Portable Catio

Q: How long does it take to assemble a portable catio?

Most customers can assemble a portable catio in 30–60 minutes, depending on the size and your familiarity with the parts. No special tools are required! All connectors and components are designed for easy DIY assembly. Instructions are included, and we also offer helpful setup videos online.

Q: What's the difference between a Premium Catio and a Classic Range Catio?

Similarities: They both use the same netting They both have the same frame and zipper Differences: Classic Range: The netting on the classic range slides over the top of the frame and then fastens at the bottom with cable ties, so it is portable in that it can be moved around the yard, but if you want to disassemble and rebuild you will need to cut the cable ties and purchase more cable ties. Premium Range: The premium portable features a PVC sleeve along the bottom for the base of the frame to be inserted, and Velcro tabs on the sides and top to attach the netting to the frame. Therefore with no cable ties, it can be taken down and reassembled as many times as necessary.

Catnets Portable Catios offer a perfect combination of convenience, affordability, and freedom. Made with our premium cat netting, these portable catios are a great alternative to traditional steel cage catios. The soft netting won't harm your kitties if they happen to scratch or climb it.

They are perfect for cat owners who are renting, and for those who prefer not to create a more elaborate and permanent enclosure at this time.

We also stock a range of accessories including Hammocks and Shade Sails.

Premium Portable Catio 5’10”

$490.00

Premium Portable Catio 11'8"

$750.00

Single Size Classic Portable Catio 5'10"

$380.00

Catnetting Mid-Size Classic Potable Catio 8'2" With Hammock

Mid-Size Classic Portable Catio 8'2" With Hammock

$420.00

Double Size Classic Portable Catio 11'8"

$580.00

Premium Shade Sail - to suit all Portable Catios

$45.00

Catnets Enclosure Accessories 1.8m Hammock Cat Hammock to suit Premium Portable Catio 5’10”

Cat Hammock to suit Premium Portable Catio 5’10” or 11'8"

$39.00

Catnets Enclosure Accessories Cat Hammock to suit Lite Portable Catio

Cat Hammock to suit Portable Tower Catio

$34.00

Which catio is right for you?

A quick comparison of our three most popular portable catios. Both use the same UV-resistant Stainless Steel Netting and steel frame, the difference is real estate and how it's assembled.

	Premium Catio RangePremium Portable Catio 5’10”	Classic Catio RangeSingle Size Classic Portable Catio 5'10"
Range	Premium Catio Range Hook & Loop for easy assembly & disassembly PVC Sleeve along the bottom	Classic Catio Range Netting secured over the frame Cable ties secured around the bottom
Sizes Available	Single Size: 5’10” (W) x 5’10” (H) x 5’10” (L) Double Size: 11’8” (W) x 5’10” (H) x 5’10” (L)	Single Size: 5’10” (W) x 5’10” (H) x 5’10” (L) Mid-Size: 8’2” (W) x 5’7” (H) x 5’7” (L) Double Size: 11’8” (W) x 5’10” (H) x 5’10” (L)
Netting	Premium ¾” Stainless Steel Reinforced UV treated Cat Netting Powder coated steel frame Quick pin-lock connect system Hook & loop for attachment of net to frame	Premium ¾” Stainless Steel Reinforced UV treated Cat Netting Powder coated steel frame Quick pin-lock connect system Cable ties for attachment of net to frame
Setup time	~20-30 minutes for a 5’10” & 11’8”	~20-30 minutes for a 5’10” & 11’8”
	View product	View Product

What's the difference between a Premium Catio and a Classic Range Catio?

Similarities:
They both use the same netting
They both have the same frame and zipper

Differences:

Classic Range: The netting on the classic range slides over the top of the frame and then fastens at the bottom with cable ties, so it is portable in that it can be moved around the yard, but if you want to disassemble and rebuild you will need to cut the cable ties and purchase more cable ties.

Premium Range: The premium portable features a PVC sleeve along the bottom for the base of the frame to be inserted, and Velcro tabs on the sides and top to attach the netting to the frame. Therefore with no cable ties, it can be taken down and reassembled as many times as necessary.

Where to set up your catio

A portable catio adapts to the space you have. Here are the three setups our customers love most.

Porch or patio

Place your catio on a covered or uncovered patio and let your cats enjoy fresh air, sunlight, and a long afternoon nap, safely.

Apartment-friendly

Balcony

Our portable catios work on apartment balconies, keeping your cat safe & secure while up high.

Backyard

Backyard or lawn

Set up anywhere in your yard, allowing your Cat to touch and feel the grass, whilst remaining safe & secure.

A catio, short for "cat patio", is an enclosed outdoor space that lets indoor cats safely experience fresh air, sunshine, and the smells of the garden, without any of the risks of free roaming. Think of it as a screened-in porch built for your cat: a defined territory they can climb, lounge, and watch the world from.

Veterinarians and behaviorists consistently recommend outdoor enrichment for indoor cats. A catio for cats reduces boredom-driven behaviors like scratching furniture and overgrooming, lowers stress, and gives older cats gentle, low-impact activity. And because it's fully enclosed, your cat stays safe from cars, coyotes, dogs, and other neighborhood hazards.

Most catios for sale online are permanent structures: wood frames, hardware cloth, weekend builds. Ours are different. Our portable catio systems are assembled in as little as 20 minutes with no tools, no drilling, and no construction know-how. They're renter-friendly, easy to store, and move with you between the porch, the balcony, and the backyard.

Whether you're looking for a small cat patio enclosure for one cat on a city balcony or a full outdoor catio with a tunnel for a multi-cat household, the goal is the same: a richer, more stimulated cat, and a calmer home.

Portable Catio FAQs

What is a catio?

A catio is an enclosed outdoor space, 'a cat patio', that lets indoor cats safely enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and stimulation without the risks of free roaming. Catios can be permanent built structures or, like ours, portable pop-up enclosures that go up in minutes and move with you.

Are your Catios suitable for apartment balconies, verandahs or small decks?

Yes, for sure! Our catio models (like the 5'10") are perfect for apartment balconies and compact outdoor areas.

They’re freestanding and non-permanent, so they won’t damage flooring or require drilling, making them ideal for renters, apartment living, or HOA-regulated properties (always check first).

How long does it take to assemble a portable catio?

Most customers can assemble a portable catio in 30–60 minutes, depending on the size and your familiarity with the parts. No special tools are required! All connectors and components are designed for easy DIY assembly. Instructions are included, and we also offer helpful setup videos online.

Do you offer custom sized Catios?

Unfortunately, we aren’t able to offer or create a custom sized Catios. Our Catios come in pre-made sizes.

What's the difference between a Premium Catio and a Classic Range Catio?

Similarities:

They both use the same netting

They both have the same frame and zipper

Differences:

Premium Range: The premium portable features a PVC sleeve along the bottom for the base of the frame to be inserted, and Velcro tabs on the sides and top to attach the netting to the frame. Therefore with no cable ties, it can be taken down and reassembled as many times as necessary.

Are portable catios safe for cats?

Yes absolutely. Portable catios are designed to keep cats safely enclosed while allowing airflow and visibility. When used on a flat, stable surface and assembled correctly, they provide a secure environment that helps reduce risks such as escapes, falls, traffic, and contact with other animals.

Our Portable Catios also feature stainless steel reinforced netting for extra protection.

IMPORTANT: This netting has been designed for use by cats only and is not covered for damage resulting from coyotes, dogs or other animals housed in OR outside of the enclosure. If you live in an area with a high coyote population and you are concerned about coyotes coming onto your property, we recommend you research coyote exclusion techniques, deterrents, and repellents for the most suitable and effective way to keep coyotes off your property.

Do I need tools to set up a catio?

No tools required. Every portable catio pops up in 20-40minutes with no drilling, no screws, no permanent fixtures. It's the easiest way to give your cat outdoor access, especially for renters.

Why Choose a Portable Catio Instead of a Permanent Enclosure?

While permanent catios are ideal for long-term, fixed installations, a portable catio offers unmatched flexibility.

Portable Catio

No drilling or permanent fixtures
Easy to move or reposition
Ideal for renters and temporary setups
Fast setup with minimal tools

Permanent Catio

Fixed location
Requires installation or construction
Less flexible if your space changes

If you want a safe outdoor solution that adapts to your lifestyle, a portable catio is the perfect choice.

Ideal For:

Apartment balconies and patios
Backyards and decks
Renters and temporary living situations
Cat owners wanting a quick, no-build solution

Give your cat the freedom to enjoy the outdoors safely, without the commitment of a permanent enclosure. The Premium Portable Catio offers a practical, flexible, and secure way to enrich your cat’s everyday life.

Have a question we haven't covered? Email sales@catnetting.com. We typically reply within 24 hours during business hours.