For a growing number of cat owners, a simple scratching post and a cosy bed are no longer enough. They are investing in elaborate outdoor enclosures, known as 'catios', with some luxury builds reaching staggering six-figure sums.
The Rise of the Pet Palace
The trend for bespoke feline fortresses is booming, driven by owners who view their pets as full-fledged family members. Salli Squires Cook from Denver was an early adopter. After bringing home her rescue cat, Bubby, she commissioned her first custom enclosure from Colorado-based Cat Topia in 2019 for $2,000.
"They can get vitamin D and 'sun' themselves," Cook explained, highlighting the benefits for her four cats. "They are enriched by being in the fresh air and watching birds and squirrels that keep their hunting instincts sharp, but without harming any of the wildlife."
Her initial catio was so successful that she later expanded it to twice the size at a cost of $5,000, adding 'special needs' ramps and a bridge in the trees to suit her growing feline family.
The Six-Figure Feline Fantasy
While Cook's investment was significant, it pales in comparison to some projects. Lance Harding, the owner of Cat Topia, recently completed an ultra-luxury catio in Burlington County, New Jersey. This 400 square foot enclosure, complete with a 100-foot tunnel, a built-in couch, and a hammock, carried a price tag of $125,000.
This sum represents about a third of the average house price in that area. However, not all enclosures command such a premium. Harding has also built catios for clients with more modest budgets, with some projects starting around $6,000.
"People see their pets as family members and want the best for them," Harding told The Independent. "Indoor cats also have a lot of anxiety, so the catio decreases that and allows them to have a world outdoors."
A Booming Business for Safer Pets
The demand for these structures has created a flourishing industry. Alan Breslauer, known as 'The Catio Guy', launched his business in 2017. His company, based in Los Angeles, saw business surge during the pandemic and has now built over 500 catios, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $94,000.
Breslauer describes his creations as "a cat Disneyland" where pets can "run around and play without the danger of getting run over by a car or eaten by a coyote."
The benefits extend beyond simple safety. Breslauer recounts a client whose cat was so stressed after a move that it urinated outside its litter box for a year. "A year later, they got the catio and the marking stopped completely," he said, noting the profound impact on feline mental health.
This trend is supported by broader data. The American Pet Products Association's 2025 Dog & Cat Report found that cat ownership in the US rose by 23 percent in 2024, with nearly 49 million American households now including at least one cat. As the bond between owners and their pets deepens, the market for high-end pet amenities like luxury catios shows no sign of slowing down.
