Cats love to be outside, but letting them roam around on their own can lead to the possibility of your feline friend getting dirty, lost, or worse, hurt. The latest solution? The catio (a patio, for cats—get it?).

A catio is like a man cave (or a she-shed) for Whiskers: an enclosed backyard space that allows him to run around or take a nap, filled with scratching posts, shelves, stairs, and maybe even a plant or two.

Courtesy of Catio Spaces

If you're a cat owner who struggles with letting your cat roam outdoors, a catio is the best of both worlds: cats can safely enjoy the fresh air while owners have peace of mind knowing their cats are protected.

Intrigued by the idea? Seattle-based Catio Spaces specializes in designing and building custom catios in the Seattle area.

Courtesy of Catio Spaces

But if you're willing to build your own, Catio Spaces also sells four different DIY catio plans ranging in price from $40 to $70.

Courtesy of Catio Spaces

While some of these catios are simple window box-like spaces, others are incredibly elaborate, featuring several stories or tunnels connecting multiple structures to maximize feline freedom.

If the prospect of a custom catio sounds pricey, catio advocates argue that if you live in an area near a busy road or around predators like coyotes, it can save on vet bills in the long run.

Rori Kotch Web Editorial Intern Rori is the web editorial intern at CountryLiving.com. Madison Alcedo Assistant Editor Madison Alcedo was the Assistant Editor at WomansDay.com and Redbookmag.com.

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