inspection are important for safety and hygiene
- Predators: Ensure the enclosure is secure enough to keep out potential predators
- Escape Prevention: Regularly check for any damage that could allow escape
Conclusion
Finding the right catio depends on your cat's needs, your space, and your budget. The Aivituvin Outdoor Cat House remains our top pick for its spacious design and ability to accommodate multiple cats, but all the products reviewed here are excellent options depending on your specific needs.
Remember, catios provide a safe way for your cat to enjoy the outdoors while giving you peace of mind. Whether you choose a permanent installation or a portable option, your cat will benefit from the additional space, stimulation, and fresh air.