About Us

A catio is a patio for cats, typically built just outside a door or window that your cats like to frequent.

Across the Fraser Coast Region cat owners are required by law to contain their cats on their property at all times.   Given the adventurous nature of many cats, this can be tricky.

Cat enclosures and enclosed windows boxes are recommended by the Fraser Coast Regional Council on their website.

All cats are different, and so are our homes.  Some owners with multiple cats prefer a large enclosure with a full sized door which they can enter and sit inside.  Some prefer a smaller enclosed window box which cats can come and go from whenever they wish.

Larger enclosures may require posts concreted into the ground.  Smallers ones can often be attached to walls with a handful of strong screws - making them straightforward to remove if you move house in the future.

We recommend siting the box or enclosure in a place where the cat(s) will be able to see birds and instects - this will keep them entertained for many hours.

Each cat enclosure is bespoke: we can use whatever wood you prefer, and finish with paint or oil or stain depending on your preference.  You may even paint the finished product yourself if you prefer - this saves money.

Something that works well is to look online at Pintrest and Instagram for designs which are close to that you imagine.  There are also some photos of enclosures on this website.  If you send us a link or photo, we can normally produce something very close to this - to fit your space.

As many as you wish - cats love variety in platform size, shape and slope.

We recommend a cat flap is installed in a window security screen or wall.  We can do this for you.  Do note that it is not possible to put cat flaps in all window security screens - some lack any cavity between the screen and the sliding glass, which is necessary.  This would need to be checked in each case.

We generally use netting and steel mesh with 20mm holes - slightly less than the average width of an adult's thumb.  Small snakes are able to get through this.

If snakes are a particular concern in the area, we therefore recommend using netting and/or steel mesh with much smaller holes on the lower part of the catio.  For example, Paw Guard, which has holes of only 1.2mm.  The downside to this netting is that it is not quite as attractive, and it is harder for cats to see through it - it is therefore not recommended for the entire enclosure.

H3 and H4 treated timber and/or hardwood - this provides good protection against termites and wood rot.  Decking is also a good option.

For the screens we either used rigid galvanised steel, or high quality netting designed specifically for cats and the Australian climate.  This netting comes in various colours and has been tested to retain 93% of its strengh after 10 years weathering.

No - in our experience it is essential to have a roofed enclosure, as cats are extremely adept at climbing.

If you are not the property owner, we would need written permisson from the property owner or their agent.  

It would depend on access and the level of the apartment.  We would also need written permisson from the body corporate.  

We hold Public Liability insurance which covers accidents or injuries that occur as result of our business activities, as well as damage to property owned or controlled by someone else.