BUILDING A DIY "CATIO" FOR OUR CATS!

Hey guys! Today we are showing you our homemade DIY "catio" that we built for our kitties! We repurposed our back porch and enclosed it in with this wire screen that we bought at Home Depot & we reused some trees that we found here on the property when we bought this house.
The entire project took us 3 rolls of the wire screen (hardware cloth screen) 1/4" - 4' x 25' and a box of staples for our staple gun! It cost around $150 total and ended up working GREAT! Our cats have used it every single day since and spend tons of time out there. As i type this, they are all out on the catio asleep in the sunshine! If you have any questions about this build, let us know!
Hope you enjoy!

[@gerri1135]

When Zack said “he’s my biggest love” I died!!!!!

[@RawBeautyKristi]

Me toooooo I just HAD to add that in it was too precious 😭😭😭😭

[@VanMorgue]

@@RawBeautyKristi It got us all squeaking, awww’ing, and 😭! This is love!

[@tessaporter5144]

Cutest thing ever!!!

[@shellyb2042]

Also him holding up and laughing was pure joy!!! Cutest thing I ever saw!!

[@kylehawker6557]

How does someone type a message when they are dead? You must be very talented🤤

[@lindseyhtf]

I know it's silly to point this out because you guys are very "real life" but I'd just so nice to hear the mini rant about the screen, the wrong drill and the frustrating staple gun. A lot of people would just edit that part out and make it look so simple and easy and as someone whose constantly trying to diy and homemade stuff, it's nice to see other people have hiccups too. It turned out fantastic!! 🥰

[@MsBigact]

I was gonna say the same thing! Its so refreshing to see how REAL people do REAL projects

[@beautytryouts]

Fantastic....I'd LEGIT move into that catio🐈😻🙋🏻‍♀️🐈‍⬛😽in a freakin' heartbeat 💓 ~I come trained already please adopt 🙏🏼me‼️ They already eat better than me and are DEF loved better than I ever was😅

[@britziebabe]

HAHA i thought that too! We do a lot of DIY, and people assume it's so simple and quick bc of the edited tutorials they watch.. but then they see us working on stuff for hourssssss and realize how much work and frustration can go into these things. lol

[@alys4570]

Right! I always run into issues when I DIY.

[@atteroljones6936]

My thought was that this couple is going to have a hard time of it.

[@kirstenglae]

You just bumped of their quality of life, without endangering them whatsoever. They look so happy, well done!!❤️

[@jennifercrotts8516]

Seeing those kitties go out the window into their new paradise was just the most satisfying thing 😍

[@sarahleebeauty6761]

i almost cried it’s so sweet they love it

[@bivinsblinc6503]

Hello

[@caitlinbriggs3256]

New goal: be reincarnated as one of Zack and Kristi's cats.

[@HG-ol1tq]

Hell id even be their second child if God would let me

[@isaflores5077]

Sameeee

[@PeachReverie]

Yes 👏

[@whitwillie4052]

Haha omg YES🤣

[@Danni96]

This makes me think of those "adopt me Brad and Angelina" shirts 😂

[@kristentregoning331]

You should put a bird feeder in the yard where they can see it from the catio. Lots of entertainment for them!

[@bivinsblinc6503]

Hello

[@jenniferhorstmann2279]

Yes and they are so handy they can probably make one themselves from scraps!

[@jikook7457]

Great idea

[@thecatlimitdoesnotexist]

How is he already 5 months old?! It’s crazy how fast time flies. Can’t wait until Alder is old enough to pick carrots in his little baby overalls.

[@RawBeautyKristi]

I literally cannot wait. I will die 10000 deaths

[@goddessmarley6767]

Omg that name Alder 🥰🥰🥰

[@Tiffany_55]

Stawp 😭😭 sounds the cutest

[@PromisedJubilee]

Alder 😍😍😍

[@dpech66]

I'd watch the heck outta that!

[@cateia97]

Kristi's face when Zack asks how it's going with the mesh. I died. 😂 But what a great way to repurpose existing material and a not-used part of the exterior!

[@Queen365]

8:05 😆 I understand that frustration!

[@sarahking4219]

I know you might not end up caring but if you wanted to be able to see in to the porch from the outside better you can paint the mesh black and it will be invisible like it is from the inside out. You guys did a great job, and I think all that frustration was worth it for them kitties 😊

[@DiannaAngela]

I was just about to comment that, when I saw you already had ❤️

[@mermaiddiyartist8119]

Or buy black netting. My hardware store sells it for cheap. But definitely paint if you need

[@chapplepeach29]

@@mermaiddiyartist8119 they said they didn't use netting because it tears easily, like for bears. Plus netting is such tiny holes it would be much less visibility than the wire they used. :)

[@Lynsi325]

Raw Lumber Kristi. I don’t have cats. Or a porch. But this was lovely to watch. You’re such good parents to your human and kitties! 🥰

[@katherinep.8919]

I'm sure you've thought of this already, but painting the metal screen black will make it practically dissappear instead of look weird from the outside. I love your catio, those kitties are living the dream!!

[@Alertse]

Also easier to see through good qaulity bug nets are black for easier vision.

[@frankielamictal]

dad Zack is the most precious thing ever

[@keg2140]

Every living creature that crosses your guys path is so lucky. These cats are in heaven. Well done you both 💚

[@jikook7457]

The logs u used for the project made ur catio really cool. It's way better than just using regular 2x4s. Great job.

[@BrianaBudgets]

It’s so funny to think back to when y’all were scene kids and now you live in the woods and are building a catio on your cabin porch. So freakin precious.

[@bivinsblinc6503]

Hello

[@racheladams9364]

I love how the natural tree trunks look in that space. Immediately I thought of the cats using them as walking beams or laying on them, so cute.

[@meganprince8370]

I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoy all of your content lately! You bring so much peace during such chaotic moments! Thank you!

[@happiest.northwest]

Agreed! 💕

[@emilyhollis4231]

💯!

[@teresajacobs8680]

Ok, I mean this in THE BEST WAY. Zach is every wife’s dream due to the fact that he actually uses appropriate safety equipment 🤣. The amount of near heart attacks I’ve had because of power tools is ridiculous.

[@zacks.4655]

I always do. I’ve seen so many horrible videos and pictures of what happens when you don’t use them.

[@britziebabe]

Absolutely! So important! I used to take X-rays and i remember one week i had SO many table saw accidents and lets just say, im scarred for life bc i never realized how COMMONLY those things actually happen. Also had a 12 yr old put a 5'' nail though his wrist with a nail gun (thankfully he was okay and didnt hit anything major).. I swear I'm the safety police whenever we're making anything and it drives my hubby nuts but he's good about it now lol!!

[@maplelump]

Honestly, my ex would give me so much anxiety when I watched him work. I'm surprised he still has all his limbs! (that status may have changed since I don't know the state of his limbs now)

[@teresajacobs8680]

@@maplelump 🤣 it’s only funny to me because my grandpa was missing the majority of his fingers by the time he passed. My grandma was as cool as a cucumber every time and would drive him and whatever finger to the ER. Table saws were not his friend.

[@maplelump]

@@teresajacobs8680 your grandma was/is a saint!

[@mariahw653]

The love and care Kristi and Zack show their kitties, baby, and family is the ideal picture of what love should be. This is such a thoughtful thing to make for your kitties- fresh air, they can murderously stare at birds to their hearts content, but they are safe from predators and get to come inside for love whenever

[@geebrewer8186]

and safe from disease from other critters, including feral cats.

[@nancydwyer4583]

We built one on the back of our home... But we WANTED a screened porch or screened deck, to share with our cats. (most folks seem to be going away from screened porches but the bugs and mosquitoes are very bad here) We used the same wire "fencing" that you did for the enclosure, except we added insect screening on the out side by covering the part (area) of the wire fencing that was stapled down with 1/4 x 1 & 1/2 inch batons, fairly cheap. Then stapled the screening to those batons. Lastly to give it a "finished" look we then nailed and screwed another baton over all of the other batons to hold everything very securely. Looks very "finished" and it has become a screened porch for the humans to share with the cats. We are in a rural small city (about 18,000 population) and have seen a few bears over the years but they are not much of a problem, raccoons, skunks, along with coyotes and other cat killers are our menace, and our solution works for them. Our cats can climb the "fencing wire" to the top of the enclosure (they do quite often) and it is far enough from the bug screening that it is not damaged. The cats AND us humans love to be out there.

[@LarrietDarling]

Watching Kristi remove the tree bark is actually so satisfying and nice. And the bark strips could make a kind of nice kindling or mulch, too.

[@PromisedJubilee]

Or for basket weaving! Not joking. Serious.

[@windywolf4842]

Not a bad life!! They can smell the fresh air!!! Watch everything below them and yet feel safe!!! Cats in the wild don't feel safe. They're fed well so they don't miss hunting for food ... but they're freedom and toys allow them to 'feel' they're hunting! Bravo!! Lucky cats!! ❤😍👍

[@mariahhkate]

Watching Kristi for so long and the struggle she went through with infertility, I just tear up every time I see Alder. He is literally just such a blessing and I’m so happy for you guys 🥰

[@claudiaceleste777]

1 year later, I can only imagine how many more enticing structures, frames, toys and plants have been added to the catio. Have always wanted to do this to our verandah…sigh… one day

[@kendrapayne7598]

This is so awesome. I love to see pet owners giving your pets the best life possible. It's the way pets deserve to live. Happy, healthy, safe and loved to the max!! You two are the best parents, best pet parents, best people, omg I love the two of you. I mean to say, I love the three of you. Especially Alder. And the kitties too. Can't forget the kitties!! Love you extra much kitties ❤ 💕

[@sarahleebeauty6761]

i cried it’s so beautiful i love their home and how happy everyone feels in their dream land

[@JadeCanada237]

I didn't know you had this channel so I've been watching all of your videos. This made me cry at the end seeing such happy cats. My sweet girl passed away just this past November. She had her own catio and loved it so much. Thank you for sharing this ♥😺

[@kyleannhuskin3152]

"If the cats don't like this.......... Humane Society." 💀💀💀

[@kendrapayne7598]

Look at papa Zach. He's helping baby use his legs and get strong 💪 ❤ best two parents EVER

[@Alison-og4xz]

Omg the cats going out for the first time and exploring their new space.... precious.

[@NorseButterfly]

That really turned out awesome! My son made a scratching post for his cat this winter using a short piece of a log and another log that was narrower in diameter. He cut the larger piece at an angle on one end, then stripped the bark off and sanded it smooth. The narrower log, he cut into 2 pieces for legs, stripped the bark, sanded them, then notched each end so they looked like big pegs. He then used his drill to drill holes in the base log, cleaned the holes to the right diameter, and glued the legs in. It now sits in his room for his cat, and it's perfect! The angle is just right so she can walk right up and perch, or stand and claw the crud out of it.

[@Evaleastaristev]

Kitties playing plus rare baby footage, my day is MADE! The cats look so happy! Worth all the sweat!

[@TheIdeabaker]

The raw, natural tree trunks are beautiful and functional for the kitties; would cost far more in a city. Thank you for sharing the laughter, mutual problem-solving, and joy in creating a very special space. Your loving family is living the life! 💗

[@sharonbaker3007]

I watched the 12:00-on part so many times! Seeing them enjoying it for the first time is more than worth the price of admission. Such an excellent example for wee baby to live in a house in the woods with gigantic respect for animals. Because the cats are basically his siblings. Wonderful. I know it took a lot of effort, and it has definitely paid off. Thank you so much for sharing.💙💙💙

[@defconone1498]

"If the cats don't like it.... humane society"!... I 100% agree ;) How could they not like it? Wonderful work and congrats on the beautiful family!

[@razz7898]

My anxiety has been top shelf lately; your channel is the only one I can listen to/watch and not click off in the middle of the vid. I get at least 15 mins of relaxing when I watch. Thank You!

[@livburleyson2795]

When Zach says “hi, yeah your my biggest love oh why” I almost cried like you guys are the VERY BEST PARENTS TO your sweet son & the kittys ❤️

[@Sad_Soul101]

I love the fact that you guys are using the environment as a building material, not many people even think about that,many would just leave the wood rot on the ground🥳👍❤️ looks amazing and obviously the cats love it, you can see them enjoying the life 🥰❤️

[@NolomEbal44560]

That's a huge Catio. Sweet.

[@lifeisterrible]

Forever impressed with Zack’s extensive collection of Metal shirts.

[@PromisedJubilee]

That sweet wooden mallet 😍😍😍 I loved everything about this. I'm a lean-into-the-rustic kind of girl. It's kitty boho. When we move we are 100% doing this.

[@zacks.4655]

I made that mallet from the Apple tree I cut down. I didn’t dry it properly and it totally split tho 🤦‍♂️. It works but it’s uglier than I would’ve wanted

[@PromisedJubilee]

@@zacks.4655 wow, cool! Wooden mallet from your very own tree! Dreamy.

[@janinebean4276]

The Kitten Lady just made a Catio video a few weeks ago and now you! So lovely! She did lots of ramps on the walls so her kitties could use all the vertical space, it’s a really cool video!

[@shellyb2042]

It looks soo good I’m sure the kitties loved it!! That sweet baby boy is sooooo adorable it’s the first time we have actually got to see what he looks like and I’m dieing to know his name you two are such amazing ppl My heart melted seeing Zach hold his son up and laughing like that pure joy!!! You guys are living the best version of life I would love a house in the country and to experience the love you two have for each other and now that precious baby poo poo!!

[@alexandranoelle2022]

Your life is so beautiful. You guys worked so hard and created such a loving home, for everyone 💓 I’ve been watching you since you cried about how unhappy you were in your old home, before the renovation. This is just so pure to watch your family here now💞🤍

[@mandvi24]

I am so happy cats loved the catio 💓

[@ghoulgoil5029]

A CATIO! This makes my heart sing! Thank you so much for loving your fur babies to make this for them. They look so happy.

[@Debo_OG]

Thank you for posting. You have no idea how much I needed to forget about life and watch cats and you and you’re family enjoying life ❤️ you knew, minus the frustrating mesh 🙂

[@winnies2393]

Giving my kitties a catio is a goal I’ve had for many years now. This is definitely going to be my inspiration for when my husband and I have a house where we can make it happen!

[@samanthadominguez3447]

Baby and kitties my favs 💙

[@whatiwasgoingtosay]

I'm just here to appreciate Zack's luxurious hair.

[@ellenbrandt3987]

Catio cam for the win

[@dontbeabeachmyrtle3871]

Kudos for using trees off the property! I haven't watched many videos that weren't politic related since the pandemic hit. I was mind blown to see a the wonderful blessings bestowed upon you and Zach. If anyone deserves it , it's you!!! 💯

[@jlynd5526]

Showing the struggles of juggling parenting and homeowners and doing what you can to make every person and pet comfortable is nothing short of real life. I appreciate the realness and is one of many things that keep us coming back. Thanks for sharing your life.🥰🙏🏼❤️

[@eleanorap3587]

YES! So well said.

[@taylorrobertson9273]

Why does this channel give me just as much serotonin as running a marathon?

[@millylarz]

Omg the kitters are such chonky fluff balls of cuteness, I can't take it!😭😍😍😍

[@SONBON1]

The luckiest cats 🐈 that ever there was 🐈🐈💜

[@tydeem7553]

Oh my goodness if that little angel doesn't look EXACTLY LIKE KRISTI!!! MY HEART

[@chapplepeach29]

Thank you for being caring and considerate humans!!!

[@Alison-og4xz]

LOOK AT THAT BIG BOY ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ So inspired by your lifestyle. 💕💕

[@sherrybohn7050]

I like the way you guys use safety gear

[@zacks.4655]

I definitely try! I’ve seen too many safety videos and tool accidents not to

[@kimberly_happiness]

It's like Christmas time for the cats...so cute. It looks great...wonderful job👍

[@cookiedoe6068]

6:52 My heart! Look at that cute little grin! 🥰

[@Jessica.Wallace]

I could have watched your kitties play out there allllll day 🥰

[@cristyx8790]

You guys are the best fur baby parents!!

[@maryjane_wa]

That turned out so good! Your kitties are so lucky! 😻

[@kristenwinter8157]

I absolutely love this idea! We built shelves and put carpet on them and then put them on the wall and by our window so the cat can look out our window and hide high up. It turned out amazing I wish I could put a picture of it. Your son is absolutely adorable 🥰

[@haleyhassett4126]

Ok..Sooo.... Those cats are living the life!!! It turned out amazing and the space is so freaking huge!! You & Zack are a bad ass team.

[@carolinemikkelsen8516]

I love that the gray kitty looked back and checked in with momma before hopping out the window. ❤️

[@Pintsizequilts]

We don’t have cats but your video helped pull my 3 year old out of a tantrum, so I consider this video a public service. 😆. So happy that your cats have a cool spot to play.

[@kellim2100]

this brought me to happy tears, between you, hubby, beautiful baby boy and the kitties! 💚💚💚 sweet life indeed! thanks for sharing.

[@chelseyalexander5305]

I can't even imagine you guys not living in the woods now! You both seem so content and I'm loving for all this content!

[@ginniferbishop]

Omg I can't .....with Zack holding that precious baby!! Ugghhh soooo adorable!! 💙💙💙💙

[@nedradonnpickens]

Looks like your fur babies loved and appreciated all your hard work!!!

[@BelleZeBubble]

The huge amount of joy I had watching this video.....especially when happiness and curiosity of all the cats when they went out. Thank you!

[@bethlouden971]

Shaving that bark looks so relaxing and therapeutic!!

[@AlwaysAnAngel]

Kristi, you guys did amazing! I've watched you a long time, didn't even know it was you when I started. I love this content, and love how you worked together on this.

[@whitneym.7092]

They look so happy!! Definitely living their best cat life on the catio!! 💗

[@MrsDorr813]

I worked with that same mesh all summer last year and Kristi''s face really does say it all. Those rolls got kicked so many times!

[@lifewithklc]

This was SO good, and we got a lil peek at the adorable Alder💙

[@cheragilbert]

WoW, I absolutely LOVE this. Kristi, your Wooden Hammer. I need one. 😁 This is like so Calming, This is the Life. Use what God has given us both Knowledge & Earth. Baby Boy is Absolutely Adorable & Growing. 🙏🏼❤️😘

[@RawBeautyKristi]

Isnt that wooden mallet so cool?! Zack made that!!

[@kc_face]

We did this too! Black/dark brown spray paint on the mesh makes it 1000% better!

[@ambergaugler1744]

I guess we need a 24 hour live feed of this catio? Because I could watch your cats all dang day.

[@Lauren-xw8bo]

My son (baby#1) was a “never put me down”, micro napper who was up every 2-3 hours at night. I read all the books and thought it was my fault. My girls (2&3) are so content to chill on the floor “gym” and sleep great. Did nothing different. Some babies just are who they are. I also theorize that boy babies more often (not always) are more sensitive and sleep worse. Also, home improvement seemed like such a daunting task for the first year as a new mom. You’re doing a great job!

[@dominiqueparisi4618]

I like the idea that cats are safe that way you might want to add some grass ,there eat that when there have a stomach ache.and some plants

[@meghan6734]

"you're my biggest love" 💜 Zack, you and your luscious hair are angelic. Thanks for another great video, guys 🥰

[@kendrafitzy]

This has been the BEST 15 minutes and 48 seconds of my life. ❤️ the most GENUINE, WHOLESOME, SELFLESS families there is.

[@Danielle-le2ly]

As a 21 year old fur mom who still lives with my parents, this is how I aspire to be with my boyfriend when we have our own house one day😂🥺

[@x.Kristen.x]

Same here!

[@PartyAtMoontower]

Take your time being young, with little responsibility. You’ll have the rest of your life to play house and do adulting stuff. Enjoy every second of your life right now. I’d give all of my life savings to go back to 21. Lol!

[@mermaiddiyartist8119]

Save up as much money 💰 and build your credit score soo you can buy

[@thisissamantha7484]

I was literally JUST watching this and thinking, Damn, I can’t wait to buy a home out in the middle of nowhere so I can do something like this for my dog.

[@kaaaylah4362]

I can’t possibly love this woman, her husband and son, anymore! They just all.....mesh, fit together like puzzle pieces! They make everything so fun and real!! Her attitude! 💯 “Humane Society” 🤣🤣 yaaaaas! Idk, I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather watch.. let alone make a cat patio! My neighbors acc built a cat patio for their indoor cats, on the second floor as well. 🖤🖤 oh I could go on and on about the level of literal peace & joy y’all give me! The vibes & enjoyment🧡 Most of all; I love how absolutely Raw & real y’all are! It just feels like watching a video clip a best friend sent me; of her and her husband or something. :) Keep up the amazing work you two!🧡🧡

[@justkibby5959]

I love that you're using resources you already have on hand.

[@devoonnnn]

It’s bizarre to see you guys with a baby because for so long you weren’t expecting to have one but I’m so so happy your miracle baby came when he was meant to 🤗 the most beautiful blessing for the most wonderful couple

[@jenevans9004]

Zachs hair and beard is amazing. The catio turned out fantastic 👌🏼

[@pisceseyestare]

I love seeing all those happy tails at the end!

[@shelbybrooke5590]

Okay, but Zack has the most gorgeous hair. 🤩

[@sarahhall5054]

I just love you guys. You really do inspire me and my family just by being you ♥️

[@anika4774]

They are living the DREAM now!!

[@celestialgutter]

*Bubbles/Trailer Park Boys voice-over* That's a nice f-in' catio! 😻🌲🐈 Also, the Two Drills No Drivers debut album may be the most highly anticipated release of 2021.

[@gingerbrown1509]

The moment you realize that you want to be one of Kristi and Zac's cats. 🤷🏼🙀

[@lisatayne]

Daddy Zach is my favorite! ❤️❤️❤️ I love you guys!!

[@AliciaL98]

Lol love how they were trying to see if they could escape. It turned out so well!

[@emma0llew]

Who else almost cried when the kitties went through the window, into their new world. 🥲

[@alliebee830]

So cool! Looks like the kitties love it, all your hard work paid off👌