The above video is our design for a complicated project we are working on in Tarzana. We had to plan around the following obstacles:
- A mature tree lies in the middle of the proposed catio site. So we built a hole into the shingle roof (which matches the house) and also designed all ramps and platforms around the tree. The family also intends to tie a cat hammock to the tree.
- The catio also sits next to a pathway that needs to remain open for the gardner and general passage through to the backyard. As such, we designed a sort of chimney for the cats to exit the existing dog door and then move straight up along the house wall until they reach a bridge six feet above the ground which connects the house to the enclosure.
- Finally, because of the size and elevated location on an existing planter, we built in two 24″ tall hinged access doors on each side of the catio instead of a door. This will still enable the human owners to clean the kitty litter and easily access the catio.
This was a fun project. Our specialty is taking any environment and making it work for both the cats and the human owners.