Most cats love being outside. They sunbake, sniff the breeze and watch the birds for hours. But cats that roam face cars, dogs, fights and getting lost, and they're tough on native wildlife. A catio or outdoor cat enclosure gives your cat the best of both: fresh air and plenty to look at, while staying safely at home.
Our new Outdoor Cat Living range is in stock now and ships from Australian warehouses.
Why more Aussie cat owners are keeping cats contained
Keeping cats at home is fast becoming the norm in Australia. The ACT already requires pet cats to be contained, more than half of Victoria's councils have cat containment rules, and the topic is being debated in NSW. Even where it isn't required, containment keeps your cat safer. Roaming accidents are one of the most common ways owners lose a cat, and a contained cat can't bring home native birds, lizards or possums.
The catch is that indoor-only life can leave some cats bored. An outdoor enclosure fixes that.
Which outdoor setup is right for your cat?
Walk-in catios and large wooden enclosures
If you have a backyard or a big deck, a walk-in catio is the gold standard. Your cat gets several levels to climb, shelves to perch on and a roof to keep off the sun and rain, and you can step inside to clean or hang out with them. Browse our catios and cat enclosures.
Window catios
A wall-mounted window catio fixes onto the outside of the house, so your cat can come and go through a window. It's a great option for smaller yards and townhouses.
Cat runs
A long cat run gives active cats room to stretch out and run, and it can sit along a fence line or beside the house.
Outdoor cat houses
Weatherproof wooden cat houses give your cat a dry, shady place to nap in the garden, on a balcony or inside a catio. See our outdoor cat houses.
Playpens and pop-up cat tents
Not ready for a permanent catio? A tiered cat playpen or a pop-up cat tent sets up in minutes on the lawn or deck, packs away flat, and is ideal for supervised outdoor time, new kittens or holidays. Shop cat playpens and tents.
Tips for setting up a happy catio
- Pick the right spot. Choose somewhere with morning sun and afternoon shade, and out of strong wind.
- Go vertical. Cats feel safest up high, so add shelves, perches and ramps.
- Add the basics. Include fresh water, a scratching post, a hidey hole and a comfy bed.
- Keep it secure. Check for gaps your cat could squeeze through, and anchor freestanding enclosures to the ground or a wall.
- Beat the heat. In summer, make sure there's full shade and plenty of water, and bring your cat in on very hot days.
- Introduce it slowly. Use treats and short, supervised sessions at first, and let your cat explore at their own pace.
- Add some fun. Cat tunnels and toys turn the catio into a playground.
Delivery
Everything in the range ships from Australian warehouses. Larger catios and enclosures are sent by bulky freight, and the delivery cost is shown at checkout before you pay.
Shop the full Outdoor Cat Living range and give your cat the great outdoors, safely.