How Much Does It Cost to Build a Catio

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Catios are enclosed structures attached to a house or building either directly or via an enclosed walkway.

The purpose of a catio is to provide a safe and enriching outside space for indoor cats.

Catios can range in size, shape, materials, and location; because of this variety, the cost of catios can also vary. Some catios are practical and affordable, while others are luxurious and expensive.

You can build your own catio from scratch for $0-$1,000. You can buy a DIY catio plan for $40-$150 and then buy the materials for a further $100-$1,000. You can buy a pre-made catio for $300-$2,500. You can pay upwards of $1,000 for a custom-built catio. Equipment, building permits, poor planning, and maintenance can increase costs further.

To understand how much it costs to build a catio, you need to know what installation options there are and what factors can increase or decrease the costs involved.

Additionally, there are hidden costs associated with catios; if you are not aware of these, they can push you over your catio budget.

Factors That Affect Cost

Size

Building a bigger catio requires more materials and may require better materials to provide enough strength and support to the structure.

You can make a catio as big as you want, but you should install bigger catios for high-energy cats or multiple cats.

Shape

Increasing the complexity or height of the catio requires better design and can increase the cost.

You might need to use more complex shapes if your space is limited or if your cat needs the additional stimulation it can provide.

Location

A suspended catio needs careful design and support and, therefore, may cost more. However, suspended catios are usually smaller in size, which can balance out the extra costs.

Suspended catios are ideal for apartments with no yard and apartments above the ground floor.

Modifying a balcony or a porch into a catio may reduce the overall cost of the catio.

Installing a detached catio can increase the cost because you also have to install an enclosed walkway between the house and the catio.

Climate

Some climates may necessitate the installation of a non-wire roof to protect the catio from rain or snow.

These roofs are heavier and may need a reinforced catio frame, which can be more expensive. Furthermore, a non-wire roof requires drainage.

Materials

The type of materials used can influence the cost. For example, if you use wooden decking as a foundation for your catio, it will be more expensive than building your catio on your lawn.

There are different types of wood and wire fencing that you can use, and the different types are different prices. You can save on material costs if you find items on sale or recycle items you already have, such as old pallets.

Catio Installation Options

There are four main options for catio installation. In the order of increasing cost, these options are:

1. Building your own DIY catio from scratch.
2. Building your own DIY catio according to purchased catio plans.
3. Installing a pre-made catio.
4. Having a catio custom designed and professionally installed.

DIY Catio From Scratch

The cost of building your own catio from scratch ranges from $0 to $1,000, and there are freely available instruction videos on the internet that can guide you when building your catio.

This option includes modifying balconies and porches. For under $50, using just zip ties and metal fencing, you can transform your balcony or porch into a lovely catio.

You can also use wire storage cubes to build a catio by assembling them in a different way. Wire storage cubes are available online for between $30 and $60.

There are benefits to building a DIY catio:

• It is the most affordable catio option.
• You can gather the materials over a number of months to spread out the cost.
• You can use recycled materials. Recycled materials are environmentally friendly and can reduce the cost of the catio.
• You have complete control over the design, so you can build whatever size or shape suits your cat and property.

There are drawbacks to building a DIY catio:

• You need to have the necessary tools. Purchasing the tools may make this option more expensive than one of the others. However, you could borrow tools.
• You need to be good at DIY. Alternatively, you need to have a helpful friend who is good at DIY. If you do not have the skills required to build a strong catio, you may have to spend more money trying to fix it. Or you may need to go with a different option after spending money on this option.
• You need to have time available to build the catio.

DIY Catio From Purchased Plans

The cost of building your own catio using plans you purchased can range from $40 to $150 for the plans, plus another $100 to $1,000 for the materials.

Often these plans will include a comprehensive list of the materials you will need.

Catios set away from the house will cost more because you will have to install a tunnel between the catio and the house. Catio tunnel plans can be an extra $40 or more, excluding the materials.

There are benefits to building a DIY catio using purchased plans:

• It is a relatively affordable catio option.
• You can gather the materials over a number of months to spread out the cost.
• You can use recycled materials. Recycled materials are environmentally friendly and can reduce the cost of the catio.
• You don't have to work out the sizes, angles, and other details.
• You can see pictures of how the catio should look. This can help you choose a catio and guide you during its construction.

There are drawbacks to building a DIY catio using purchased plans:

• You need to have the necessary tools.
• You need to be good at DIY. Alternatively, you need to have a helpful friend who is good at DIY.
• You need to have time available to build the catio.
• You will have less control of the design.

Buying A Pre-Made Catio

The cost of buying a pre-made catio ranges from $300 to $2,500 depending on the size, complexity, and where you buy it. As catios become increasingly popular, more specialist shops are opening.

You can find several specialist shops by searching online.

Specialist shops sell high-quality catios, and their accessory options permit a degree of customization. However, the catios are in the higher range of prices.

Amazon and other non-specialist shops also sell pre-made catios. These catios are less expensive but are also of poorer quality and can't be customized.

There are benefits to buying a pre-made catio:

• You do not need DIY skills or tools.
• You can buy and install the catio quickly.
• Depending on where you buy it, you are guaranteed good quality.

There are drawbacks to buying a pre-made catio:

• They are a more expensive option.
• Although catios from the specialist shops offer a degree of customization, this is limited.

Professional Design And Construction

The cost of hiring a professional to custom design and build your catio starts at between $1,000 and $5,000 and increases depending on who you hire and what catio you want.

There are several businesses of dedicated catio designers and builders. However, you can also hire a general contractor or a carpenter to build your catio.

There are benefits to getting your catio made by a professional:

• You do not need DIY skills or tools.
• You do not need to have time for the construction.
• Quality work is guaranteed if you use a reputable company or person.
• Your catio can be customized to the requirements of your property and cat.

The main drawback to getting your catio made by a professional is the cost; this is an expensive option. You are not just paying for the construction; you are also paying for consultations and planning.

Do Not Compromise On Quality

Regardless of which catio installation option you choose, you must not compromise on safety and durability in favor of cost.

A catio's purpose is to provide a safe outdoor space for your cat. Catios do not have to be massive and complex, but they do need to be well built.

Good construction with good materials helps ensure that your catio is secure and durable.

Cost of Filling Your Catio

Catios need to be filled with toys and equipment to allow cats the fullest enjoyment of their new space. Catio fillers can be expensive, but they don't have to be.

Scratching posts

Simple scratching posts seem to have two different price ranges. You get more affordable scratching posts that range from $20 to $60, and you get the more expensive ones that range from $100 to $300.

A cheaper option is to buy a second-hand scratching post. Make sure it is in good condition before buying it, though. You can replace the rope, but if the pole is loose on the stand, it can be problematic.

You should also wash and sterilize it before giving it to your cat. You can revive your own scratching post by replacing the rope for less than $12.

You can build your own scratching posts for approximately $0 to $65, depending on how many of the materials you already have.

You can use PVC pipes or pieces of wood covered in rope or carpet for your DIY cat scratching posts.

Beds and perches

The price of cat beds starts at around $10. They are not usually too pricey, but you can buy luxury ones if you want to. However, you need to remember that cats are contrary.

They may reject your $100 bed in favor of a sunny spot of gravel. A cheaper and often more successful choice is a cardboard box with a piece of material or an old pillow on a shelf.

You can buy a simple cat perch for approximately $30, or you can buy a cat tree for upwards of $100.

Alternatively, you can use the left-over lumber from your DIY catio to make your own perches. Most of the pre-made catios available come fitted with perches and shelves for your cat to climb on.

Plants

Filling a catio with plants makes it feel more like an outdoor area for your cat. Plants also make your catio more attractive. If you have the skill and perseverance to nurse them on, seedlings are a great choice.

More established plants are more expensive. Some plants are cheaper than others, but make sure than whatever you buy is not poisonous to your cat.

You can also use logs and branches to add height and provide natural scratching posts.

Hidden Costs

Some catios require planning permission. There may be fees involved in applying for planning permission. Additionally, the county or city officials may require you to provide professionally drawn-up plans for your catio.

However, the cost of applying for planning permission is preferable to the penalties incurred by not applying.

If you needed planning permission but built your catio without it, you will have to dismantle your catio and pay any applicable fines.

If you are attaching your catio to a door, you may need to install a cat flap. Your cat should not be locked away from the house, but you probably don't want to keep your door open in winter or at night.

Installing a cat flap should not be very expensive, but it is a cost.

You can incur unforeseen costs if you do not plan well. If you do not accurately calculate the amount of material you need, you can buy too much or not enough.

Buying too little may cause you to overspend your budget, trying to get more material. Buying too much may be an investment in maintenance, but it also might strain your pocket unnecessarily.

You need to include the cost of painting and staining into your calculations.

Untreated wood is not durable. Durability is crucial as your catio is an outdoor structure exposed to weathering.

You will also have to maintain your catio. Regular maintenance will ensure that the cost is spread out and minimized.

Is A Catio Worth It?

Indoor cats are at risk of becoming bored, unhappy, and overweight without proper stimulation and attention. Catios are an excellent solution to this problem.

A catio provides a safe way for your indoor cat to experience the outside without exposure to the dangers of outdoor living.

It provides your cat with more space to explore and encourages exercise, especially if the catio is relatively large.

When cats are allowed outside, they don't confine their movements within their own yard. Cats can get lost, hit by cars, attacked by animals, or contract diseases.

The two diseases of most concern are Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (the cat equivalent of AIDS) and feline leukemia. Both these diseases compromise the immune system and leave your cat open to other diseases and infections.

Obviously, the main reason to install a catio is to keep your cat safe from all these dangers. However, there are also cost benefits.

Catios can save you from incurring hefty vet bills because your cat is less likely to get injured or catch FIV and feline Leukemia.

An obese cat is prone to diabetes etc., that may require regular medication. Obese cats should also be on calory-restricted foods, which are more expensive than normal foods.

A bored cat is prone to destructive behavior. Inside your house, this behavior is detrimental to your furniture. So, a catio can increase the lifespan of your sofa and curtains.

• Read the Top 20 Catio Benefits to understand Does Your Cat Need A Catio.

Conclusion

Catios don't have to be expensive investments for your cat to enjoy them. You can build a lovely catio for under $100.

On the other hand, catios can be as luxurious as your purse, and building restrictions allow, costing you upward of $5,000.

From least expensive to most expensive, your catio installation options are 1) build a DIY catio from scratch, 2) buy DIY catio plans and materials, 3) buy a pre-made catio, or 4) have a catio custom built.

Increasing the size or complexity of a catio will increase its cost. Some materials are more expensive than others.

However, you need to build with the strongest and safest materials, not with the cheapest (or at least find a good balance).

If you need planning permission to build your catio, this can be an added expense. You also need to remember the ongoing cost of maintenance.

Whatever you end up spending on your catio will be worth it. Catios are so enriching for your indoor feline friends and allow them to experience the outdoor environment safely.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Catio

Source: https://catioworld.com/how-much-is-a-catio/#:~:text=You%20can%20build%20your%20own,for%20a%20custom%2Dbuilt%20catio.

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