This is the next best thing for inside kitties. Course Rosco, our tuxie, was a barn kitty, but I know he wouldn't make it a day outside. He's a bit pampered. 😹
Thanks! This is a project I've been wanting to build for a long time. My kitties are loving it! They used to sit at the window all day looking out and now they spend most of the day outside! I also drew up a plan for a catio you can slide in and out like a window A/C unit which I'm going to build later this summer. Stay tuned!
Very nice! One thing for everyone to know though, don’t let your kitties stay in direct sunlight too long. Like humans, cats can get sunburn which can lead to Squamous Cell Carcinoma (skin cancer) white hair cats and cats with pink noses are the most susceptible.
Great tip! The catio is on the north side of the building, so during the summer, it's in the shade for 90% of the day. We've got some pink noses I'll keep an eye on. Sorry for the delay; life sometimes gets in the way of YouTubing! Thank you for watching and leaving a comment! 😺
The cat's love the catio! I'll unlock the window and they come running like if I opened a can of tuna. That's something I need to record and post. It's pretty funny. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
I am shocked this channel doesn't have half a mill subscribers and this vid a million views, this is awesomeee!! Keep at it, it takes time to develop an audience!
Thanks, Anna! That means the world to me! 😻 I may not put out a video a week but I try to put out fun quality videos that people will enjoy watching. I've got lots of projects coming up that I hope you and others will enjoy! Thanks again for watching and commenting!
You’re SHOCKED?? here’s a clue. He’s not particular attractive, he’s not young and there’s really not much personality there…you should know TH-cam by now
just arrived after your two cat tower videos - this is laregely why i was motivated to learn DIY. You're awesome cat parents :) thank you for sharing your builds and helping others to enrich their kitties lives too :)
Thank you, Zoeseph! Most of my brothers and father were carpenters, and of course, I became a computer guy. I didn't craft/DIY anything up until my first video. I've been learning as I go and, at the same time, trying to make videos others can follow along. And not fear trying to build something. I didn't intend to be a cat channel, but I love creating things for them. 😹 I'm glad you like my videos, and thank you for watching! Keep on building!
We have hung the little wire ones off the front but it's not a great solution. I'm planning on adding a custom feeder right on the side. The kitties go bonkers when birds just sit on top alone I can't imagine how it will be when they're hanging on the side right in front of them. 😂 Thanks for watching!
5:27 you're obviously in the US where we always do things big LOL and you live by a similar mindset as mine that if it's worth doing it's worth overdoing
This is a very neat looking Catio. There appears to be a lot of areas in the top, near the windows for bugs and elephants to sneak in. You may need to put in a cat door and keep the windows closed.
There is a half-inch gap between the window and the top area. So far, no elephants but a bug or two get in once in a while. It's hot during the summer here in Nashville, TN, so you are correct. I did make a panel with a cat door. I use it mainly when the heat outside clicks on the A/C. I posted some photos on my website showing the window with the cat door and special guest, Mr. Andy the Cat - diyxplorer.com/build-details/two-window-catio/?
I would paint boards next to house before building. It is too hard to paint them afterwards. I like this one because it looks the best with the house. Most look bad, next to the house, and like they don't belong there. Good quality build.
Painting the boards first really helped get every nook versus trying to paint them after. It's been two years, and everything is holding up very well. The paint is the same color as the trim. The neighbors thought we were installing a really, really big flower box. 😂 Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
Hi Christopher! While the manufacturer says, the screen material is strong enough for pets, but double protection may be needed for some cats. The catio is showing some wear, and I've got some heavier fencing that, when spring comes, I'll put on. The build would have been much harder if I didn't have the pocket-hole jig. Totally worth owning one. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! 😺
This is great! I wish I had some help to build one. Or just a small window one for my kitty. My window is at ground level from my apartment. Which is perfect height.
Hi Josie, I have designed plans for a slide-in window mini-catie kind of like a window air conditioning unit but for cats. 😹 That video is a few months away since I'm in the middle of building a woodworking shed. If you're not subscribed, it's free, and you'll get notified when I post videos. Thank you for watching and leaving a comment!
Thanks! It was a fun project and the kitties love it! It's really not that difficult just remember to plan, measure twice, cut and assemble. :-) You got this!
Thank you! I strive to create videos that are fun to watch and guide you along the process to build it yourself. This one was a bit difficult due to the size and location not everybody is fortunate to have a spot for a 12ft catio on the side of the house. lol
9:14 little homie definitely approves, nicely done & actually looks pretty decent as an exterior add-on w/minimal altercation to the structure of the home. 👏✌️
Our neighbors thought we were building flower boxes on the side of the house. We actually might still add something like that. We planned the paint to match the trim of the house which worked out well. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! 😃
That's the plan for the spring. 😺 Btw I try to reply to all comments. I know with bigger TH-camrs when they reply to me it gives me smile so I'm going to try and do that no matter what size of my channel! Have a great day!
Have you built a catio for your kitties? Share links to your pics and we'll feature them in an upcoming video! Check out our "How to Build a Window Catio" - th-cam.com/video/cHanlqCAr40/w-d-xo.html
This one certainly isn't semi-permanent. Two suggestions. Use aluminum screen on the outside of the frame (like you did), and add chicken wire or 1/2" hardware cloth on the inside of the frame. A really motivated cat can get through regular screen and a really motivated hawk or eagle can get through the other way. Also, get some cheap pipe insulation and jam it into the gaps. Mosquitos carry all sorts of bad diseases, for your cat and dog and you. And they can bite right through screen if your cat is sleeping right up against the screen (ears, nose, chin, butt). The chicken wire or hardware cloth will space them away. Otherwise, l can see you love your cats as much as l do.
Our cats are not very motivated! 😂 They have over time clawed holes we had to patch. No matter how much the mfg says most screens are not tear proof. I have had the larger wire fencing for a while just not the ambition to put it on. Wintertime kitties are inside. On the gaps in by the windows, we haven't had really any issues with bugs. Closing the gaps for more protection if you area has issues with bugs is probably a good idea. Thanks Peter!
2:42 that's some pretty robust materials you have there and those lag bolts make me wonder what kind of cat your building that for... Please tell me you don't have a Liger, just kidding😊 I'm thinking Maine Coons (largest domestic cats) my favorite domestic cats by far and my second favorite cat overall right behind the Himalayan Snow Leopard
Lol, my dad was a carpenter and always told me to overbuild than under. The kitty in the video is our Rosco and he's almost 20 lbs. Hopefully, he won't get much bigger. I have had a Bengal and he was just as big. All joking aside usually every morning we have all 5 cats in there at one time and I have to say it's holding up well! 😂 Thank you for watching and leaving a comment.
Hmmm, I'm not a contractor so I hesitate to recommend anything. How I might do it is make sure to anchor into studs of the wall and either cut out a strip for the 2x4 boards or anchor them over the siding. If anybody is a contractor or building experience feel free to chime in. I'm not sure how much help I am Joshua but hopefully you find a solution. Thanks for leaving a comment and watching!
You’ll read conflicting opinions on whether to drill into brick or mortar. I choice drilling into the mortar because our brick was really difficult to drill into and i spread out the weight over three areas. I really over killed it for what I was mounting. The fact is, there’s no one set answer as there are a few factors to take into consideration. Brick is definitely the better choice for heavy objects as it’s a stronger material than mortar. Consider drilling into mortar only if the brickwork really isn’t up to the job or you don't have to tools to drill into brick. I hope this helps!
I'm searching for DYI video on how to secure the catio at the window. The mosquitoes here are tiny and determined. The flies are pesky too. Can you help?
Hi Cheryle! That's a hard question to answer since everybody's windows are a bit different. We mainly open the catio during the day when the bugs aren't as much of a problem. I have seen build videos where they frame the whole window, and the catio is screened in. Like this video: th-cam.com/video/fIjvc8V6gbw/w-d-xo.html I've been working on a slide-in catio for a window, but it's not ready to be shown. You can find pre-built on Etsy, but they are really expensive. I hope my response helps in some way. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! 😺
@@DIYXplorer Thank you for your response. I'm not techie and don't know how to fix it, but only found your response when I clicked on social by accident. Here I thought no one was answering me. Oh dear! I will watch the link you sent and check out the passways you mentioned to see if I can swing the cost. Again thank you. You do great work and your explanations and processes are clean and detailed. Gotta keep those fur babies happy. Happy Easter to you and yours.
@@cherylerose9368 Glad I could help out. Thanks for the compliment on my videos. I make them easy to follow and approachable to everybody. Good luck with your search for a catio solution. Happy Easter to you!
It's actually a dark gray. It's the same color as the trim of the house. We considered white but we wanted the catio to stand out as an accent to the house.
Thanks! It's not original, sadly, but my Beastie Boys concert shirts are! In case you're wondering, my favorite album is In Utero, followed by MTV Unplugged. Class of 92' in the house! 😹😀 Thanks for noticing I'm still cool AND leaving a comment!
@@DIYXplorer Hahaha , RIGHT ON ! Thats Sweet!! Unfortunately I'm from a Tiny town in NOrthern Ontario Canada and wasn't able to go to any cool concerts =( Im planning on building my two boyz a catio for the summer. So I'll have a lot of your vids on replay , lol Take care =) Hope you have a great Spring/Summer =)
Oh And I totally respect the fact your a True NIRVANA fan , seems hard to find them these days; Now that NIRVANA logo has become a fashion thing , ,lol
The Best is, cats being free in the nature👌😉😻🐱
What? House cats should be free in nature? I’m hoping you mean lions and tigers 🐯
This is the next best thing for inside kitties. Course Rosco, our tuxie, was a barn kitty, but I know he wouldn't make it a day outside. He's a bit pampered. 😹
Maybe you haven't paid a massive vet bill for an injured cat yet? catios save lives and money
we did that and our cat is now missing for 2 weeks. we are broken hearted.
Good job Xplorer! We love to see what other cat people dream up for their sweet felines.
Thanks! This is a project I've been wanting to build for a long time. My kitties are loving it! They used to sit at the window all day looking out and now they spend most of the day outside! I also drew up a plan for a catio you can slide in and out like a window A/C unit which I'm going to build later this summer. Stay tuned!
Very nice! One thing for everyone to know though, don’t let your kitties stay in direct sunlight too long. Like humans, cats can get sunburn which can lead to Squamous Cell Carcinoma (skin cancer) white hair cats and cats with pink noses are the most susceptible.
Great tip! The catio is on the north side of the building, so during the summer, it's in the shade for 90% of the day. We've got some pink noses I'll keep an eye on. Sorry for the delay; life sometimes gets in the way of YouTubing! Thank you for watching and leaving a comment! 😺
This is really awesome! I love the dedication you put into your videos and your cats!
I love my kitties! They are very spoiled! lol. This was my favorite project so far. Thanks for watching and commenting!
SWEET Project!! I love how the cats are outside, looking back in... too funny
The cat's love the catio! I'll unlock the window and they come running like if I opened a can of tuna. That's something I need to record and post. It's pretty funny. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
I am shocked this channel doesn't have half a mill subscribers and this vid a million views, this is awesomeee!! Keep at it, it takes time to develop an audience!
Thanks, Anna! That means the world to me! 😻 I may not put out a video a week but I try to put out fun quality videos that people will enjoy watching. I've got lots of projects coming up that I hope you and others will enjoy! Thanks again for watching and commenting!
@@DIYXplorer mark rober puts out one vid per month and he rules TH-cam :) do things your own way:))
You’re SHOCKED?? here’s a clue. He’s not particular attractive, he’s not young and there’s really not much personality there…you should know TH-cam by now
just arrived after your two cat tower videos - this is laregely why i was motivated to learn DIY. You're awesome cat parents :) thank you for sharing your builds and helping others to enrich their kitties lives too :)
Thank you, Zoeseph! Most of my brothers and father were carpenters, and of course, I became a computer guy. I didn't craft/DIY anything up until my first video. I've been learning as I go and, at the same time, trying to make videos others can follow along. And not fear trying to build something. I didn't intend to be a cat channel, but I love creating things for them. 😹 I'm glad you like my videos, and thank you for watching! Keep on building!
Beautiful catio! Might I suggest adding bird feeders on or next to the catio for optimal cat enjoyment.
We have hung the little wire ones off the front but it's not a great solution. I'm planning on adding a custom feeder right on the side. The kitties go bonkers when birds just sit on top alone I can't imagine how it will be when they're hanging on the side right in front of them. 😂 Thanks for watching!
5:27 you're obviously in the US where we always do things big LOL and you live by a similar mindset as mine that if it's worth doing it's worth overdoing
This is a very neat looking Catio. There appears to be a lot of areas in the top, near the windows for bugs and elephants to sneak in. You may need to put in a cat door and keep the windows closed.
There is a half-inch gap between the window and the top area. So far, no elephants but a bug or two get in once in a while. It's hot during the summer here in Nashville, TN, so you are correct. I did make a panel with a cat door. I use it mainly when the heat outside clicks on the A/C.
I posted some photos on my website showing the window with the cat door and special guest, Mr. Andy the Cat - diyxplorer.com/build-details/two-window-catio/?
Oh wow, I just watched Jackson Galaxy’s catio video and then was randomly suggested your video and I realized, he featured this catio in his video!
OMG I love Jackson Galaxy! I just watched it! I didn't even know he featured my catio build. Thank you for letting me know! You just made my day! 😻😻
I would paint boards next to house before building. It is too hard to paint them afterwards. I like this one because it looks the best with the house. Most look bad, next to the house, and like they don't belong there. Good quality build.
Painting the boards first really helped get every nook versus trying to paint them after. It's been two years, and everything is holding up very well. The paint is the same color as the trim. The neighbors thought we were installing a really, really big flower box. 😂 Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
Amazing build. Maybe a double screen, higher gauge like chicken wire for the interior and bug screen on exterior? Thank you for sharing.
Hi Christopher! While the manufacturer says, the screen material is strong enough for pets, but double protection may be needed for some cats. The catio is showing some wear, and I've got some heavier fencing that, when spring comes, I'll put on. The build would have been much harder if I didn't have the pocket-hole jig. Totally worth owning one. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! 😺
This is great! I wish I had some help to build one. Or just a small window one for my kitty. My window is at ground level from my apartment. Which is perfect height.
Hi Josie, I have designed plans for a slide-in window mini-catie kind of like a window air conditioning unit but for cats. 😹 That video is a few months away since I'm in the middle of building a woodworking shed. If you're not subscribed, it's free, and you'll get notified when I post videos. Thank you for watching and leaving a comment!
Great job! Wish I had your skills. I purchased a catio from Amazon but need to assemble it.
Thanks! It was a fun project and the kitties love it! It's really not that difficult just remember to plan, measure twice, cut and assemble. :-) You got this!
Wow such clear videos great inspiration
Thank you! I strive to create videos that are fun to watch and guide you along the process to build it yourself. This one was a bit difficult due to the size and location not everybody is fortunate to have a spot for a 12ft catio on the side of the house. lol
Awesome
9:14 little homie definitely approves, nicely done & actually looks pretty decent as an exterior add-on w/minimal altercation to the structure of the home. 👏✌️
Our neighbors thought we were building flower boxes on the side of the house. We actually might still add something like that. We planned the paint to match the trim of the house which worked out well. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! 😃
@@DIYXplorer Ooh, flower box additions to the catio would be super cute. Thx for the reply & thx for the content, I've really liked it so far!
That's the plan for the spring. 😺 Btw I try to reply to all comments. I know with bigger TH-camrs when they reply to me it gives me smile so I'm going to try and do that no matter what size of my channel! Have a great day!
Have you built a catio for your kitties? Share links to your pics and we'll feature them in an upcoming video! Check out our "How to Build a Window Catio" - th-cam.com/video/cHanlqCAr40/w-d-xo.html
Love it
Cat love it even more! 😺 Thanks Rae for watching and leaving a comment!
This one certainly isn't semi-permanent.
Two suggestions. Use aluminum screen on the outside of the frame (like you did), and add chicken wire or 1/2" hardware cloth on the inside of the frame. A really motivated cat can get through regular screen and a really motivated hawk or eagle can get through the other way. Also, get some cheap pipe insulation and jam it into the gaps. Mosquitos carry all sorts of bad diseases, for your cat and dog and you. And they can bite right through screen if your cat is sleeping right up against the screen (ears, nose, chin, butt). The chicken wire or hardware cloth will space them away. Otherwise, l can see you love your cats as much as l do.
Our cats are not very motivated! 😂 They have over time clawed holes we had to patch. No matter how much the mfg says most screens are not tear proof. I have had the larger wire fencing for a while just not the ambition to put it on. Wintertime kitties are inside.
On the gaps in by the windows, we haven't had really any issues with bugs. Closing the gaps for more protection if you area has issues with bugs is probably a good idea.
Thanks Peter!
I recommend half-inch galvanized welded wire fencing 5:27 you'll never have to redo it again
We did add wire fencing just this spring over the screen. We still need the screen there for bugs, mainly mosquitos. 😉
@@DIYXplorer Are you also in Florida like me? 😎
@@Rob337_aka_CancelProof - Nashville, the mosquitos are horrible all summer.
2:42 that's some pretty robust materials you have there and those lag bolts make me wonder what kind of cat your building that for...
Please tell me you don't have a Liger, just kidding😊
I'm thinking Maine Coons (largest domestic cats) my favorite domestic cats by far and my second favorite cat overall right behind the Himalayan Snow Leopard
Lol, my dad was a carpenter and always told me to overbuild than under. The kitty in the video is our Rosco and he's almost 20 lbs. Hopefully, he won't get much bigger. I have had a Bengal and he was just as big. All joking aside usually every morning we have all 5 cats in there at one time and I have to say it's holding up well! 😂
Thank you for watching and leaving a comment.
I am interested in doing this but my house has siding...tips?
Hmmm, I'm not a contractor so I hesitate to recommend anything. How I might do it is make sure to anchor into studs of the wall and either cut out a strip for the 2x4 boards or anchor them over the siding. If anybody is a contractor or building experience feel free to chime in. I'm not sure how much help I am Joshua but hopefully you find a solution. Thanks for leaving a comment and watching!
Great video. You've inspired me to do one for our cat. Just one question why do you drill into motor not brick?
You’ll read conflicting opinions on whether to drill into brick or mortar. I choice drilling into the mortar because our brick was really difficult to drill into and i spread out the weight over three areas. I really over killed it for what I was mounting. The fact is, there’s no one set answer as there are a few factors to take into consideration. Brick is definitely the better choice for heavy objects as it’s a stronger material than mortar. Consider drilling into mortar only if the brickwork really isn’t up to the job or you don't have to tools to drill into brick. I hope this helps!
I'm searching for DYI video on how to secure the catio at the window. The mosquitoes here are tiny and determined. The flies are pesky too. Can you help?
Hi Cheryle! That's a hard question to answer since everybody's windows are a bit different. We mainly open the catio during the day when the bugs aren't as much of a problem. I have seen build videos where they frame the whole window, and the catio is screened in. Like this video: th-cam.com/video/fIjvc8V6gbw/w-d-xo.html
I've been working on a slide-in catio for a window, but it's not ready to be shown. You can find pre-built on Etsy, but they are really expensive.
I hope my response helps in some way. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! 😺
@@DIYXplorer Thank you for your response. I'm not techie and don't know how to fix it, but only found your response when I clicked on social by accident. Here I thought no one was answering me. Oh dear!
I will watch the link you sent and check out the passways you mentioned to see if I can swing the cost. Again thank you. You do great work and your explanations and processes are clean and detailed. Gotta keep those fur babies happy. Happy Easter to you and yours.
@@cherylerose9368 Glad I could help out. Thanks for the compliment on my videos. I make them easy to follow and approachable to everybody. Good luck with your search for a catio solution. Happy Easter to you!
I'm curious as to why you chose black?
It's actually a dark gray. It's the same color as the trim of the house. We considered white but we wanted the catio to stand out as an accent to the house.
Nice Shirt !!!!!!! U look old/cool enough to actually know more than 1 or 2 songs...... i hope lol
Thanks! It's not original, sadly, but my Beastie Boys concert shirts are! In case you're wondering, my favorite album is In Utero, followed by MTV Unplugged. Class of 92' in the house! 😹😀 Thanks for noticing I'm still cool AND leaving a comment!
@@DIYXplorer Hahaha , RIGHT ON ! Thats Sweet!! Unfortunately I'm from a Tiny town in NOrthern Ontario Canada and wasn't able to go to any cool concerts =( Im planning on building my two boyz a catio for the summer. So I'll have a lot of your vids on replay , lol
Take care =) Hope you have a great Spring/Summer =)
Oh And I totally respect the fact your a True NIRVANA fan , seems hard to find them these days; Now that NIRVANA logo has become a fashion thing , ,lol