Catios are the Best Invention!
Do you have indoor cats who crave the outdoors? Do you have extra outdoor space in your living situation? Well then, the perfect solution for disgruntled, dissatisfied kitties is to build a Catio. Your cats will forever thank you!
What is a Catio, you may ask? A Catio is an outdoor enclosure made for cats to be outside in a safe space. Cat enclosures provide countless benefits for house cats, as well as protect wildlife. Catios come in all shapes and sizes based on the needs of the cats and homeowner. They usually sit up against the house and are accessed through a window or door. (https://www.thecattopia.com/blog/what-is-a-catio/)
I have some amazing clients who fostered four kittens at the start of the pandemic. And now as a result, something called ‘foster fail’, they have two black cats who have a great indoor/outdoor life balance. Previously, Tommy and Jack (always kittens to me) had full-run of the house, which is honestly, a good amount of space. However, they were always looking out the windows, or trying to escape.
Now they have a legitimate, and rather involved escape route. They have to climb out the cat door from the bedroom, then the walk a little plank, climb down some stairs and have about 15 feet to walk before they enter into an 8 X 8 space that contains a few cat trees, a hammock (for cats) a few spots up high on either end to get a birds eye view, various shelves to run along, and then a nice reclining chair for a human (and kitties) equipped with a heated blanket. There is an outlet in the space. It is a wonderfully cozy space and I like being out there, but not quite as much as they do!
The yard has a beautifully kept garden that looks and feels like you are in the french countryside.
Jack loves caffeine!
When I am staying with them, I tend to have my podcast, coffee and gaming hour out in the Catio, after feeding them. Inevitably, I end up with a kitty or two on my lap. It is a sweet way to start the day as long as Jack doesn’t succeed in getting to my coffee!
I do want to warn that Jack was able to capture two birds in the Catio. So please make sure that you have chosen wiring and netting that is small enough that does not allow birds to enter. I think they came in through the entry plank so that had to be secured. Additionally, you might want to check for and small spaces of entry on the ground.
Look how cute Jack is in the Catio HERE! He seems the most content when he in the Catio with his brother Tommy, and another human. They really have a great life!
This is how they enter and exit the Catio: Tiktok Video HERE
Here are some fun pictures of life in the Catio!
Why have a Catio? I know that there is a big controversy about whether cats should be outdoors in cities and urban areas. Also, in more rural areas where they can be attacked by predators.
Our cats well-being is first and foremost for those of us who are ruled by our kitties. A cat’s natural inclination is to want to be outside. This provides a great solution for providing our feline friends the best of both worlds.
You can opt to put a litter box in the Catio if it is big enough. This will help mitigate indoor cat odors, and make a nice alternative space for them to use the litter.
By building a Catio in your yard, you are helping in the effort to protect birds and wildlife
If the space is big enough, you can include comfy chairs and create a wonderful bonding experience with your pets!
In my research, I have found that there is no limit to the type of Catio that you can build! You can have a minimal Catio if you do not have a lot of space. For apartments, you can find some like the images below. They are compact and minimal, and use the space wisely on your balcony, or in your yard.
I have even seen some Catios that are built outside of a building with no ground structure. Very clever carpentry can create wonderful outdoor spaces.
You can build a complete environment for your cats if you have the resources! I have seen some with water flowing through the space, and with more human friendly structures inserted. Honestly, with a good amount of money, you can build whatever you want!
I would strongly advise you to consider your options here so that you can keep your felines intrigued and happy. Happy cats make happy companions. “Cats are connoisseurs of comfort.” – James Herriot.
Here are some resources for Catio kits, ideas, and facts:
https://catiospaces.com/
https://catioworld.com/catio-kits/
https://habitathaven.com/
https://www.rover.com/blog/catio-buy-or-make-your-own/
https://www.paws.org/resources/outdoor-enclosures/