Outdoor ‘catios’ becoming more popular nationwide as pet spending increases

ATHENS, Ga. (InvestigateTV) — Pet owners are finding new ways to pamper their animals, and some cat owners are spending thousands of dollars on elaborate outdoor enclosures called “catios.”

The most recent data from 2024 show owners spent nearly $152 billion on their pets, according to the American Pet Products Association. In 2025, the amount is expected to be higher. Of that total, nearly $66 billion went to pet food and treats, and $13 billion went to other services such as boarding and grooming.

Builder creates custom catios nationwide

Athens resident Bob Johnston technically retired six years ago. The former welder and builder figured he would construct an animal enclosure every couple of months to keep busy.

“I just imagined it would be me hanging out at home,” Johnston said.

That did not last long.

“All of a sudden, it was like opening a floodgate,” he said.

Orders came pouring in for Johnston’s custom catios from around the world, including Australia, England and South America. He quickly moved into a bigger building.

“Nobody was doing catios on the entire East Coast at the time. I go by Catio Bob now,” Johnston said.

Growing industry worth hundreds of millions

Each day, Johnston and his assistant, Allison, construct the enclosures.

“We don’t use any kind of software or anything. It’s all hand-drawn,” Allison said.

“It’s like a screened-in porch on steroids,” Johnston said.

The typical 6-by-8 Catio Bob enclosure includes plenty of space, but some orders are much more extravagant. Today’s project is a palatial enclosure — a 15-by-8 catio with an attached building and tunnels for a family in South Carolina.

It’s a nationwide trend. Cats are the world’s most popular pet. In 2024, the catio industry was worth $325 million. That’s expected to double by 2033.

Catios aren’t cheap. Catio Bob’s traditional 6-by-8 goes for about $4,000. But some push north of $15,000, especially if you want to tunnel through your garage or give your cat a gazebo.

For Johnston, it’s a labor of love.

“I have 14 myself,” he said, referring to his cats.

He came out of retirement for what he considers the perfect job.

While a custom-built catio can cost thousands of dollars, a DIY catio plan will set you back a few hundred dollars.