Should You Build Or Buy A Catio In The UK? Costs, Safety, And What Vets Say

If your cat longs for fresh air but you want to keep them safe, a catio could be the purr fect compromise. The big decision is whether to build it yourself or buy a ready made wooden catio. In this guide, you will find realistic UK costs, safety tips that matter, planning permission basics, and what vets think about enrichment and containment. You will also see when a roofed design is non negotiable, and what base and roofing work best in our autumn and winter weather.

Is it cheaper to build or buy a catio?

DIY can look cheaper on paper, but the true cost includes tools, fixings, finishes, and your time.

• Materials: Pressure treated timber, exterior grade screws, galvanised mesh, roofing sheets, hinges and latches. Expect £300 to £700 for a modest footprint if you choose quality materials suited to UK weather.
• Tools and consumables: A mitre saw or circular saw, drill drivers, outdoor wood paint or preservative, countersink bits, saw blades, and PPE. If you do not already own these, add £150 to £400, sometimes more.
• Time: Design, sourcing, cutting, assembly, and finishing can take two full weekends or longer, especially if you are new to carpentry.
• Hidden extras: Mistakes, warped timber replacements, extra mesh, additional brackets, and sealants add up quickly.

Buying a handmade wood catio from UK Kennels removes tool costs and reduces time, and you get robust timber, weather resistant finishes, and fast UK delivery with express options when you need it soon. The purchase price can be similar to DIY when you factor in quality materials and your time, yet you gain a professionally designed structure that is built for safety and durability.

Safety and durability, the essentials

A catio is only as safe as its weakest point. Here is what matters.

• Timber thickness and treatment: Sturdy framing resists flexing and high winds. Pressure treated timber or factory applied weatherproof coatings extend life and reduce maintenance.
• Mesh specification: Choose heavy gauge galvanised welded mesh with small apertures to prevent paws from getting through and to keep wildlife out.
• Doors and latches: Fit tamper proof, cat resistant latches with a secondary lock. Self closing door springs reduce escape risk.
• Fixings: Exterior grade screws and galvanised brackets resist rust. Use plenty of fixings at stress points such as door frames and roof rails.
• Roof and water management: A sloped, solid roof with an overhang protects against driving rain, bird droppings, and UV. Add drip edges to direct water away from panels.
• Stability: Anchor to a solid base and brace tall panels. In exposed gardens, cross bracing and ground anchors make a real difference.

UK Kennels’ handcrafted designs focus on these details from the start. If you want to see options, explore catio enclosures that combine secure panels, a solid roof choice, and practical access.

Common DIY pitfalls to avoid

• Underestimating mesh strength: Chicken wire is not cat safe. It bends and can injure.
• Weak door frames: Doors sag without proper bracing; this creates gaps.
• No roof or a flimsy roof: Open tops invite foxes and birds of prey. Sheeting that is too thin can crack in frost.
• Poor weatherproofing: End grain left unsealed and untreated screws rust quickly in the UK climate.
• Wobbly base: Uneven ground leads to twisted frames, sticky doors, and panel gaps.

If any of these worry you, a ready made unit can save headaches and keep your furry friend safe.

Do vets recommend catios?

Most UK vets and welfare charities support secure outdoor access that balances enrichment with safety. Catios provide mental stimulation, fresh air, and space to climb, perch, and sunbathe without road traffic risks, territorial fights, or disease exposure from roaming. They are particularly helpful for high prey drive cats, deaf cats, cats with mobility limits, or cats recovering from injury. Add shelves, scratching posts, and hideaways to elevate enrichment. A good rule is to design vertical interest, shaded rest areas, and weather protection so your cat feels confident and calm.

Do you need planning permission for a catio in the UK?

In most homes, small free standing catios fall under permitted development when they are under typical outbuilding size limits, behind the principal elevation, and not covering more than half the garden. Wall fixed or balcony structures can be more sensitive. Flats, conservation areas, listed buildings, and shared freeholds often have extra rules. When in doubt, check your local planning portal, speak to your freeholder or management company, and get written confirmation. Keep height sensible, avoid overlooking neighbours, and use muted finishes that blend with your garden.

Balcony use, when and how

Balcony catios demand extra caution. Load limits, fixings, and escape proofing are critical. Avoid drilling into building cladding without permission. Freestanding, tensioned, or framed systems that sit within the balcony footprint are safer, and a solid or mesh roof is a must to prevent climbing over. Choose a design marketed as a catio for balcony if you live above ground level and always prioritise stability and full containment.

What is a good base for a catio?

A level, drainable base is the foundation of safety and longevity.

• Best overall: Concrete slab or level paving slabs with a slight fall for drainage. Easy to clean, stable, and anchor friendly.
• Good alternative: Compact gravel on a weed membrane with ground spikes and treated timber bearers. Add mesh skirting buried at the edge to deter digging.
• For lawns: Use ground grids or sleepers to create a level frame, then anchor panels securely. Expect more maintenance as grass grows.
• Indoors to outdoors: If attaching to a patio door, bridge thresholds with ramps and weather seals to stop drafts.

Weatherproofing for autumn and winter

UK weather brings rain, frost, and wind. Protect your investment.

• Timber care: Use pressure treated wood, then top up with exterior wood preservative or paint every one to three years as advised by the product.
• Metal care: Choose galvanised or stainless fixings and mesh to prevent rust.
• Roof care: Clear leaves, check fixings, and keep gutters or drip edges unblocked.
• Wind: Add extra bracing on exposed sites and use heavier anchors on corners.
• Comfort: Provide sheltered perches, a cosy hide with weatherproof bedding, and non slip ramps.

Downsides of a catio, and how to manage them

• Space and aesthetics: A structure takes room and can affect garden sightlines. Choose a footprint that fits your layout and a finish that matches fences or sheds.
• Cost: Quality materials add up. Weigh this against vet bills and risks from roaming.
• Maintenance: All outdoor wood needs periodic care. Plan light seasonal checks.
• Limited range: Cats cannot roam freely. Offset with climbing shelves, puzzle feeders, and daily play.

For many owners, the safety and enrichment outweigh these drawbacks.

Where UK Kennels fits in

If you prefer a simple, safe solution, UK Kennels builds handmade wood catios and runs with robust timber, secure mesh, and weather resistant finishes. You get UK wide delivery, plus an express option. Explore outdoor catio choices for different footprints and access points, or choose cat enclosures for garden if you are planning a larger space with room to climb and play. For compact or wall adjacent layouts, take a look at 3 sided catio uk that tucks neatly against your home.

Summary

Building a catio can be rewarding if you enjoy DIY and already own the tools. Once you factor in quality materials, your time, and safety extras, buying a handcrafted wooden catio often makes financial and practical sense. Vets support secure outdoor enrichment because it protects cats while giving them fresh air and stimulation. Plan for UK rules by checking permitted development, get permission for balconies, and pick a solid base and a sloped roof that will stand up to autumn and winter. Whether you build or buy, focus on sturdy timber, secure mesh, good roofing, and proper anchoring. Your cat gets a safer slice of the outdoors, and you get peace of mind.