A catio lets an indoor cat sit in the sun and watch the birds without running into the street. The hard part is picking one that actually fits your yard. Here are five, from a balcony-sized catio to a walk-in run for a whole crew of cats.
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How I put this together: I didn't build five catios in my backyard, and I'd rather tell you that than pretend. I went through each model's published size, door opening, materials, load rating and price, then picked the one that makes the most sense for each type of space. All five come from Coziwow, a US pet furniture brand that sells mostly wooden catios and hutches. On its own store, Coziwow's catio line averages 4.8 stars across 338 buyer reviews (the store pools reviews across its catio models, so I don't quote them per product). See my full method.
Prices were checked on October 3, 2026 and Coziwow runs frequent sales, so the price on their site may be different. These are affiliate links.
| Catio | Best for | Size (L x W x H) | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small patios and balconies | 39.4" L x 33.3" W x 63.8" H | $162.99 | Check Price | |
| Window access, narrow spaces | 59.1" L x 17.7" W x 70.9" H | $175.99 | Check Price | |
| Most homes, 1 to 3 cats | 62.4" L x 32.4" W x 70.1" H | $227.99 | Check Price | |
| Year-round use, colder areas | 68.9" L x 32.3" W x 70.9" H | $399.99 | Check Price | |
| Several cats, big yards | 108.5" L x 70.9" W x 74" H | $569.99 | Check Price |
Listed from smallest to largest. The right pick depends far more on your space and how many cats you have than on any single feature.
39.4" L x 33.3" W x 63.8" H
Worth knowing: It's a lounge spot more than a run. Great for one cat, a little tight for two that like to chase each other.
59.1" L x 17.7" W x 70.9" H
Worth knowing: The slim depth is the whole point, but it also means less floor space. Measure your window and the ground below it before ordering.
62.4" L x 32.4" W x 70.1" H
Worth knowing: At about 64 lbs and 70" tall, assembly is easier with two people. Plan on an afternoon, not 20 minutes.
68.9" L x 32.3" W x 70.9" H
Worth knowing: Insulation helps on cool days, but no catio replaces bringing your cat inside in freezing weather or storms.
108.5" L x 70.9" W x 74" H
Worth knowing: This is a weekend project and a real commitment of yard space. Check HOA or rental rules before you buy something this size.
Write down the floor space you can give up, then add a couple of feet in front for the door to swing open. Walk-in models need that clearance or you'll be cleaning through a gap.
One cat is happy in the 39" or the window catio. Two or three cats do much better with the 62" walk-in, where they can each claim a shelf. More than that, look at the 108".
Wood lasts longer off wet ground, so set it on pavers or a patio. Put it where it gets some shade in the afternoon, and anchor tall models if you get strong wind.
The best catios connect to a window or a cat door so your cat can come and go. If that's not possible, plan on supervised visits rather than leaving them out for hours.
PawGearPicks is a small site I run on my own. I don't have a test lab, so I focus on the things you can actually check: real measurements, materials, load ratings, price and what buyers report after living with the product. If a catio gets discontinued or its price jumps, I update the page.
The links on this page go to Coziwow through the Awin affiliate network, and I may earn a commission if you buy. Every pick here pays the same rate, so there's no reason for me to push the expensive one. If the 39" fits your space, buy the 39".
A catio keeps your cat contained and away from traffic and other animals, but it isn't a substitute for checking on them. Make sure there's shade, fresh water and a way back inside, and bring your cat in during very hot, very cold or stormy weather.
The compact models are a one to two hour job for one person. The walk-in and extra-large runs are heavy, from about 64 lbs to well over 100 lbs, and go much faster with two people. Coziwow includes instructions and assembly videos on each product page.
If you live somewhere windy, yes. Tall, light enclosures can tip in strong gusts. Ground stakes, straps to a wall or setting the base on pavers all help.
No. This is a comparison built from each product's published dimensions, materials, load ratings and price, plus buyer reviews. I say that upfront so you can weigh it accordingly.
Yes. Links on this page go to Coziwow through the Awin affiliate network, and PawGearPicks may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.