What Is a Catio?
Published 2nd October 2026
What would you call an outdoor play space designed just for cats - catservatory, cat crib, or perhaps a meow house?
For decades, these safe outdoor cat enclosures have been known as “catios” - a blend of “cat” and “patio.” Omlet didn’t invent the catio; they purrrfected it!
Why are catios so great?
Cat owners know how much their feline friends enjoy fresh air. Whether it comes through an open window or a screened door, most cats instinctively gravitate toward the scents and calm of the outdoors. It’s only natural - cats have wild origins, so roaming freely outside feels normal to them.
Let’s explore what makes outdoor catios so beneficial.
- Spacious outdoor freedom
With the Omlet Catio any cat can play safely and freely in the fresh air. The modular design means you can create a catio that suits your specific backyard space and pets! - Totally customizable
Omlet catios are completely customizable offering various size options. Add an Omlet Porch for extra security. The two-way door system allows you to enter the catio at any time without worry of your feline friend trying to join you as you leave! - Assembly and look
The Omlet Catio is an easy to assemble product that is sturdy and unobtrusive. Made from a strong steel mesh that is painted in a natural blending green, the Omlet Catio will not only keep your cats safe, but keep your backyard looking good too!
Why should you get a catio?
Thinking of adding a catio to your outdoor space? Congratulations! Outdoor access is highly beneficial for cats, and a catio offers your feline friend much more than fresh air alone.
- Safety
Cats are naturally curious and love climbing and exploring, but doing so indoors can sometimes be dangerous. A key benefit of the Outdoor Cat Run is that your cat can climb, jump, and run freely without risking injury to themselves or others. The Catio also protects them from outdoor threats: cars, dogs and wild predators. - Fresh Air
Remember how relaxing it feels to step outside and take a deep breath? Cats benefit from fresh air too, enjoying better circulation, an improved mood, and greater overall well-being. What better gift could you give your cat than a longer, healthier, and happier life? - Happy Neighbours
Being “neighbourly” is always the right thing to do! However, letting your cats roam around outside without an enclosure could potentially lead to a case of kitty trespassing. And that’s not very neighbourly! Catios are the best of both worlds because they provide the great benefits of being outdoors but within a secure space so your cat can’t end up in someone else’s yard. And your other backyard wildlife, such as birds and skinks, will thank you, too! While in a catio, your feline friend is no longer a natural predator to these smaller prey.
How to choose the right catio
If you are a handy human who has great workmanship skills, then building a DIY catio might be the best option for you.
But for the rest of us, assembling and installing a custom ready-made Catio is the easiest option!
What size? How many cats?
As a rule of thumb, give each cat at least 0.9–1.0 square metre (10 square feet) of floor space.
For two cats, try to provide at least 3.3 - 3.7 square metres in a walk-in or larger enclosure.
Choosing a Size:
- Area: Give each cat at least 1 square metre so they have plenty of room to move around.
- Sizes: You can choose anything from 1m × 2m to 3m × 4m. Popular options include 1.8 m × 2.7m (Catio Size B) and 2.7m × 3.6m (Catio Size D)
- Height: Go for 2 metres or more so you can stand comfortably and your cats have space to explore. Omlet Catios are 2.05m high.
- Vertical space: Add a few shelves, ramps, and platforms to give your cats more places to climb and relax.
Backyard catio?
The backyard is the most obvious place to put a catio. But you don’t need a huge backyard to create an outdoor cat oasis. In fact, just a small area will work as our Outdoor Run Enclosure can be designed as small or as large as you like! Here are the simple steps to get started building your own catio:
- Decide where in your backyard you want to place the catio. You can have it freestanding or up against the house for easier indoor/outdoor access.
- Measure the space.
- Choose what size catio you want! You can either pick a pre-configured option ranging from 2x2 up to 3x4, or customize the length, width or height to your specific needs.
- Order your Omlet Catio from Appletons and get ready to give your cat an incredible experience!
What about a balcony or apartment catio?
Can you have a catio in an apartment or townhouse? Absolutely! Omlet’s Cat Balcony Enclosure is designed specifically for apartment and townhouse residents. Its slim design fits balconies of any size, while the adjustable 2-4m length makes installation easy. The escape-proof enclosure keeps your cat secure, giving you peace of mind.
Can I customise my Omlet Catio?
When it comes to adding accessories to your catio, the options are endless! Omlet product engineers know cats and they created these feline friendly products with your purrfect pal in mind!
- Cat tree: Omlet’s Freestyle Outdoor Cat Tree is a catio essential. Its easy-to-install pole design gives climbing cats plenty to enjoy and is built to last. Customise your Freestyle with a wide variety of attachments, including a hammock, scratching post, or ladder. Your cat can spend hours climbing, playing, and relaxing in their outdoor space.
- Cat shelves: Allow your cat to discover all the levels of an Omlet Catio. The new design Omlet Cat Shelves are UV stable, claw resistant and have the springy support that lets your cat stretch out among the treetops in style. Built to last in a breathable, quick drying fabric, cats big and small can survey the scene from up high, just like their wild cousins.
- Partitions: Create separate rooms in your catio by adding partitions. They are ideal for households with multiple cats or a new feline arrival, allowing every cat to enjoy outdoor play while maintaining comfortable space from one another.
- Catio Tunnels: Link your Omlet Catio directly to the indoors. The Catio Tunnel System is designed to create a secure route from indoors to the outdoor Catio enclosure, protecting your cat from passing traffic - and passing wildlife from your cat. Better all round.
- Security door: Add an Omlet Porch - an innovative double-door system that fits on any side of the catio. It creates a secure entry area and helps prevent your pet from escaping.
- Weather covers: Keep your cat comfortable in rain or sunshine with Omlet Run Covers. These covers provide shelter from rain and shade from excessive heat, so your cat can enjoy the catio in greater comfort.
Now that you know what a catio is, you have everything you need to create an outdoor kingdom for your cat. They may still claim every room in your home, but they’ll love having a dedicated outdoor space of their own.
