We love catios that allow cats to venture outside safely. It doesn’t have to be something fancy, and your cat will love having any time in nature. But for those with the budget, space, creativity, and construction skills, the sky is the limit!
We’ve seen some inspurrational designs that are more like an amewsment park for felines. And these spaces must be almost as entertaining for people as for the cats. A few folks have even turned their entire homes into the ultimate kitty paradise.
But here’s a furtastic catio we spotted in a sanctuary in North Carolina. If you have the right space, you could even create one like it!
Catio Tree House In a Forest Sanctuary
Videos of the impressive catio tree house created for a rescue in the Appalachian Mountains went viral. There, on a 22-acre nature sanctuary, Nahimana Forest, was a retreat for people and also a kitten rescue. Volunteers came to care for and help socialize the kittens while getting away from the rat race.
While people enjoyed reconnecting with nature, the cats enjoyed observing them from way up in the treehouse catwalk.
Images via Instagram/nahimanaforest
A large multi-level screened catio with a tin roof is impressive on its own. But cats could jump up to the top level and across a suspension bridge or catwalk. From there, the cats could run to the smaller treehouse in the nearby mature trees.
Video: Instagram/nahimanaforest
Mealtime in the Catio Treehouse
A video showing ‘Mealtime’ for the cats also went viral on TikTok, reaching millions! When the cats realized it was dinnertime, they all ran from the treetops across the bridge. We love the rustic appeal of the design, and the cats clearly love being in the trees.
“My cats who already have a $6k catio sending me this: Mom, can we get an upgrade,” commented one TikToker.
“My cat just told me to get a second job so I can pay for a catio like this,” said another person.
Just being outdoors in the filtered sunlight made each day more enjoyable.
Video via Instagram/nahimanaforest
Catio Treehouse Plans
In February, the folks at the sanctuary were kind enough to offer the dreamy catio design plans by Sean Dolan on Etsy (Cole and Marmalade aren’t affiliated.).
“We’ve received so many requests for Sean to build them, and although he would love to, it isn’t possible. But, he’s written and drawn the design plans out in detail. One set is for the original Catio at Nahimana Forest, and the second set includes the Catio, Catwalk and Treehouse,” they shared.
Although the family has since moved to charming New Bern, the dream lives on.
“We’re getting settled in our new home and feeling out the needs here for the feline population and how we can be if service.”
We see many have used the plans to make their own treehouse purradise. Their lucky cats are living the high life!
“Whether sunning, observing birds and other wildlife, running through the tunnel, or simply napping in a safe space with fresh air, we hope your feline friends enjoy this Catio as much as our rescues have,” the rescuers shared.
You can see more on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
