Things to Consider When Building a Catio with Wire Mesh

Catios are more than fun wordplay. These enclosed outdoor spaces give domestic felines a safe yet comfortable place to hang out, explore, and enjoy the fresh air.

If you're thinking about designing one of your own, you've come to the right place. Keep reading for tips, guidance, and insight into building a wire mesh catio.

You can buy prefabricated catios and step-by-step kits for constructing one at home. While these are great solutions for some cat owners, building your own from metal mesh might be the more affordable option. Not only that, but you can make it as large as you want and customize it to your fur baby's liking.

If you've decided to go the DIY route, you might be wondering how to pick the right mesh for your catio. Before ordering supplies, consider the size and placement of the enclosure, as well as the size of your pet, the climate, potential predators, and any features you want to include.

Figure out how big you want the catio to be—or rather, how big of an enclosure you can accommodate. It should provide plenty of room for exercise and enough space to prevent boredom. In addition to area size, consider vertical space to allow for climbing and perching.

If you know the exact dimensions you need and want to purchase pre-cut wire panels, request a free quote for a custom order from TWP Inc.

Catios can be placed entirely outdoors with no roof and full exposure to the elements. However, partial indoor-outdoor enclosures are ideal for year-round use—they can also help indoor cats get accustomed to being outside.

Outdoor cat enclosures can be attached to windows to allow indoor-outdoor access. In any case, the wire mesh you choose should be not only durable but also resistant to various environmental conditions.

As all feline lovers know, cats are contortionists. They can squeeze through cracks, crevices, and openings that appear much smaller than the width of their bodies (even when they’re sleeping). The point is, the opening size of the mesh should be small enough to prevent escapes.

If you're building a roofless catio, be mindful of precipitation and sun exposure. Felines undoubtedly enjoy basking in the sun, but they also like to chill in the shade. Keep this in mind when deciding where to place the enclosure.

One of the main purposes of a catio is to keep your fur baby safe from predators. Whether there are coyotes, owls, wolves, hawks, mountain lions, or large snakes lurking in your area, be sure to select a sturdy mesh with an opening size small enough to block their entry. 

The Humane Society provides some wonderful resources about catio safety on their website.

Lastly, think about what features you'd like to add. It could be windows, ledges, a climbing tower, a removable roof, or a lockable cat door. If any additions call for metal mesh, make sure to order enough in the proper size.

Stainless steel is generally the best type of mesh for catios, as it's considered non-toxic for animals and safe for the environment. The material also holds up well in various climates, resisting rust, corrosion, and extreme temperatures.

For extra strength and durability, consider welded stainless steel mesh. As for size, a 1-inch opening will keep most cats in and most predators out.

TWP Inc. has been a trusted global supplier of high-grade wire mesh since 1969. Our woman-owned business carries a mesh in a variety of metals with varying wire diameters and opening sizes.

Need panels or sheets in a size you don't see? Our expert fabricators can laser-cut the material to fit your custom dimensions. Request a free quote to get started.

We always love seeing pictures of our customers' DIY creations. Post photos of your catio on Instagram using the hashtag #TWPWireMesh to be featured in our gallery—and be sure to follow us!