Our Process
The turnaround time for your custom catio is typically 2-4 weeks. We’ll take you through the whole process below but please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
The Catio Process
2.
Fill Out Our Catio Inquiry Form
Ready to turn your catio dream into a reality? Fill out our Catio Inquiry Formto get started. This form takes only a few minutes to complete and gives us an idea of the size of catio and features that you’re interested in.
3.
Design Consultation
Once we have reviewed your form, we’ll reach out to schedule a site visit with a no-pressure catio consultation. On the day of the site visit, we’ll take a look at your proposed catio site, offer feedback and suggestions, take some measurements, and finalize the design with you.
4.
Estimate + Design
Within 3 days after our site visit, we’ll send you an estimate along with a detailed description of your catio design. For strata clients, renderings are available for an additional fee. Our goal is to ensure the design matches your vision and creates the #PurrfectPlace for your cat.
5.
Deposit + Construction
Once the estimate and design are approved, we request 50% of the deposit by e-transfer to purchase the materials and start building.
6.
Schedule Installation
Within 2-4 weeks of receiving the deposit, we will contact you to arrange installation.
7.
Installation Day
Now we assemble the individual parts and integrate them into your home’s structure according to the plan. This process usually takes 2-5 hours but can be longer based on the size of the catio.
8.
Welcome Home, Kitty!
Alongside you, we help introduce your cat to their brand-new outdoor environment and ensure a great first experience. Some cats take to their catios right away, while others need some time to get used to them - this is purrfectly normal and to be expected.
9.
Final Payment
Once your catio is installed, we send the invoice for final payment and present you with an electronic warranty entitling you to no-cost repairs for the first year – no questions asked! We also provide a handy one-pager on how to care for your catio so that your cat will enjoy it for many years to come.
Strata Information
Many of our clients live in condos or townhomes that are part of a strata community. If that’s you, you’ve come to the right place! We have extensive experience working with stratas and designing catios that are secure, attractive, and respectful of shared living spaces.
Before getting started, it’s important to review your strata bylaws to determine whether approval is required for an outdoor structure in your living space. If written approval from your strata council is needed, we’re happy to support you throughout the application process by providing the information you need for a successful submission.
This typically includes catio dimensions, a rendering of the proposed design, and a list of materials to be used. Many strata councils also request that catios maintain a low profile and blend with the existing building, which may include painting the structure to match the exterior colour scheme.
To protect the building envelope, we design our catios to be securely tension-fitted without the need to drill or screw into walls. This approach allows your catio to remain stable while meeting the requirements of many strata communities.
On installation day, we take extra care to minimize disruption by bringing in panels as quietly as possible and respecting your building, elevator, and neighbours. Installation typically takes 2–5 hours, and we work within the approved days and timeframes outlined by your strata bylaws.
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Check your strata bylaws to see if there are any rules around constructing a temporary shelter in your outdoor living space. If there are, speak with your strata for clarification. Otherwise, our process is the same. We will set up a consultation, confirm the design, provide an estimate and a rendering of the catio, which you can include in your application to the strata.
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If your strata denies your catio application, it can be disappointing - especially when a well-designed catio can be a safe and unobtrusive way for cats to enjoy the outdoors.
In some cases, a denial may be related to concerns about the design, such as the height, size, appearance, or how much patio space it uses. You may be able to work with your strata council by asking what specific concerns they have and whether modifications to the design would help address them.
Small changes to the structure, materials, placement, or overall appearance may make your application more acceptable while still meeting your cat’s needs. We’re always happy to provide information and support to help you put forward the strongest application possible.
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Our catios are easily disassembled with a drill, however, we are available to assist you if you aren’t comfortable disassembling it on your own. Just message us – we’re here to help!
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We encourage all of our clients in strata communities to let their neighbours know about their new catio before installation. A friendly conversation, along with sharing the benefits of catios for both cats and their owners, can go a long way toward building positive relationships with neighbours.
You’re welcome to share your catio rendering with them so they can see exactly what the finished structure will look like. If they have questions or would like more information about catios, feel free to direct them to our website or share our contact information - we’re always happy to help explain our designs and answer any questions.
Warranty Information
At catiOasis, we proudly stand behind the quality of our workmanship and materials with a comprehensive 1-year, no questions asked, labour and materials warranty.
This warranty reflects our commitment to ensuring the satisfaction and peace of mind of our valued customers. Within the first year of completion, we guarantee the labour performed and materials used in your custom catio. In the rare event that issues arise, our dedicated team will promptly address and rectify any concerns. Our warranty underscores our dedication to delivering exceptional catios along with unmatched customer service and trust in our craftsmanship.