General Catio Questions
What is a 'Catio'?
A ‘Catio’ is simply another term for an outdoor enclosure for cats. It was coined in a New York Times article about Habitat Haven enclosures in 2003. That is why Habitat Haven is known as the "original catio!". A Catio can be an enclosure around your
Can I relocate the catio/take it with me if I move?
It is possible to partially disassemble your catio to move it to a new location! When we fabricate the catio enclosure for shipping, it will arrive partially assembled. In order to take the catio down to be moved, you will essentially follow the inst
How much maintenance is required?
All Habitat Haven catios are fabricated using sturdy wire mesh panels that are made of galvanized steel and powder coated for added durability and longevity for use outdoors. Shelf bracket hardware and door frames are also made of galvanized steel wi
What is the gauge of the wire?
The wire mesh panels we use to construct our enclosures are custom-designed for use with cats and small dogs in mind. The 2" x 2" grid pattern is selected to offer the least obstructed views while still providing a safe environment for your cats to e
Can I add onto or expand my catio in the future?
The great thing about Habitat Haven catios is that they are modular by design! This makes it easy to expand or add on to your existing catio as you see fit. All of our catios and catio components are fabricated from the same wire mesh materials to ma
How does a Window Catio or 3-Sided Catio attach to a building?
3-Sided Catios, Window Catio Enclosures, and Towers all require attachment to a wall for necessary support. These types of enclosures are fabricated with one side left nearly completely open aside from a 6" wide strip of mesh that is used for attachm
What is included in my catio order?
All catio purchases include the catio itself as well as various hardware and tools required for assembly/installation. Depending on the specific items in your order (components, accessories, etc.), we may include the following items with your order a
Are your catios "predator proof"?
The steel wire mesh panels used on all Habitat Haven enclosures are very heavy-duty and predator proof. In the 20+ years that we have been providing catios, we have not once been made aware of a situation where a coyote (or any other predator animal)
How are your catios made?
Habitat Haven catios and catio components (as well as many of our accessories!) are handcrafted in our workshop in Lapeer, Michigan. Each item is made to order so that you have the option to customize nearly anything we offer. Our catios are fabricat
Can a 4-sided catio be attached to a home or structure?
It is possible to attach a 4-sided catio to a home, building, or other structure if desired. However, it is not generally required for structural stability. If you choose to do so, you should select fasteners that are appropriate for the structure (f
How do you anchor the catio?
Most of Habitat Haven's catios do not require anchoring to the ground, although you may certainly do so if you choose!. Three-sided catios and window enclosures should be secured directly to the home or some type of structure on the "open" side to se
Do I need to take down the catio in the winter?
Habitat Haven catios can be left outdoors for the winter! We recommend removing any canvas awnings from the enclosure to prevent snow accumulation on top of the catio. Significant accumulation can be heavy and cause damage to the enclosure. All other