If you are a true cat-lover, you’ll know that over recent years the popularity of a new trend of building catios has skyrocketed.
They are the modern way to provide your cat with the benefits of the outdoors without the risks that come from free-roaming the neighbourhood.
Catio’s provide cats a host of health-improving benefits such as fresh air, sunshine and a sense of freedom without the worry of predators and outdoor diseases. Or even worse getting lost or hit by traffic!
Building an enclosure for cats outside can be a game-changer for their health and well-being.
Beyond protecting your cat from outdoor hazards, a catio also protects any wildlife in your garden from the hunting instincts of some cats.
What is a Catio?
A Catio is the portmanteau of cat and patio used to describe an outdoor covered cat cage structure on a patio, usually connected to the house via an outside door.
Building a DIY catio with a timber frame is a straightforward process that is often completed by DIYers themselves; however, some people will be lucky to have a tradesman in their area who specialise in building outdoor catio and cat run structures.
Why does a catio need a roof?
A roof is an essential part of any catio construction to protect your cat from all types of weather and make it an all-seasons usable space.
Usually, a clear plastic roof is the best option as it best replicates being outdoors for the cat. Solid roof options can be overly shadowy and restrict the light levels.
Using plastic sheets for a cat cage roof allows sunlight but also offers UV protection for your cat from the harmful UV rays. It is important to select the right quality of plastic or polycarbonate sheets to ensure they have a proper UV protection layer.
Clear Catio Roofing Sheets
Polycarbonate sheets
Polycarbonate sheets are one of the most popular roofing types for Catios as they offer great durability whilst still being affordable.
One main reason polycarbonate sheets are popular is that they are lightweight, making them easy to handle and install. Despite this, they also offer high impact resistance.
A polycarbonate catio roof can be as high or low cost as you decide, simply based on the thickness and grade of glazing bars you use to install them.
Whatever your budget, there is an option that will fit!
If you are concerned about using clear polycarbonate roofing for a cat cage, then Clear Amber also manufactures Axiome Bronze polycarbonate, which provides reduced sun glare and greater shade from sunlight.
Solid Polycarbonate Sheets
Solid polycarbonate sheets are the highest quality clear catio roofing choice as they offer a ‘glass-like’ premium finish. Brands like Axgard® also come with UV protection on both sides for a 20-year life expectancy.
A quality solid polycarbonate sheet offers unrivalled clarity compared to all other clear options. Naturally, this comes at a higher price point – but the investment is truly worth it for the stunning aesthetic.
Solid glazing sheets won’t fit everyone’s budget, but if you are building a long-term installation they are a worthy pick.
A well-built catio will add value to your home for future owners!
Corrugated Plastic sheets
Clear corrugated roofing sheets are another strong contender when covering an outdoor cat enclosure as they are very easy to install.
If using corrugated sheets then choose a sheet like Corrapol® Stormproof, which is UV protected and very durable.
Corrugated plastic has a bad name for being brittle and weak; however, this is only the case when you use PVC corrugated sheets.
Corrugated PVC is a lower cost option if your budget is really tight but bear in mind that no PVC sheets have UV protection, as it is not possible with that type of material.
Solid Catio Roofing Sheets
Bitumen Roof Sheets
A solid roofing sheet is a way to create a shaded catio and opens up a range of colour options such as black, green, red and brown. Corrapol-BT bitumen roof sheets are the lowest cost non-clear roof covering for a Catio.
As with all corrugated sheets, bitumen sheeting is simple to install and lightweight to handle.
Given their low price point, they are the perfect option for those with a smaller budget.
Corramet Sheets
Corramet® corrugated sheets offer all the benefits of other corrugated sheets but with stronger rigidity and longer lifespan.
Compared to bitumen per sheet, Corramet® sheets are higher cost but includes fixings with the sheets to save that extra cost!
What roofing sheet is best for a catio?
There is no single best catio roof option, so if you prefer a corrugated sheet style (wavy) choose Corrapol® Stormproof. On the other hand, if you like a flatter appearance Axiome® 10mm polycarbonate sheets or thicker are best.
The key factors to decide which of these roofing types to choose:
- Lifespan – Both these types are similar; however, it’s important to use proper flashing and glazing to reach full lifespan
- Structure – a purlin structure suits corrugated sheets more and a rafter structure suits polycarbonate sheets. N.B. This is an important consideration when building your frame.
- Aesthetics – purely a personal choice of flat versus corrugated.
- Installation difficulty – both have similar ease of installation.
- Costs – Both are similar costs, with the Corrapol® Stormproof being marginally more affordable.
Remember, ultimately it depends on your budget and how much you want to invest in creating the perfect Catio for your cat.
Catio Ideas – what features do I need?
Now that you have built your Catio, here are five top ideas for creating the perfect cat-friendly environment:
- Hiding Spots – a Catio can feel a little exposed at first for your cat so give them some hiding areas, like a box or natural shelter. Plus, it’s somewhere they can go for extra shade from the sun on a hot day
- Perches and climbing features - Cats like to climb so include some perches or climbing apparatus in your build.
- Suitable plants – build out the natural environment in your catio with some cat-safe plants. Remember to check that the plants are not poisonous to cats.
- Toilet – include an obvious spot for your cat toilet that is concealed. Often a patch of sand or fine soil works well as they can cover over waste.
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Scratching – scratching is a common natural habit for cats so including a scratching post is advised. It can be artificial or natural in the form of wooden logs.
Needing help with a quote for your catio roof? Simply contact our team via Live chat to discuss further.
