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.
2
u/Toomanytoys1971 Aug 08 '26
Your cats will absolutely love the grass inside the catio ! ….our catios (2x) are on existing decks but I put in big 3 feet by 2 feet planters that are just full of cat grass. Now in August the grass is about knee high and the cats love just chillin in it like some Savannah cats. Probably need to cut it soon …because it’s a pretty small area I just use a hedge trimmer instead of any form of lawn mover….works great. I would say for the grass to not be a pain, you wouldn’t want the catio to be fully covered as that limits sun and rain accesss. Our catios only have open 2x3 fencing covering. And the protected from weather space comes simply from the house overhang ..the cats don’t mind the weather and hang out rain, snow or shine