Is It Cheaper to Buy or Build a Catio?

Pre-made options can range anywhere from AUD 200 to over AUD 6,000, depending on size and style. Meanwhile, a professionally installed netted catio like the ones we install at Kittysafe starts from around AUD 2,000 and includes expert labour and quality materials. DIY kits may have lower upfront costs, but often lack the durability, finish, and long-term value of a professionally built system.

So, to find the best option for you, think about your budget, space, aesthetic preferences, and how much freedom you want to give your cat. Below, we have compared buying a pre-made unit, DIY assembly, and professional installation to help you decide which option makes more sense.

What Is a Catio and Why Does Your Cat Need One?

A catio, short for “cat patio,” is an outdoor enclosure that allows cats to safely enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and natural stimulation, without the risks of roaming freely. Catio can take the form of fully framed structures, modular kit systems, or seamless netting installations.

Cats are natural explorers. But without boundaries, they face potential dangers like traffic, predators, and toxic plants. A catio offers:

• A safe space where cats can climb, perch, and watch wildlife
• Protection for local birds and small animals
• Reduced stress, as cats feel more secure in a contained area

Framed catios are built with wooden or metal posts and panels, often resembling miniature verandas. Frameless netting systems, on the other hand, use tensioned stainless-steel cables and UV-stabilised marine-grade netting to create a near-invisible barrier that blends beautifully with your home’s aesthetic.

Benefits of a Catio

Creating a safe and enriching outdoor space for your cat isn’t just a luxury. It’s a game changer for their health, safety, and happiness. Catio (cat patios) offer the best of both worlds: the freedom of outdoor access without the risks that come with free roaming. Whether you’ve got a backyard or even a side alley, a catio lets your furry friend enjoy nature safely and on their own terms. Here’s why it’s totally worth it.

Safety and Security

Let’s be real, outside can be dangerous. Cars, dogs, and even some humans can pose a serious threat to your cat. With a catio, you’re putting up a barrier between your cat and all that mess. The netting is tight and secure, so even the sneakiest, most determined climbers can’t wiggle their way out. You get peace of mind, and your cat gets to chill safely in their own little outdoor bubble.

Wildlife Protection

As cute as cats are, they’re also natural hunters, and not great news for native birds and lizards. Letting your cat roam around might feel like giving them freedom, but it can actually do serious damage to local wildlife. A catio keeps your kitty’s instincts in check by keeping them contained. So they still get to watch the birds and feel the breeze, without hurting anything. Nature stays safe, and your cat stays happy.

Health and Well-being

Cats aren’t meant to be couch potatoes 24/7. A bit of outdoor time can seriously boost their physical and mental health. In a catio, they can jump, climb, stretch, and explore, all of which helps prevent boredom, weight gain, and those weird behaviours that pop up when they’re not stimulated enough. Plus, fresh air and sunshine? Instant mood boost.

Freedom and Enrichment

Cats love doing their own thing, and a catio lets them do just that. They can decide when to step outside, when to lounge in the sun, or when to head back in for a nap. You can even level up the space with fun stuff like platforms, tunnels, or toys to keep things interesting. It’s basically their own little adventure zone minus the stress and danger of the outside world.

Also Read: Benefits of Cat Enclosures

Buying a Pre-Made Catio

Pre-made catios are essentially “cat patios” you can grab off the shelf, available either as flat-pack kits or fully assembled units from pet stores or specialty suppliers. They’re designed to be plug-and-play solutions for cat parents who want something fast and fairly low-effort. You’ll come across a variety of materials like timber, steel mesh, or even plastic panels, often featuring walk-in access and built-in perches for lounging. Some models are freestanding, while others attach directly to a window or door, functioning like a mini extension of your home. 

If you’re after something quick and functional, these setups can be a great starting point. That said, they’re not exactly one-size-fits-all; what works in one space might feel totally off in another. To help you decide, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of going for the pre-made catio.

Pros

1. Immediate availability—No lead time for design or survey.
2. Kit instructions allow simple self-installation or basic professional setup.

Cons

1. High upfront cost—small kits start around AUD 200–500. Larger premium units reach up to AUD 5,000–6,000.
2. Limited fit—standard dimensions may not suit odd corners or narrow verandas.
3. Mismatch of scale—units can be too large for your yard, yet too restrictive for active cats.
4. Bulky appearance—framed panels and posts can dominate the outdoor space.
5. Fixed entry/exit—cats cannot choose to come and go freely, reducing their sense of autonomy.

Many owners find pre-made cages either shrink their living area or leave cats yearning for more freedom. If you value a seamless look and perfect fit, pre-made options often fall short.

Also Read: Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for an Outdoor Cat Enclosure

Building a Cat Enclosure with Professionals

Professional installers make the process easy by creating frameless netting systems that are custom-designed to suit your home. Instead of using basic square meter pricing, costs are typically calculated by the linear meter of attachment points, which makes more sense given the unique layout of each space. The real value comes from the combination of top-tier materials and skilled workmanship. With the use of high-strength stainless steel cable with a 200 kilogram break limit, UV-stabilised marine-grade netting, and corrosion-resistant fittings, all supplied in bulk to ensure strength and durability. Beyond the materials, it’s the installer’s experience, precise tensioning, and attention to detail that bring everything together and create a secure, attractive enclosure that lasts.

Process and Timeline

1. Site survey and design customisation.
2. Installation of mounting points and cable runs.
3. Netting attachment using galvanised ring staples and copper swages.
4. Final tension check and site clean-up.

Most cat enclosure installations are finished in just one day, making it a quick and straightforward upgrade for your home. If your setup is more complex, such as a wraparound veranda or includes features like double zipper doors, it may take a little longer due to the additional attachment points required. Even with these custom touches, the result is always consistent, a sleek, professional finish that integrates smoothly with your space and maintains your home’s overall aesthetic.

Why Professionals Win

• Perfect integration with your home’s architecture.
• Seamless, frameless look that expands visual space.
• Durable, marine-grade materials rated to last 8–10 years.
• Minimal disruption—no DIY mistakes or messy leftovers.

DIY Builds: Costs and Pitfalls

For those trying to keep costs down, Do-It-Yourself (DIY) catio kits and material bundles can seem like a tempting option. These packages are often marketed as easy-to-assemble solutions that save money upfront, making them attractive to budget-conscious cat owners who enjoy a hands-on project.

Potential Savings

When it comes to potential savings, the appeal is clear. You can often find lower prices on basic materials like netting, cable, and fixings compared to a professional installation. However, those savings can be misleading if you’re not factoring in the full picture.

Hidden Drawbacks

• Without the right tools or experience, getting the netting tension just right can be tricky. This often leads to sagging areas that not only look sloppy but also reduce the enclosure’s effectiveness.
• Fixings and mounts can end up uneven or too visible, which creates a cluttered appearance and takes away from the overall look of your outdoor space.
• The time commitment can be much bigger than expected. Between deciding the right materials, troubleshooting problems, and figuring out how to install everything, what should be a weekend project can stretch on for weeks.
• Cheaper materials may save money initially, but they tend to wear out faster or fail altogether. That means you’ll probably spend extra time and money on repairs or replacements down the line.

Unless you have solid carpentry and rigging experience, a DIY approach often ends up being more time-consuming and expensive than originally planned. While it might look like a money saver on the surface, the effort, frustration, and long-term upkeep can turn it into a much bigger project than anticipated.

Pre-Made vs. Custom Cat Enclosures: Which One Should You Choose?

Kittysafe: The Best Alternative to Pre-Made Catios

If you’re a Perth cat parent who wants to level up your cat’s outdoor space, Kittysafe’s frameless netting enclosures are hands down the superior choice over pre-made catio. Designed to fit your home perfectly, our custom solutions use premium materials and professional installation to create a safe, sleek, and long-lasting enclosure that your cat will love and you’ll appreciate. Unlike generic options, we focus on quality, durability, and a clean, damage-free setup that truly respects your home.

Here’s why Kittysafe stands out:

• Perfect Fit: Custom-built to your home with no awkward gaps or compromises.
• Premium Durability: High-quality netting and fittings are designed to last with minimal maintenance.
• Clean & Fast Installation: Professional setup that won’t damage your furniture or landscaping.
• Cost-Effective Over Time: Save money thanks to long-lasting materials and low upkeep.
• Stylish & Seamless: Frameless design that looks great and blends effortlessly with your outdoor space.

Final Thoughts

While a pre-made catio kit might seem like a quick fix, it often doesn’t live up to expectations. The costs can add up quickly, the fit may not be quite right, and the bulky design can clash with your home’s look. DIY options might feel like a budget-friendly alternative, but they come with hidden challenges. A poor fit, lower-quality materials, and all the time spent on repairs can end up costing more in the long run.

Going with a professional frameless netting installation from Kittysafe gives you the best of everything. It’s affordable, fully customised to your space, and blends beautifully with your home. Our team uses expert craftsmanship and tough, marine-grade materials to build a secure, good-looking space where your cat can enjoy the outdoors safely. If you’re ready to create an outdoor area that’s built to last and made just for your cat, get in touch with Kittysafe today for a free site survey and quote. Your cat deserves the best, and so do you.

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