Catio Blueprint: Safe Outdoor Enclosures for Escape Artists#

Maine Coons are “nature cats.” They crave fresh air, the sound of birds, and the scent of rain. But they are also expensive, naive, and prone to theft. Letting them roam free is not an option in most contracts (see our Contract Guide).

The solution is the Catio (Cat Patio).

However, building a Catio for a Maine Coon is different than building one for a regular cat. They are strong enough to push through chicken wire and smart enough to work latches. Here is how to build a fortress.

Type 1: The Window Box (Beginner)#

This is a mesh box that extends out from an existing window.

Support: You must use heavy-duty shelf brackets underneath. A cantilevered box will rip out of the window frame under the weight of two playing Maine Coons.
Access: Install a pet door in the window sash or window screen so you can close the main window during bad weather.

Type 2: The Freestanding Run (Advanced)#

A tunnel leading from the house to a large cage in the yard.

Foundation: Maine Coons will dig. You must bury the wire mesh 6 inches underground or lay patio pavers around the perimeter to prevent them from tunneling out (or predators digging in).
Roof: It must be solid or heavy mesh. Coyotes and owls are a threat, even in suburbs.

Materials: The “Chicken Wire” Mistake#

Never use Chicken Wire. Chicken wire is designed to keep chickens in, not predators out. A raccoon (or a determined Maine Coon) can chew through or rip chicken wire.

Use 16-Gauge Welded Wire (Hardware Cloth).

Grid Size: 1x1 inch or smaller.
Strength: It is rigid and welded at every joint. It cannot be unraveled.
Coating: Get black vinyl-coated wire. It looks invisible from a distance (better for viewing) and doesn’t rust.

Vertical Space: The “Cat Gym”#

A Catio isn’t just a cage; it’s a gym.

Ramps: Essential for senior cats.
Shelves: Use cedar or pressure-treated wood (safe for outdoors). Space them to allow for climbing.
The “Penthouse”: Put the highest shelf as high as possible. Maine Coons love to look down on their domain.

Flea & Tick Prevention#

Bringing the cat outside means exposing them to parasites.

Treatment: Even in a catio, your cat needs monthly flea/tick prevention (Revolution or Bravecto).
Planting: Plant cat-safe herbs like Catmint, Lemongrass, and Rosemary around the perimeter. They naturally repel insects.

Conclusion#

A catio is the best investment you can make for your cat’s mental health. It reduces boredom, stops zoomies at 3 AM, and allows them to be the wild animals they think they are—safely.

Resources & Further Reading#

Catio Spaces. (n.d.). DIY Catio Plans.
The Humane Society. (2023). Catios: A Guide to Outdoor Safety.