Benefits of Catios for Indoor Cats:

Safety, Enrichment & Peace of Mind

7 benefits of having a Catio for your indoor Cat

How our custom catios work

Consult: We start with a quick call to learn about your home, your cat’s habits, and your goals. You share a few photos or a short video so we can understand the space.

Design: We measure carefully, consider traffic flow, sun and shade, and choose materials that match your home. You get a simple plan and a clear estimate so there are no surprises.

Build: We anchor into studs with utility grade hardware, round every edge, and finish with pet safe, low VOC sealants. The result is a catio that looks built in, not bolted on.

Materials and safety standards

We use ethically sourced wood and durable, chew resistant mesh sized for safety and airflow. All edges are eased smooth, shelves are spaced for confident climbing, and gateways close securely. Finishes are selected for low odor and indoor air quality. Every installation is fully insured and backed by a five year craftsmanship warranty for peace of mind.

Made for Maryland weather

Maryland brings humid summers, coastal breezes, and chilly winters. We design for comfort with shade sails, optional wind or rain panels, and corrosion resistant hardware. Coastal projects, including Ocean City, receive extra salt air protection. Drainage, ventilation, and sun angles are considered up front so your catio feels useful all year.

Warranty and care

Your build includes a five year craftsmanship warranty. Most owners only need light seasonal care such as a quick rinse and a visual hardware check. Our optional MonumentCare visit includes a safety inspection, hardware tightening, and cedar reseal so your catio stays sturdy and beautiful.

Catio glossary

Vertical space: Perches, ramps, and shelves that let cats climb, rest, and observe without conflict.

Enclosure mesh: Rigid, pet safe mesh that prevents escapes while allowing airflow and visibility.

Access tunnel: A short, secure passage from a window or pet door to the catio entry.

Shade sail: A tensioned fabric panel that reduces heat and glare while keeping sightlines open.

Wind or rain panel: A removable clear panel that adds comfort during blustery or wet weather.

Where we build

We serve Maryland communities including Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, Columbia, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Laurel, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, and nearby areas. Not sure if we come to you? Ask during your free design consult.

Ready to plan your catio

Book a free 20 minute design consult. We will talk layout, materials, timing, and budget, then share a written estimate you can approve with confidence.

1. Safer “outdoor time,” without the risks

A catio lets indoor cats enjoy fresh air, sun, and nature while staying protected from cars, predators, fights, and disease exposure. This approach is recommended by major organizations as a way to keep cats safe at home [1] [2].

2. Daily enrichment that reduces stress and boredom

Cats need places to climb, perch, hide, and survey. Providing vertical space and choice, plus outdoor sights and smells, meets core feline environmental needs and helps lower stress-related behaviors [3] [4].

3. Healthier minds and bodies

Enrichment and out-of-cage activity are linked with better welfare and calmer behavior. A well-designed catio encourages natural movement (climb, explore, rest) without free-roaming hazards [5] [3].

4. Multi-cat harmony

Extra vertical “real estate” and multiple resting options can ease tension in multi-cat homes by letting cats avoid conflict and control their personal space [3].

5. Protects birds and local wildlife

Keeping cats contained (via catios and other secure enclosures) dramatically reduces predation on birds and small wildlife, while still giving cats a fulfilling outdoor experience [6] [7].

6. Works for any home type

Reputable groups note that outdoor enclosures can be adapted for balconies, patios, yards, and townhomes, an alternative to full free access outside [4] [1] [7].

7. Built the right way = peace of mind

Use pet-safe finishes, sturdy mesh, and stud-anchored hardware. Add shade, wind screens, or winter panels to suit your climate and seasons. These align with general best-practice guidance for safe, cat-friendly environments [3] [4].

FAQs

1) Will my cat actually use it?

Yes. Most cats explore within a day or two. We design with feline behavior in mind: clear sightlines to nature for your cat, comfy perches, and cozy nooks. A favorite bed, a few treats, or a scratching post helps even shy cats feel confident.

2) How much space do I need?

Less than you might think. From slim window units and balcony enclosures to walk-in garden rooms, we tailor the footprint to your home, whether condo, townhome, or single-family. We measure, mock up a layout, and make it feel like it was always part of your space.

3) Is it safe for my cat and my home?

Built like a home feature, not a gadget. We anchor into studs with utility-grade hardware, round every edge, and use pet-safe, low-VOC sealants on ethically sourced wood. Everything is fully insured and covered by our 5-year craftsmanship warranty.

4) Do you handle HOAs and permits?

Yes. We handle the research, speak with your HOA, provide drawings and photos, and manage paperwork when required. Many projects do not need permits. If yours does, we map the steps and timeline so there are no surprises.

5) How does it hold up year round, and what maintenance is needed?

Designed for Maryland seasons and easy to keep pristine. Shade sails and wind or rain panels keep cats comfortable in summer and winter. Hardware is corrosion-resistant, finishes are pet-safe, and our optional MonumentCare visit includes a safety check, hardware tightening, and cedar reseal. Coastal installs, including Ocean City, receive extra salt-air protection.

References

  1. Humane Society of the United States. Catios: Safe Outdoor Enclosures for Happy, Healthy Cats. humaneworld.org
  2. American Veterinary Medical Association. Free-roaming, owned cats. avma.org
  3. AAFP & ISFM. Feline Environmental Needs Guidelines. SAGE summary · PDF
  4. International Cat Care. Making your home cat friendly. icatcare.org
  5. Maddie’s Fund. How to Reduce Stress in Shelter Cats. maddiesfund.org
  6. American Bird Conservancy. Cats Indoors. abcbirds.org
  7. American Bird Conservancy. Safe Solutions for Pet Cats + Catio Options. abcbirds.org