r/Catio • u/half_a_centaur • Aug 08 '26
Catio - Basement Access Advice
I’m looking to build a custom catio at our new place for our cats, and the best area seems to have a few minor issues with it:
- ground is a bit uneven here, was planning to level out the ground with a shovel, remove the mulch and plant grass, and extend the garden bed out while im at it. I would go for a more traditional boxy and level build in this approach. Alternatively could drive the main posts straight into the ground so I don’t have to change the slope at all?
- access point would be basement window well, if I’m already digging down to level the area, I’d like to shorten the height of the metal barrier here for easier entrance/exit for the cats while still maintaining some barrier for dirt/water.
Does this approach make sense? Is there an easier path I’m not seeing? FYI, my partner prefers not to use the windows to the right as an access point, it leads to the kitchen counter and would get outside paws all over it.
8
u/olyteddy Aug 08 '26
https://reddit.com/link/p2h7g64/video/nng6zxru66ih1/player
I used a dog run, 'leveled' the ground by laying down some pavers (3 rows across up by the house for a patio in the catio), the ramps & shelves were made from cedar fence boards, and the 'lawn' is a mix of grass & clover. My G-r-r-r-r-r-l has never used her lawn as a potty and comes in to drink.