Outdoor Cat Enclosures Connected to House: 14 Amazing Ideas for Safe, Ultimate Cat Adventure

If cats are your pets, you may already know that being outside is something that they naturally love. Moreover, kitties are well-known to be animals with high levels of curiosity, and the world outside the house offers a lot to explore.

Feeling the fresh air and enough sunlight while observing many things happening outside can also stimulate a healthy body and mental condition for the cats. It is beneficial in keeping them happy.

If all those are what you want for your beloved felines, we recommend building outdoor cat enclosures connected to house, which are often called catios. A structure like this would be a fantastic addition to the residence when you have kitties, mainly because of the benefits it offers, such as:

1. It gives access to the cats to the outdoor environment while at the same time offering safety from possible dangers like animal attacks or vehicle hits.
2. It avoids the possibility for the kitties to run away, never come back, and break your heart.
3. While spending time in the enclosure, the cats will not attack other small critters in the environment, including birds. It also prevents them from possible infections and viruses from the other animals or even getting poisoned by plants or other things they can nibble outside the house.
4. By providing an enclosure, you can avoid your kitties from roaming around the neighborhood with the possibility of mating with other cats that can result in an unwanted increasing population, which can be troublesome.
5. The enclosure offers the kitties enough sunlight and fresh air.
6. For you, the enclosure can also be beneficial because an extra litter box that you place in it can reduce the bad odors inside the house. In other words, your cats can get an alternative place to go when nature is calling.
7. It can avoid your neighbors’ possibility of getting mad at you because your cats use their land as litter boxes when roaming around the neighborhood. The quite same idea is also applicable when some of your neighbors are cat allergic.

We are sure that all those benefits arrest your attention just now. That is why we want to perfect all the information that we just shared by providing you 14 ideas of outdoor cat enclosures connected to the house in the following. Read further to get inspired about the kind of catio you want the most for your kitties.

1. Lots of Sunshine in a Space-Friendly Dark-Stained Wood Cat Enclosure with Fun Features

The first idea that we want you to take a look at is this dark-stained wood outdoor enclosure, custom-built for this cat named Chico. Although it is not that spacious, it is pretty tall and is more than enough for the kitty. The most important thing about this backyard catio is that it is built in a spot with lots of sunlight, which the cat loves quite the most.

From the picture, you can see that Chico’s Carson Catio is connected to the home interior through an insert installed on the wall. It gives the cat freedom to access the enclosure whenever it wants to.

Other than that, on the outer side, there is also a standard-size door for human access. This detail is necessary for when you need to clean up the enclosure for the sake of hygienic value or when you need to capture the cats when they refuse to come into the house on their own.

About the features, everything added in the catio looks simple but is enough to give the cat comfort and fun experiences. The one that catches our attention the most is the tall scratch post, which seems to be the signature feature of the catio builder.

Some shelves are also added inside the enclosure so that the cat can climb them up simply for laying down or observing what is happening in the environment. These details are carpeted so that the comfort value is guaranteed.

There is also a glass bubble bed inserted in one of the shelves. Something like this can be an excellent place for the cat to take a nap while at the same time feeling the fun floating sensation.

The last but not most minor thing that we love about this enclosure is the location, which is right under the roof’s overhang. An idea like this can help in reducing the cost of the enclosure’s building process.

2. A Small Yet Complete Cat Enclosure with Standard Door for Human

This Oak Park cat enclosure is also located in a narrow place. We love the idea of using the corner location of the wall to maximize the interior of the catio. This spot is also where the door insert is situated, as shown in the picture above.

Another thing that we love about it is regardless of the narrow space, it still has the full features needed for happy and comfortable cats. Let us talk about the details one by one.

Again in this catio design, the catchiest feature is the tall synthetic rope scratch post, just like the one we see in the previous idea. The similarity between the two is something reasonable because the manufacturer of the two catios is the same.

About the tall scratch post, you may wonder why it should be that tall if the function is just for scratching. The thing that you must know here is that the cats can use it as a climbing pole for extra fun too.

This outdoor enclosure also has carpeted shelves to ensure that the cats can stay comfortable whenever they spend time in it. It is a good thing too that the floor is covered in blue carpet, seemingly done for a similar purpose.

Near the blue carpet on the floor, there is a small blue bed for the cats to nap while enjoying the fresh outdoor air. Above, there is another bubble bed that offers a different napping experience.

The last but not least feature that makes this enclosure even more complete is the litter box. It even comes with a unique door near it for easier cleaning, although there is already a standard-size human door included in the design.

3. A Tiny Deck Cat Enclosure Connected to the Kitchen

The remarkable thing that we see first from this Glassell Park enclosure made for Mr. Grey is that it is located on the deck of the house, allowing the cat to get a broader scenery to observe. The size of it is also not too big. That is why the design is made towering to ensure enough features to keep the kitty happy.

Another remarkable thing is that it has a tunnel that connects the door insert to the central interior of the enclosure. FYI, the door insert here connects the tunnel with the kitchen counter inside the house, proving that any wall space is possible to use to create an entrance for the kitties to access the catio any time.

While the features inside the catio are more or less similar to the ones we can see in the previous ideas, there is another thing that catches our attention quite the most. It is the existence of the floating wooden steps that are located right at the end of the tunnel.

The design undeniably makes the catio looks more beautiful. As for the cat, it makes it easier to access the lower floor where the litter box is.

4. A Multi-Tone Cat Enclosure with Tunnel Feature for Multiple Entrances

This custom catio by The Cat Topia contains another good idea that you can get inspired from. It is that an outdoor cat enclosure can have more than just one entrance.

In this design, the catio type is suitable to call a window enclosure because both entrances are none other than the house’s windows. In such an idea, you do not need to include any door insert.

Another interesting fact that you must know about this outdoor cat enclosure is that it is actually two catios connected with a tunnel. It can provide a fun adventure for the kitties since they can access the chamber from a room in the house and enter another room from another side of the catio.

A design like this is suitable to follow when you want to give your cats a more spacious outdoor place to explore. Although the space available is quite limited, you can still make it true, such as by making one of the catios floating near the window as done in the picture.

5. A Connected Enclosure with Beautiful Landscape and Wall Cat Door Insert

This next outdoor cat enclosure idea is just fascinating. How can it not be? It is made to be part of the garden, providing an outdoor exploration for the cats and beautiful scenery that they can enjoy. It is a perfect selection if you know your kitties love plants.

We love how the concrete base and the wood floor are included in the enclosure design. They do not only fix the position of the catio but can also increase the safety and comfort values.

While it is undeniable that the enclosure design is fantastic, there is something that we want to tell you more about. The builder, Habitat Haven, offers services to build custom cat enclosures and offers some DIY kits so that you can create the cation on your own, of course, it is suitable only when you have experiences in constructing.

The primary material of the cat enclosure is known as heavy-gauge galvanized steel wire. It is flexible and modular so that you can create any design possible to fit what the cats need the most and suit the enclosure and the outdoor space available.

Habitat Haven also provides some accessories that can enhance the fun and comfort of the cats. Two examples that you can see in the picture are hammocks and awnings.

6. A Colorful Outdoor Cat Enclosure Connected to House for a More Cheerful Atmosphere

Building a colorful outdoor cat enclosure can also be a good idea to try. The kitties may not see the exact hues that you choose because of the difference between their vision and ours. However, something like this can still give a contribution to the exterior design.

A colorful outdoor cat enclosure can create a cheerful atmosphere. It can be excellent when you also have kids at home or when the catio is meant for a place like a shelter or similar places where positivity must be spread to invite good things to come.

If you need an example of a cat enclosure with a colorful design, you can take a look at this custom catio created by Catio Spaces. It is dominated by pink and blue that looks compatible with the purple hue of the home exterior walls.

7. An Outdoor Cat Enclosure with American Football Theme

Here is another unique creation from Catio Spaces. As clearly shown in the picture, this outdoor cat enclosure has an American football team as the theme. To be more specific, it is the Seattle Seahawks.

Building a catio with something that becomes your preference can be a good idea for making a stronger bond between you and the cats. The reason is that you will be interested in spending time with the kitties in the catio whenever you have time for it.

For example, in the picture, the cat enclosure is made to be spacious enough to add a standard chair with the football team design for the cats’ keeper to sit inside. Something like this creates more chances for interaction to happen between you and the cat, which possibly results in a happier version of your kitties and maybe you too.

Before moving to the next idea, we want you to notice one more thing from this colorful American football backyard cat enclosure. The window cat door insert becomes the primary access for the cat to enter the catio. Something like this offers you flexibility because it is commonly available in a removable form, so you can get rid of it whenever needed.

8. Complete Extras in an Outdoor Cat Enclosure Accessible from Interior Through a Sliding Door

There is something different that we find to be quite interesting from this connected cat enclosure by Custom Catios. The cats and the keepers can access it comfortably through a sliding door that connects to the home interior.

The size of this cat enclosure is also quite large. It gives the keepers extra comfort to spend some playtime with the kitties.

As for the cats, we love how this enclosure has complete extras for quality outdoor time. It has plenty of shelves accessible through a walkway and steps.

Other than the synthetic rope climbing pole and the bubble bed, there is actually a feature that arrests our attention the more. It is a hideout with decorative cat cutouts. You can add a cushion inside it, as done in the picture, for extra comfort for the kitties.

9. Stained Wood Outdoor Cat Enclosure with Cute Cutouts as the Details

This outdoor cat enclosure by Cat Scape has a very open feeling that makes it blend with nature in the surroundings perfectly. Thanks to the wire material used not only for the walls but also for the roof of the catio.

The stained-wood appearance here looks so beautiful. It even becomes a compatible match for the rustic home exterior.

It is also interesting that instead of providing a scratch post, the designer offers natural driftwoods inside the enclosure. Items like these are helpful not only for giving something for the cats to scratch on but also to enhance the beauty of the enclosure interior.

The focal decorations of this cat enclosure are none other but the cute cutouts added on the shelves. These details adorn the outdoor catio and provide more fun for the kitties since they can peek through the holes.

Other than the cute and playful image of the cats, here is another cutout variation found in the catio design. It is the cat’s paws, as seen in the picture.

10. Small and Neat Outdoor Cat Enclosure by the Window

Having only a small space should not get in your way to provide a place for your cats to spend time safely outside the house. An excellent example is shown in the picture above. It is another creation of Cat Scape.

This one is suitable to call the window cat enclosure because it is built right in front of the house’s window. It may not be that large, but it is big enough for the kitties to not get bored spending all their time in the house.

Let us take a look at the interior of the cat enclosure to see the details. The entrance here is a window cat door insert.

This enclosure looks simple and neat because of the stained wood material. It also has shelves with the same appearance. The cat can use them, including for laying down, as you can see in the pic.

The roof of this enclosure is clear polycarbonate so that it can be a place where the cats can enjoy the warmth of sunlight. Two carriers are placed inside the catio as a hideout for the kitties when the day is too sunny.

Talking about a hiding place, there is another permanent secret hideout provided at the end of the enclosure. This spot is made by taking advantage of the roof of the house. It gives a darker interior which can be more comfortable for the cats.

11. A Wonderful Outdoor Cat Enclosure with Strong Natural Feel

Building a cat enclosure with a natural feel is also possible to do. Something like this is suitable for kitties who love to explore nature and keepers who are fond of similar things.

An excellent example of this idea is available in the picture above showing another creation of Cat Scape. This large cat enclosure is actually a part of a shelter. Can you imagine how happy the cats who live there are whenever they spend some outdoor time safely in this enclosure?

This cat enclosure looks unique. There is no traditional furniture and accessories like shelves, scratch post, or climbing post placed in there making it seems like an ultimate natural escape for the kitties.

Instead of placing all those details, the maker put a living tree with rocks and pebbles decorations under it to keep the natural atmosphere. The cats can climb it for extra adventure. They can use it for climbing too.

The last but not least exciting detail that you must know from this project, made for Cat’s Cradle Rescue, is the cat entrance access the enclosure. It uses a large window that connects the house interior with the catio. While allowing some fresh air to enter the home, the cats can quickly come in and out of the enclosure for some fun outdoor experience.

12. A Double-Decker Outdoor Cat Enclosure for Extra Adventure

When you have a balcony, you can also create a double-decker cat enclosure in the creation of Cat Scape shown in the picture above. In this design, the balcony and space under it are used for the catio, secured by wire walls.

From this front view, it is pretty clear that two floors are used for the enclosure. It is such a good idea to expand the outdoor space for the cats when there are no other spots in your property area that are possible to use for that.

If you enter the lower floor, you will know that there are unique and secured steps provided so that the cats can access the upper floor, which is the balcony, without help. From this interior space also, you can know how the plants surrounding the enclosure build up a solid natural feel that the cats can enjoy too.

13. Comfortable Outdoor Enclosures for Cats and Humans to Interact

Here is another special outdoor cat enclosure that you must see. This really special ocean-themed catio is the result of teamwork between housepanther, Jackson Galaxy, and Petco Love for Rancho Coastal Humane Society.

At first, this cat enclosure connected to the shelter’s main building was just a regular catio. Later on, an idea popped up to make it a place where the cats who stay there have direct interactions with visitors, making a bigger chance for bonding, which means a bigger opportunity for the kitties to get adopted.

From this picture, we all know how significant the changes of the catio are until it becomes a complete enclosure for the cats and a comfortable place for the visitors to hang out. In the new makeover design, new roofing, and Purrfect Fence are installed created a more shaded place for everyone.

The outdoor enclosure is genuinely designed to guarantee the cat fun and coziness. It comes with lots of shelves and extra protection installed above the fence, making it possible for the kitties to peek out of the neighborhood without a chance to escape.

Another feature that the cats must love is the existence of an artificial tree that they can climb. Other than that, there are also lots of hammocks available for napping.

14. Hexagonal Outdoor Enclosure Connected to House with Cat Tree Inside

The last but not least enclosure idea that we want you to take a look at is this hexagonal catio. It is a creation of Custom Cages.

The idea used here is quite simple yet very effective. It uses a custom cage from an aluminum frame without any features and accessories other than the special window door kit for the cat and a built-in door for the keeper. To add extra fun inside the enclosure, you can add cat tree furniture as done in the picture.

Closing

All ideas that we just shared above are fascinating, right? Although the designs may be various, the sure thing is that outdoor cat enclosures connected to the house are meant for providing a safe place for the kitties to be outside the house once in a while.

While we already mentioned everything previously, there are still some things that we want you to consider when about to build an outdoor enclosure for your cats. You should place shelves, hammocks, scratch posts, climbing posts, and some regular cat accessories. It would be even better if you also add some other necessities.

The first example that we suggest is a litter box. It will help in keeping the enclosure clean while at the same time providing the cats an alternative spot to finish their nature calls other than the one that you provide inside the house.

Other than that, placing food and water containers is recommended too. This way, when the cats are hungry or thirsty, they do not need to go inside the house first to satisfy it.

If your property is located in a snake-prone area, you may be worried that your cat can possibly be in grave danger because of it. In this case, we suggest you at least choose a snake-proof mesh for the material of the catio wall.

Do you have any other ideas to make the outdoor enclosure a safer place for the cats? Share your thoughts!