Catio Cat Palace

In most cases, no formal planning permission is required for a typical garden catio. It's treated like a temporary garden structure. As long as the catio is under about 2.5m tall and in your back garden, you should be fine. If it's very large (covering more than half your garden) or in your front garden, or you live in a listed building or conservation area, it's wise to check with your local council. Generally, a modest catio at the rear of your property won't need permission. Always chat with neighbours beforehand out of courtesy – they're usually supportive when they know it's for your cat's safety.

For an average person with basic tools, our catio assembly takes a few hours. A smaller unit might be done in 1-2 hours, larger ones maybe 2-3 hours. We recommend having a second pair of hands to make it easier. The process isn't technically difficult: it's mostly screwing panels together and attaching the mesh.

We provide step-by-step instructions written in plain English, with diagrams, plus we have an online video tutorial you can follow. If you can use a screwdriver and a spanner, you have the skills needed. And if you do get stuck, our customer service is just a phone call away to talk you through. Take it step by step, and you'll have it up in an afternoon.

Yes – our catios are designed to be fox-proof and dog-proof. We use strong wire mesh (16 gauge, 1" spacing) that a fox or large tomcat cannot break or get through.

The enclosure has a roof, so nothing can jump in from above. Foxes are curious but they'll just sniff around the outside at most – they can't reach your cat. For added security, our catio can be fixed to the ground and has an optional anti-dig skirt, so a fox can't tunnel under either. Many customers have reported foxes giving up and moving on once they realize they can't breach the catio. As for birds of prey (in rural areas), the mesh roof keeps hawks and such out completely.

However, although the catio is predator-proof, we recommend never leaving your cats in the catio overnight. Your cat will be safe inside from any outside animal during supervised daytime use or when they have free access to come back indoors through a cat flap.

Yes – that's the whole idea! The catio is designed to be a safe, secure environment, so you do not need to supervise your cat while they're in there. You can happily leave them to sunbathe or play outside while you're at work or asleep at night, knowing they can't escape and nothing can harm them.

Once you're confident all is in order, your cat can come and go as they please if the catio is attached to the house, or stay out for an afternoon without you watching. Many customers let their cats practically live in the catio during summer days. Always ensure they have water and a litter tray available in the catio or indoors. And in very extreme weather (heatwave or storm), common sense says to bring them in or close the cat flap until conditions normalize.

Many cats do enjoy popping out even on chilly days, but usage may vary. Our catios are built with weather in mind: we recommend including a sheltered area or windbreak so your cat can get some fresh air without being exposed to rain or wind. In winter, you can put a cosy insulated cat house or even a pet heating pad out there (protected from moisture) so they have a warm spot.

Most cats won't stay out for very long in freezing conditions – but they appreciate having the option. The catio can be used year-round. In winter your cat may use it less, but on crisp sunny winter days you'd be surprised – many cats love sitting out in a patch of weak sun even when it's 5°C out. Just make sure they always have the choice to come back inside to warmth whenever they wish.

You can in many cases, but you absolutely should get your landlord's permission first. If it's a free-standing catio that doesn't involve drilling into walls or permanent alterations, landlords are often okay with it (especially if they like cats).

For a balcony in a flat, you'll need to ensure any netting or structure follows building rules – many leases allow temporary netting as long as it doesn't damage anything. It helps to propose a no-drill solution (like tension rod nets or a free-standing enclosure). Explain to your landlord that a catio will prevent any property damage that could happen if the cat roams freely. Get permission in writing to be safe. We've had many customers in rentals successfully install catios.

Most cats take to a catio like ducks to water – but a slow, positive introduction helps. Set it up with some of their favourite things inside: a cosy bed, toys, maybe a scratching post. At first, allow your cat to explore it at their own pace. You can entice them in with treats or play, but let them decide how far to go.

Many people initially leave the catio door open (if it's attached to the house) so the cat can go in and out freely and learns it's just another part of their territory. Stay with them the first few times; make it a fun experience. Also ensure there's a hiding box or sheltered spot in the catio – cats feel more secure if they have a "safe zone" to duck into. In our experience, even hesitant cats usually warm up within a few days, especially once they smell the outdoor air and realise they can watch birds.

Very little – it's designed to be low-maintenance. The main thing is to keep an eye on the wood and metal over the years. The timber is treated with our own Timbac pet-safe wood treatment, which is specifically designed for wildlife and pet homes. We recommend re-treating the catio between seasons, depending on the wear and tear – this will keep it sealed, looking its best, and ensure longevity.

The mesh and metal fixings are galvanised, so they shouldn't rust easily. It's wise to give the whole structure a once-over annually: tighten any screws that might have loosened, and oil the door latch hinges if they get squeaky. In terms of day-to-day maintenance, just clean as you would any pet area. Sweep or hose off any mess. Many customers report that their catio has held up for years with just basic care – re-staining between seasons and occasionally rinsing the floor.

Yes. We stand by the quality of our catios. Every catio comes with a 1-year comprehensive warranty covering any manufacturing defects or breakages in normal use – if something isn't right, we'll fix or replace it promptly. The metal mesh is galvanised and should not rust through.

We also offer a 90-day guarantee with free returns. If upon delivery you're not happy with the build quality or it's not as described, you can return it within 90 days at no cost to you. Our aim is that your catio is a long-term investment – and we'll support you should anything unexpected occur.