In an extraordinary display of devotion to their feline companions, a growing number of pet owners across the United States are investing substantial sums in custom-built outdoor enclosures, with some luxury 'cat palaces' reaching a staggering $125,000.
The Rise of the Luxury Catio
This trend towards premium pet accommodation began gaining momentum before the pandemic and has since flourished. Salli Squires Cook from Denver exemplifies this movement. After adopting her first rescue cat, Bubby, she commissioned a $2,000 custom outdoor enclosure from Colorado-based company Cat Topia in 2019.
The tall, rectangular structure, accessible from her garage, provided Bubby with a safe space to enjoy the outdoors, complete with running paths and stairs. Cook was so impressed with the improvement to her cat's quality of life that she later expanded the enclosure at a cost of $5,000 to accommodate a new feline family member with special needs.
"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."
Six-Figure Feline Fantasy Homes
While Cook's investment is significant, it pales in comparison to the high-end projects now being commissioned. Lance Harding, owner of Cat Topia, recently completed an ultra-luxury catio in Burlington County, New Jersey, with a price tag of $125,000.
This exceptional enclosure spans 400 square feet and features a 100-foot tunnel, a solid roof, and premium amenities like a built-in couch and hammock. This sum represents approximately a third of the average house price in the area, demonstrating the incredible value some owners place on their pets' comfort.
Harding's business has created more than 500 catios across all 50 US states, with each design tailored to local climates and potential predators. Enclosures in New York include heating for winter months, while those in Florida feature heavy-duty bug screens.
A Booming Industry for Feline Wellbeing
The catio phenomenon is not limited to a single provider. In Los Angeles, Alan Breslauer of 'The Catio Guy' has built a similar number of enclosures since launching in 2017, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $94,000.
Breslauer described his creations as "a cat Disneyland where they run around and play without the danger of getting run over by a car or eaten by a coyote in L.A."
The American Pet Products Association's 2025 report found that 49 million American households have at least one cat, with ownership rising by 23 percent in 2024. This growth, combined with owners forming deeper bonds with their pets, has fuelled demand for such specialised products.
Both builders emphasise the significant behavioural and health benefits these structures provide. Breslauer recounted one client whose cat stopped urinating outside its litter box after a year of problematic behaviour once their catio was installed.
"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."
With pet ownership having risen sharply during the pandemic—more than 23 million Americans acquired an animal during that period—this market for luxury pet amenities shows no signs of slowing, transforming backyards across the country into feline paradise.
