It is hard to give an answer to this as each catio is so different. They can run from $100 to $3000.

The cost will depend on these factors:

Are you building it or will you be hiring someone to build it?

How big is your new catio going to be? A window box is obviously going to cost you less than a 6×8 catio.

Tips for saving money

Start small. Add on as you have more resources. If your cat(s) have no catio now, they will love a window box. They are relatively cheap and easy to build, using spruce 2x2s and 1x3s, some pet screen and a bit of paint. You can find a plan at Catio Spaces.

Use recycled materials. One person in Middlewood got a free rabbit house from a friend and was able to attach it to a window. Half-rolls of hardware cloth can often be found on Facebook Marketplace. Sometimes you can even find a used catio!

Buy a pre-built unit

If you have some way to move it, used catios do pop up on Facebook Marketplace.

You can find catios on Aosom, Amazon, Temu, Wayfair, Walmart, etc. They are not very suited to Nova Scotia winters but they will do for a few years until you have more money.

Have a professional build the frame and you do the rest

When I was building mine, I hired a carpenter to build the frame and roof on my catio just to make sure it was sturdy. Then I added shelves and platforms inside myself and later added a tunnel.