Indoor cats usually spend hours gazing out the window, daydreaming concerning the world past the glass. Whereas many pet house owners hesitate to let their cats roam free, catios (cat patios) provide a wise resolution—giving your feline a style of the outside with out the dangers. These safe enclosures strike the proper stability between out of doors journey and indoor security.
Whether or not you’re welcoming a cat into your condominium in Manhattan, NY, shifting right into a home in Dallas, TX, or renting a comfy house in Minneapolis, MN, catios are the proper compromise for you and your furry pal—they provide out of doors stimulation with out the stress of letting your cat roam free.
Why are catios necessary for cats?
There’s a motive many householders maintain their cats indoors—to guard them from vehicles, wildlife, illness, and parasites. Out of doors cats are practically 3 times extra more likely to have parasites than indoor ones. Whereas indoor cats reside longer, they usually miss the stimulation of the outside. That’s the place catios are available in—these enclosed out of doors areas give cats a secure method to take pleasure in recent air, make them happier as they discover new scents, and burn off power.
“Catios provide dynamic environments that encourage exploration, mental stimulation, and cognitive health, while also promoting physical activity to support fitness, energy, and healthy skin and coats,” says Robert Perez, chief govt officer of The Dwelling Pipo in Hollywood, FL. “The calming effects of nature—sunlight, greenery, and fresh air—help reduce stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues.”
Dana Stangel of the Los Angeles Catio Tour in Los Angeles, CA provides, “Catios allow cats to experience the outdoors safely, without the risks of traffic, predators, or getting lost. They help prevent injuries and illnesses that outdoor cats often face. By keeping cats contained, catios also protect local wildlife, especially birds, from being hunted. This reduces environmental impact and helps maintain healthy ecosystems.”
Catios can match any house or funds, from compact window setups to shared porch or yard hangouts. Contemplate these 4 catio concepts on your house enchancment mission.
Picture courtesy of Hellas Customized Catios
4 catio concepts to counterpoint your cat’s life
1. Discovering the purrfect spot
When planning your catio concepts, the place you select to put it might make all of the distinction in how a lot your cat makes use of and enjoys it. As Max of NM Catio Service in Albuquerque NM merely places it, “My top tip is to have a Catio entrance your cat can access day or night. Since all the extra stimulation outside can get your cat excited, bedroom windows aren’t recommended.”
Don and Yvette of Hellas Customized Catios in Edmonton, AB construct on this recommendation, emphasizing three foremost parts. “Location, for easy access for your kitties and visibility for you. Independent kitty access: this one is key, as our feline family members want to be able to access the catio and back into their home at their leisure, as this is what they prefer. Catsafe materials: this also helps with making the outdoor enrichment a safe place to do this. Add some hiding spots for them, so they can hide out and watch the birds and possibly the neighbors.”
2. Adaptable catios for altering areas
When you’re renting or need the flexibleness to vary or relocate your setup, non-permanent catios concepts provide a wise resolution that doesn’t require main development.
Sarah Wendling of Cleopawtra Cat Providers in Toronto, ON gives her greatest recommendation as a renter. “I’m renting, so I needed to make a non-permanent structure. With limited carpentry skills, I found it easiest to adapt an Ikea shelving unit that I weatherproofed. I would recommend using hardware cloth as opposed to chicken wire. It’s stronger and thus better both for keeping cats in and keeping other animals out. I also live in an area with a lot of raccoons, so rather than stapling the hardware cloth to the shelving, I used galvanized strapping and screws.”
Naomi Peter-Simons of Nap Cat Artwork in Vancouver Island, BC shares an analogous method. “As a renter, I constructed my catio to be completely unattached to my house – the back section leans against the wall without actually connecting. In this way, I’m able to easily remove the structure when I move out, and hopefully adapt it to my new living situation.”
3. Put money into long-lasting high quality on your catio
A well-built catio ought to stand as much as the weather—and your cat’s curiosity. Selecting high-quality supplies ensures your construction will not be solely secure and sturdy but additionally pleasurable for years to come back.
“Our philosophy is to always build as if we were building it for ourselves/our own cats,” says Ben Gil of CatManDo Catios in Austin, TX. “This means we use only the highest quality materials: from corrosion resistant fasteners, hand-picking each piece of wood, and using the most durable, cat (and bug) proof screen on the market. We also create custom kitty features to enrich their lives like sisal climbers, shelves, ladders, and sunbathing perches high up in corners.”
4. Design your catio for enrichment and luxury
Past security, probably the most rewarding catios are thoughtfully designed to maintain your cat lively, curious, and cozy year-round.
Daniela of The Catio Firm, servicing the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA areas emphasizes designing along with your cat’s wants in thoughts.
“When designing a catio, focus on the essentials like, durable materials such as cedar and heavy-duty mesh, plenty of enrichment elements such as perches and ramps to encourage climbing and exercise, cozy hiding spots, shaded areas for hot days, and a layout that complements your garden. A great catio keeps your cat safe, enriched, and happily connected to the outdoors.”
Phyllis Meyer of The Feline Purrspective reminds us that enrichment is very necessary for cats used to roaming freely. “Cat enclosures may frustrate some cats, particularly those who were previously free-roaming. If your cat seems frustrated, encourage other behaviors to help him cope. Provide posts or logs to scratch on, puzzle feeders with snacks, places to hide and play in, and cat grass to nibble on. Supervise your cat as needed. Don’t place bird feeders close to enclosures or window boxes, as this could increase frustration when your cat can’t capture the birds.”
Lastly, Maria Schneider of Kitty Sensations in Chapel Hill, NC shares learn how to maintain your catio pleasurable even throughout the hottest days. “To make a Catio enjoyable for cats during heatwaves and high UV days, use light-colored or reflective materials, ensure good ventilation, build near or under safe, shady trees or bushes, and add full/partial roofing or shade cloths. Include cooling mats and offer fresh, cool water in shaded ceramic or similar containers or pet fountains. Add cat-safe herbs like catnip, wheatgrass, rosemary, thyme, basil, dill, parsley, sage, cilantro, and lemon balm for cooling, sensory enrichment, and nibbling. Keep indoor access open and monitor for heat stress to ensure safety.”
Picture courtesy of The Catio Firm
Learn how to resolve on the proper design on your house
When you’ve explored the catio concepts above, select what works greatest for you and your cat primarily based in your out of doors house and what number of cats will use it. After deciding on the scale and site, you possibly can preorder a customized design or go the DIY route. Premade choices will be dear, so if you happen to’re on a funds, making it your subsequent DIY mission is a brilliant and rewarding various.
If these numerous catio concepts don’t seem to be one of the best match on your adventurous feline, think about a extra expansive resolution. Whereas a catio gives probably the most safe method on your cat to benefit from the open air, it limits roaming past the enclosure. Oscillot Cat Fence Rollers safe your complete backyard with a discreet, non-obtrusive fence topper that forestalls escapes utilizing spinning paddles suitable with most fences. Constituted of sturdy supplies, this method ensures efficient containment and safety, providing peace of thoughts and larger out of doors freedom.
Caring for your cat and catio
A catio is a good way to counterpoint your cat’s life nevertheless it nonetheless wants common care. Listed below are easy methods to maintain the house secure, clear, and pleasurable all yr.
Prioritize security
Security ought to at all times come first when designing a catio, Michael Jaeger of Catio Craftsman in Vancouver, WA emphasizes, “My number one priority is always the safety of the cats. Catios, like real estate, are all about location. Many homes have a no-brainer spot, while others require more thought. Key considerations include sunlight and shade, visibility, proximity to activity, and access.”
He goes on to pose the query, “Does the location support a window-insert or thru-wall pet door for direct access? Both let cats come and go while minimizing heating and cooling impact. Another option is to build a tunnel or run from a nearby window or pet door. Above all, Catios must be escape- and predator-proof—no gaps or holes, human doors must close securely, and fencing or screening must withstand local predators.”
Protected picks on your cat and the setting
When selecting supplies on your catio concepts, it’s necessary to suppose past sturdiness and think about how they have an effect on your cat’s well being and the planet.
Jennifer Roberge, co-founder of The Type Pet, a market for sustainable pet merchandise in Cornwall, ON advises, “To prioritize your cat’s health and protect the environment, avoid treated wood, which often contains harmful toxins. Choose natural, untreated wood like cedar or spruce, which are naturally resistant to mold, rot, and insects. These materials help your catio last for years without chemical treatments, unless you choose to apply oil for aesthetic purposes. Oiling can maintain a newer appearance, but it’s not necessary. Untreated cedar and spruce naturally weather to a soft gray, which many find beautiful. If you treat the wood, always choose natural, non-toxic oils like linseed oil, derived from flax.”
Design for straightforward cleansing
Conserving your catio clear isn’t nearly appears—it’s important on your cat’s well being and luxury.
Alex of Journey Cats in Atlanta, GA notes, “One overlooked aspect of catio life is hygiene – especially with multiple cats. Regular cleaning is easier with slatted flooring that allows for drainage, and choosing elevated feeding zones prevents ants and odor buildups. Avoid absorbent materials like untreated fabric or carpets, which trap moisture and smells over time. A clean catio isn’t just pleasant for people – it helps prevent stress and illness in cats, too.”
Let the catio enjoyable start
When you deliver a kitty house, they rapidly change into a necessary a part of your life. Some of the considerate methods to indicate you care is by making a catio—providing your cat the enjoyment of the outside whereas retaining them secure. By now, you realize that catios present the proper mix of enrichment and safety. The hardest half is just selecting a design that fits each your house and your cat’s character. However when you land on the proper setup, your feline pal will thanks with countless contentment (and perhaps a number of additional purrs).
