The Catio Tour is among the hottest events in Portland every year. The 2021 event includes two options: sign up for either a self-guided, in-person tour of the catios, or go virtual. The in-person event is on Saturday, September 11, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

If you choose the in-person option, you’ll receive an email with a guidebook with information about each catio a week before the tour. On the day of the tour, start and end your tour wherever you want. At each stop, the catio hosts and volunteers will be available to chat and answer questions about. Current COVID-19 precautions based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will be followed during the event.

The virtual option features the same catios in the in-person tour tour. A professionally-produced video of each catio with an interview with the homeowner(s) about the construction and features will be posted to a site for viewing. You’ll also have access to 360-degree images to get an in-depth look into the catio. You’ll also receive the guidebook with information about each catio by email.

This year’s tour features eight catios on the east side of Portland and one across the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington. This is the first year since the Catio Tour started in 2013 that a catio has been included from Vancouver.

In-person registration is $10 per person, and the video tour is $15 per person. The first child age 12 or younger in each party is admitted free, but they must have a ticket. Tickets are available online only (buy here). If you’re planning to take the in-person tour, grab your tickets quickly, because they always sell out.

Learn more about Cats Safe at Home, the host of the tour, along with more information about the tour at catssafeathome.org.