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.
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.
Happy cats, safely outside.
Explore the full range.
Every kind of cat enclosure we build, patio catios, side runs and walk-in cat playgrounds, plus cat-proof netting over the whole backyard, installs of store-bought kits, and repairs and maintenance. Tap any one to see how it works.
Three steps from idea to happy cat.
- 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
Custom design & written quote
You get a design tailored to your windows, doors and yard, plus a clear quote with no surprises.
- 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.
What people say once the cats move in.
- 5 out of 5 stars
Highly highly recommend Carl. Very professional and friendly service. Great communication throughout the whole process. The cat run looks amazing and was very reasonably priced.
- 5 out of 5 stars
Very pleased with the quality of our catio. We had considered getting one for some time to protect both our cat and the local wildlife. With avian flu now on Australian shores, we were also keen to keep our cat separate from cross species infections. We were happy we chose The Catio Carpenter. Carl is a pleasant and cheerful carpenter with a great affinity for pets. He put so much thought into the design, discussing everything with us first, and offering brilliant suggestions we hadn’t yet considered. As he worked, he paid attention to where the sun would shine throughout the day, and fitted a shelf in a position that caught the morning and afternoon sun, yet would be shaded from the midday heat. Carl carefully considered our cat’s size and age, so the shelf would be at an appropriate height for his abilities. Carl clearly enjoys his work and takes pride in delivering a safe, comfortable space for his furry clientele. We were also impressed at Carl’s skill at thinking on his feet to come up with bespoke, sturdy solutions that fit our house and our requirements. A true professional and experienced craftsman, Carl turned up promptly, worked efficiently and cleaned up thoroughly once the work was complete. Our cat was at the vet whilst Carl was building. All was forgiven when he discovered his new catio, and within a couple of hours, he was king of his new domain. We were proud to show the results to our friends and family (as well as the vet!) each of whom asked for Carl’s contact details. Thanks Carl, for all your hard work!
- 5 out of 5 stars
Thanks so much for the fantastic work on our cat enclosure! We’re really happy with the result. It gives our two cats the freedom to enjoy being outside while giving us peace of mind that they can’t escape. Great workmanship and a great job - highly recommend!
- 5 out of 5 stars
The Catio Carpenter has just built a custom playground for my little man Romy, I cannot thank Carl enough for the time and effort that he put into designing and building Romy's playground from platforms, rope swing, ladder and even a tree, he has it all and is loving every part of his enclosure now, I would highly recommend Carl to anyone thinking of having a cat enclosure built for their fur babies, he was punctual, courteous and most of all listened to what I wanted (added a few suggestions) that I also went with and best of all stayed in budget, so I now have one very happy cat, thank you very much Carl, Karen & Romy.
Every one of these was left on our Google Business Profile (opens in a new tab), along with anything else people have had to say.
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.
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.
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.
