Building a ‘Coon-Proof’ Catio: Mesh, Wood, and Safety#

The first time I let my Maine Coon, Atticus, onto a screened porch, it took him exactly four minutes to put his claw through the fiberglass mesh and create a door.

Maine Coons are not just heavy; they are strong, and they are determined. Standard “pet screening” is useless against them. If you want your giant to enjoy the outdoors safely, you need to build a fortress, not a tent.

Here is the structural guide to building a Catio that can withstand a 20lb predator.

The Mesh: Chicken Wire vs. Hardware Cloth#

Do NOT use Chicken Wire.

• The Risk: Chicken wire is twisted, not welded. A determined Coon can unravel it or stretch the holes until they can squeeze a head through.
• The Solution: Galvanized Hardware Cloth (1/2 inch or 1/4 inch squares). It is welded steel. It cannot be torn, stretched, or chewed.
• Alternative: “Pet Screen” (vinyl-coated polyester) is okay for windows, but for a structural Catio, steel is safer.

The Frame: Pressure-Treated vs. Cedar#

Maine Coons love to climb the walls. The frame must support the weight of a 20lb cat hanging off the wire.

• 2x4 Lumber: Use pressure-treated wood for the base (to resist rot) and cedar or pine for the uprights.
• Staples: Do not use office staples. Use Heavy Duty U-Nails (poultry staples) hammered into the wood. A cat hitting the wire at full speed can pop a light staple.

The “Airlock” Entry#

Feline Husbandry principles of containment apply here. Never build a Catio with a single door leading to the open yard. The Airlock: A small double-door vestibule.

1. You open the outer door and step in.
2. You close the outer door.
3. You open the inner door to the Catio. This prevents the “Door Darter” from escaping between your legs.

Dig-Proofing the Base#

Maine Coons will dig. Predators (foxes/coyotes) will dig in.

• The Skirt: Bury the hardware cloth 12 inches into the ground, or extend it 12 inches outward along the grass and stake it down. This stops anything from tunneling under the walls.

Hardware Cloth 19 Gauge Galvanized Steel

The only mesh strong enough for a Maine Coon. 1/2 inch squares prevent paws from getting stuck and predators from getting in.

Check Price on Amazon →

Conclusion#

A Catio is the best investment you can make for a Maine Coon. It gives them the sensory enrichment of the outdoors (wind, smells, bugs) without the risks of cars or coyotes. Build it strong, and they will spend all summer out there.

References#

1. Walsh, L.G. (2013). The Maine Coon Cat. “Living with a Maine Coon,” p. 63.
2. Catio Spaces. DIY Catio Plans for Large Breeds.
3. American Association of Feline Practitioners. Environmental Enrichment Guidelines.
4. Pedersen, N.C. Feline Husbandry. (Containment systems).