How do my cats get from the house to a freestanding catio?

Usually through a mesh tunnel from a window or cat door, along the ground or up along the fence. Some owners skip the tunnel and carry their cats out for supervised time instead.

Do I need a permit for a backyard catio?

Maybe. A large freestanding structure can count as an accessory building under City of Winnipeg rules, depending on its size and where it sits on your lot. We'll check what applies for you.

Will the frost heave it?

Not if it's set properly. We choose the footing for your soil and the size of the catio, so the frame stays level and the doors keep closing, spring after spring.

Can it have power for a heated bed or a light?

We can plan for it in the design. Anything electrical is done by a licensed electrician.

A room of their own, out back

Backyard catios in Winnipeg

A catio that gives your favourite little tyrant their own backyard kingdom. From a snug cedar hideaway to a walk-in space where you can sit with a coffee while they supervise the neighbourhood.

Call (431) 444-5456 Book a free consult

Walk-in sizes
Frost-proof footings
Roofed for snow

Backyard catio on the lawn with a cedar ramp, a peaked lookout and several levels

Two cats lounging on cushions at the end of a rope bridge inside a cedar walk-in catio — Inside a walk-in

Set below the frost

Freestanding means it goes where the sun is

A freestanding catio doesn't need to touch the house, so it can sit where the afternoon sun lands, where the birds gather, or simply where it looks best. Cats reach it through a tunnel from the house, or you bring them out for the afternoon.

The biggest are walk-ins: tall enough to stand in, with a bench for you and shelves, ramps and bridges for them. Every one sits on proper footings to handle our lovely Winnipeg winters.

A backyard catio is a good fit if

You have yard space, and want to keep the deck for yourself
You want a big catio with room to climb, run and wrestle
You'd like to sit in there with them
You have several cats who need space from each other

Built properly

What goes into one

Footings for frost
A base chosen for your soil and the size of the build, so the frame stays square year after year.
A real roof
Shingle, metal or clear panels, pitched for snow. Plenty of owners match it to their house or the garage.
A door that stays shut
A full-height door with a cat-proof latch, and a double-door entry for the true escape artists.
Levels, ramps and bridges
Cats think in three dimensions. Shelves at different heights, ramps between them, and a lookout up top.

Backyard catio ideas

A garden cabin, a walk-in lounge, or a cedar frame off the patio.

Walk-in with a gable roof
Rope bridge to the nap spot
Cedar frame off the patio

Backyard catio questions

How do my cats get from the house to a freestanding catio?
Usually through a mesh tunnel from a window or cat door, along the ground or up along the fence. Some owners skip the tunnel and carry their cats out for supervised time instead.
Do I need a permit for a backyard catio?
Maybe. A large freestanding structure can count as an accessory building under City of Winnipeg rules, depending on its size and where it sits on your lot. We'll check what applies for you.
Will the frost heave it?
Not if it's set properly. We choose the footing for your soil and the size of the catio, so the frame stays level and the doors keep closing, spring after spring.
Can it have power for a heated bed or a light?
We can plan for it in the design. Anything electrical is done by a licensed electrician.