Melbourne's custom catio builder

The great outdoors, minus the great escape.

We design and build custom cat enclosures that attach right to your home, from a patio catio to a side run or a netted-in backyard. Fresh air, sunshine and all the sounds and smells of outside for them, peace of mind for you.

Why build a catio

Everything cats love about outside. None of what you worry about.

Cats that stay safely home tend to live longer, healthier lives, but they miss out on fresh air, sunshine and the daily drama of the backyard. A cat enclosure hands all that back, minus the roads, fights and wildlife toll that come with roaming.

Safe outdoor access

No roads, no fights, no fences to leap. Your cat gets the outdoors while staying firmly on your property.

Protects local wildlife

A fully enclosed run keeps native birds, lizards and possums off the menu, so it's safe for animals on both sides of the mesh, and it keeps you on the right side of council cat rules.

Built to fit your home

Every catio is measured and designed around your windows, doors and yard. No off-the-shelf boxes.

Qualified carpenter

Built by a qualified carpenter using durable, high-quality cat netting and materials made to stand up to Melbourne weather and active cats.

The whole idea

Happy cats, safely outside.

How it works

Three steps from idea to happy cat.

  1. 1

    Chat & site visit

    Tell us about your cats and your space. We'll come out, measure up and talk through what'll work best for your home.

  2. 2

    Custom design & written quote

    You get a design tailored to your windows, doors and yard, plus a clear quote with no surprises.

  3. 3

    Build, install & move in

    Most builds go up in a day or two on site. We install it cleanly, tidy up after ourselves, and show your cat the way out. Sunbaking commences.

Local rules

Check your local council rules.

Cat curfews, containment and registration change from one Victorian council to the next. Find your council for a plain-English rundown, and see how a catio keeps you compliant.

Or browse all council guides →
Good questions

The things people ask before they build.

How much does a catio cost?

Every catio is custom, so the price depends on size, complexity and how it connects to your home. A compact window catio is a modest job; a walk-in enclosure is a bigger build. We give you a quote after the site visit, see how our pricing works or start your free quote.

Do I need a council permit?

Most modest catios don't need a permit, but it can depend on the size and where it sits on your block, and rules vary between councils. We'll flag anything to check during the site visit so there are no nasty surprises. (Final say always rests with your local council.)

How does it connect to my house?

Usually through an existing window, door or a cat flap, so your cat can come and go on their own terms. We work out the best connection point at the free site visit, based on where the enclosure sits and how your cat already moves around the house.

Is it really escape-proof?

That's the whole point. Catios use heavy-duty mesh on a solid frame, sealed at every join, with no gaps a determined cat can squeeze or climb through. Built to keep your cat in and other animals out.

What catio styles can I choose from?

Plenty. A patio catio off the back door, a side run down the fence line, a walk-in cat playground, or netting over the whole backyard. Browse the full range of catio styles to see what suits your place, or just describe your space when you request a quote and we'll point you to the right build.

Can you build for an apartment or a rental?

Absolutely. For apartments, a balcony catio turns your balcony into a safe outdoor room. If you rent, say so when you get in touch and we'll talk through what your lease and your landlord will allow.

Will a catio suit an older or nervous indoor cat?

Yes, that's exactly who they're for. A catio lets a shy or senior cat enjoy sun, fresh air and birdsong from the safety of your property, at their own pace. We fit cat ramps, low steps and cosy hidey-holes to suit your cat's age and confidence.

Will my cat actually use it?

Almost always, and faster than you'd expect. Cats are wired for warmth, height and a good lookout, so once they discover sun to stretch out in and birds to watch, most take to their new enclosure within days. We can build in cat perches, ramps and cosy nooks that make it irresistible, and a treat-trail on the first few trips does the rest.

How much upkeep does a cat enclosure need?

Very little. A solid, well-built enclosure is made to look after itself, an occasional hose-down or sweep-out, and a quick check of the mesh and fixings now and then, is about all it asks. We use weather-rated materials so Melbourne sun, wind and rain don't get the better of it.

Is a catio kinder to local wildlife?

Much kinder. A fully enclosed catio keeps native birds and lizards off the menu while still giving your cat the outdoors, which also keeps you on the right side of council cat-containment rules.

Where in Melbourne do you build?

Right across greater Melbourne. Not sure whether you're in range? Drop us a line and we'll let you know.

How long does the build take?

Once the design's locked in, most catios go up in a day or two on site. Lead time before that depends on our current schedule, start a quote for the latest availability.

How do I get started?

A couple of easy ways: build your quote online in a couple of minutes (rough answers are fine), or get in touch for a chat first. Either way it's free, with no obligation, and we call you back to talk it through.

Contact Us

Let's build your cat a better view.

Tell us a bit about your cats and your space. We'll be in touch to book a no-obligation site visit and quote.

Call 0458 678 438
carl@thecatiocarpenter.com.au

No obligation. We usually reply within a day or two.