Catio or cat-proof fencing? Which is right for your cat
Updated 6 November 2026 · By the Cat Enclosures team
Short answer: A catio is a fully enclosed, roofed space that keeps your cat in and other animals out, and it works in almost any home, including flats with balconies. Cat-proof fencing turns the whole garden into your cat's space and gives more room for the money, but only works well when every fence, wall and gate can be secured and there is nothing near the boundary to climb.
Side-by-side comparison
| Catio | Cat-proof fencing | |
|---|---|---|
| Space for your cat | Limited to the enclosure | Whole garden |
| Keeps other animals out | Yes | Not fully |
| Works for flats | Yes, with window boxes or balconies | No |
| Shelter from weather | Can have a solid roof | Depends on the garden |
| Typical cost | £1,200 to £4,000 bespoke | £800 to £2,500 for a typical garden |
When a catio is right
- You have little or no garden
- Fences are low, shared or in poor condition
- You want to keep foxes and other cats away
- Your cat is elderly, disabled or a determined climber
When cat-proof fencing is right
- Your boundaries are solid and at least around 1.8 m high
- You want your cat to use the whole garden
- There are few trees, sheds or structures near the boundary
Related guides
- How much does a cat enclosure cost in the UK? (2026 guide)
- Do you need planning permission for a catio? UK rules explained
- How to choose a catio builder: questions to ask and red flags
- Catio materials explained: mesh, timber, roofing and fixings
- DIY catio or professional build? Costs, skills and common mistakes
- Introducing your cat to a catio and making it safe
- Catio maintenance: how to keep a cat enclosure safe and lasting
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