Outdoor cat enclosures connected to house with enclosed tree
I’m always searching for new outside cat enclosure inspirations that I could add to my cat enclosure, and I frequently watch videos about this subject on YouTube. This is where I came across today’s featured cat enclosure. What intrigued me so much about this catio is that it is made up of several outdoor cat enclosures connected to house and also features an enclosed real tree. I should maybe even describe it more as a wrapped tree because the workers used the wire mesh in small patches and woven it together throughout the crown of the tree, so the kitties can use the large tree for climbing.
When I asked the owners and creators of this combination of outside cat enclosures if I could feature a little glimpse of their setup on my blog, they agreed and I’m happy to share it with you guys because I know a lot of you would love to have an enclosure as well or maybe would like to add some features to their catio.
So here is what they had to say.
Outdoor cat enclosures connected to house with an enclosed tree
This post may contain affiliate links from which I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. View my full disclosure policy.
“Recently, we experienced an increase in coyote sightings in our neighborhood. It was heartbreaking seeing multiple lost pet signs and watching our neighbors search for their missing cat or small dog. Knowing that this was our new reality pushed me to take a look at some alternative, safe outdoor options.
After searching the web, including YouTube, we found several examples of homemade DIY cat enclosures or catios. I must have looked through a hundred, including Julia’s, and was determined that I could come up with my own design.
Armed with a plan and a contractor, we went to work. In fact, the design plans continue. Our YouTube videos feature our three former indoor cats, Chester, Simon, and Grayson. The cats have multiple destinations, platforms, stairs, cat accessories, toys, places to hide, places to scratch, places to climb in the sun, shade, and fresh air.
Cat tunnels connecting the outside cat enclosures
Here you can see the part of the enclosure that is connected to the house. Some of the ramps and tunnels have outdoor carpet attached to them.
The connected outside enclosures
Below you can see the amazing features of the largest part of this backyard enclosure set-up, which also has weather protection provided by a roof. There are several cat trees wrapped in sisal and many different platforms and climbing shelves.
There is plenty of room for all the feline friends as you can see.
Here you can see how multiple enclosure sections connect to create one large continuous space.
Our goal was to include aspects of their life as it once was outdoors while also protecting the wildlife around them. We have installed several durable cedar trees and enclosed a live tree, too. The wiring took some time and patience as I used two sizes of ladders to enclose up to 14 feet of the tree. Armed with my favorite pair of bolt cutters, I weaved and patched small sections at a time, working around the many branches with a green fence wire to create a dome from within.
(below you can see the enclosure with the wrapped tree crown which is a little hard to see)
The outside enclosed wrapped cat enclosure tree
I love how the wire patches below free-form out of the top of the cat enclosure.
“My YouTube videos, “Colossal Catio Home Part 1 and 2” lists specs for the project. This spring, I have planted cat grass and fresh catnip into the destinations. Stay tuned as colossal catio home part 4, Springtime is in the making. In the meantime, take a look at our most recent video.”
So what do you guys think? Pretty cool, right? In their videos, you can see the tree a little better and how the cats love climbing it. I would love to add something like this to our setup.
Where to buy outdoor cat enclosures that you can connect to the house
For those of you who don’t like to DIY things, I have mentioned before that you can buy a larger chicken coop/chicken run and connect it to the house with my DIY outdoor cat tunnel and a cat window insert door. Or you can buy one of the below pieces and attach/place it to a window:
More cat enclosure and DIY Projects
- Amazing DIY litter box enclosure
- Outdoor DIY heated cat house
- How to build a custom microchip cat door window insert
- Macrame cat hammock
- Ikea catio made from wood utility shelving
- Cat fence topper system with peephole
- An incredibly well-built large outdoor catio
- Outdoor cat jungle gym
- DIY pet portrait
Make sure to check out their YouTube videos to see the tree enclosure up close and watch the cats enjoying their space.
Tschüß,
Thanks for sharing the information. Those cats have a fabulous life.
Yes I agree that their cats have a fabulous life. I want to make mine bigger now too.
I absolutely love that people (including you!) go to all this work to give their cats a great life. What lucky kitties. And it is so much healthier when they can safely get fresh air, sunshine, and all that exercise. Thank you for showing us another example of a catio!!
I’m glad you like it Donna!
wow! they did an incredible job- it looks so beautiful!
I think they did an amazing job too.
Thanks so much for sharing this. It’s wonderful that you have taken the time to make such a lovely safe area for your kitties. I’m so glad there are people like you who care about and love their cats so much.
It’s such a great space for the kitties
its so fantastic! i wish i could give that to my cats.
Isn’t it great? Maybe you can?
So we just put up a catio yesterday and the one thing we didn’t think about was bugs coming inside! We have it against a window and just open the window for them to go out. Any ideas? We thought about the cat door but our windows open long ways side to side and it’s a rental house so can’t really modify anything. Thanks in advance ?
Kari
Hi Kari, they make the same window insert as I have for windows that slide open horizontally. I saw them on Amazon. Just search for “Dragon Pet Door for Horizontal Windows” or were you talking about something different?
What a fantastic idea! I love how you’ve connected the outdoor cat enclosure to the house, and the enclosed tree adds such a unique touch. It’s great to see a solution that keeps our feline friends safe while letting them enjoy the outdoors. Can’t wait to try some of these ideas for my own cats!
What a fantastic idea! I love how you’ve integrated the tree into the design of the outdoor cat enclosure. It’s so important for cats to have safe outdoor access, and this setup looks both stylish and functional. Can’t wait to see more creative projects like this!
What a fantastic idea! The combination of outdoor cat enclosures with an enclosed tree truly enhances both safety and enrichment for our furry friends. I love how it allows cats to explore nature while keeping them secure. Can’t wait to see more designs like this!
OMG this is adorable! you are truly a cat lover! I hope one day I will have the energy to create a place this beautiful for my cat!
Oh thank you! You can also by a finished one if you don’t feel like making your own. My neighbors did. And sorry for the late response. Just seeing this.