Really like the combination of open, vertical spaces and interior shelter that this design provides. There are three levels of interior space that provide shelter or just a place for kitties to hide. This was the main reason for purchase of this design over other designs we looked at. The lowest level of the design is perfect for a litter box although to access it for cleaning you do have to enter the catio through the larger door panel. We thought about modifying an area in the back with another door for ease of cleaning but decided it might impair the overall structural stability. The completed project is designed so that if you are facing it directly (in front of the narrow, open mesh end with large entry door) the windows and small cat door for food/water open toward the left. This was perfect for our space but it would be difficult to modify this arrangement to open on the opposite side for the average person. For you master woodworkers out there it would probably be no problem. Arrived in 3 boxes about a week earlier than projected at purchase (bonus!). One box was damaged at the corner but the packing inside protected the product so no defects on arrival. All product panels, screws, and fasteners were counted prior to assembly and there was exactly the number needed although as other reviewers have said the latches for the doors are flimsy and we will be replacing them. All panels were numbered with a stamp and the instructions were clear enough to follow once we organized the materials. Assembly wasn't too bad with two people. We did drill pilot holes for some of the sections and found that helpful in keeping the panels fitted together well. If one person were doing this some wood clamps would be essential for holding the sections together while screwing them so they don't get out of alignment. Once assembled all the doors are hinged well and swing open without hitting or scraping the surrounding frame. The finished product is sturdy enough that the cats can move around and there is plenty of vertical space that we plan to modify a little bit. I'm 5'10" and can almost stand up in the completed catio. The mesh part of the enclosure is probably not strong enough to add any additional perches to without reinforcement unless your cat weighs less than 5 pounds so plan on additional reinforcement for any extra kitty spaces that aren't freestanding. We haven't attached the ramp yet, it does seem too steep for the designed location and we'll probably wrap it in some sisal rope or leave it hooked to one of the lower levels. Not sure about the weather proofing. We opted for the gray painted option because it had a "water resistant" label in the description. It is painted but the paint job doesn't inspire much confidence for weather proofing and we'll be designing a tarp cover to use in the winter or during really rainy times. We also placed the catio on a cement slab and would not recommend placing it directly on grass/dirt. Besides the obvious risk of damage to the wood at the base, any uneven surface would probably cause stress on the panels and impact the overall longevity of the structure. While the structure can be moved once assembled it probably wouldn't hold up to frequent placement changes. The only negative thing was a single panel on the sliding door that opens near the top of one of the enclosures had some strange kind of mold covering it. Fortunately upon inspection of the remaining panels/doors this was the only imperfection so we opted to just remove the panel. It's currently covered with some cardboard and tape but we'll either cut another sliding piece of wood or possibly plexiglass for that spot. As always make sure there is plenty of fresh water and if hot weather is the norm for your area an outdoor thermometer is an addition we plan to add to make sure kitties aren't getting overheated.

We purchased this Pawhut catio in 2022 to give our cats a safe way to enjoy the outdoors. While the standalone unit is a great concept, we ended up modifying it significantly to fit our needs, and it has held up surprisingly well in a rural environment. The Modifications & Size: To make it more functional, my husband built a custom deck on stilts to level the unit with our house. This allows the cats to go in and out as they please. The size is actually quite compact, fitting well against the house without being an eyesore. We also added shelves to the ramp because our cats didn't like the ramp's design and preferred jumping between levels. Build Quality & Safety: Wood Quality: The wood is a bit on the soft side. While this made the initial instructions and assembly very easy to follow (screws went in without a struggle), the wood quality could have been better treated for the outdoors. After four years, it has weathered to a gray/brown tone, though it remains structurally sound. The Roof: The included asphalt roof is high quality and slants well to shed water. We did install an extra plastic roof over the top to ensure the cats stay 100% dry in heavy rain. Safety: The fine wire mesh is excellent. We live in the country with plenty of predators, and the wire feels secure and sturdy enough that I’m comfortable letting the cats stay out there at night. Verdict: Our cats absolutely love this space—they are out there every single day. If you are willing to do a little DIY to customize it for your home, this is a fantastic, safe starting point for any cat owner.

I'm a small-framed woman, and I built this enclosure with just a screwdriver and an embarrassing amount of time, but ... finished product is perfect for the little raccoon I rescued and raised. Will be kept indoors. She has loads of toys inside, easily climbs the ramp, loves the sleeping nestbox area. Very adorable to see her peeking through the windows. Her potty pad sits under the enclosed sleeping box, and toys can be hung from the top mesh for added interest. The enclosure is big enough I can stand in it, and all areas are easily accessible for cleaning. Will hold a small cat tree, hammock, etc. Raccoon climbs the mesh and it seems to be holding up quite well so far. Latches can't be reached by her little raccoon hands from inside, so safe and escape proof. Water bottle hangs nicely on mesh. Safe home for a pet raccoon when you can't babysit outside the enclosure. (She definitely must be babysat!) She does, of course, love to come out to play and wrestle a couple times a day. Very pleased with purchase and her reaction to it, but wouldn't want to build another one. A zillion screws! The things we do for love, lol! Would've been easier if I'd had help, but built it all by myself. If I can do it, anyone can, haha! Becomes increasingly sturdy as it squares up and goes together. Good to build where you want it, cuz too big to move around without helpers. Nicely designed! Edit: Well, truly was a nice cage, maybe for a cat, or a rabbit, but I must now advise: As my raccoon grew older and stronger, the mesh was no longer sufficient. She began tearing her way out through the wire, and I would find her playing inside my furnace cold air intakes. Interesting tunnels to explore! I coaxed her out with cheese balls. She vandalized various areas of the house, as well, wearing her sweet little bandit mask while laughing at me. Anyway ... stronger wire is a must. I ended up buying a much stronger enclosure and keeping the sleeping box structure inside. Live and learn. Adult raccoons are wise, crafty, very strong, and they forget nothing. Be warned!😉🦝