Catios provide a safe ( and stylish ) way for felines to spend time outdoors .
Catio Spaces / Cynthia Chomos
If you have a cat who sits by a windowpane staring at the outside world , consider this unexampled home trend . lookup for catios — enclose outdoor spaces where cats can practise , delight fresh air , and bird check safely — have increased on Google Trends by 330 % since the end of 2023 . And according to TaskRabbit , a service that assists people with family undertaking , requests for help with catio builds increase 44 % from 2022 to 2023 .
Credit:Catio Spaces / Cynthia Chomos
“ Cats can be affected by strain , and one of the ways to help decrease stress is through stimulation and playtime . These outdoor pens can significantly enhance your computed axial tomography ’s quality of life , providing both physical and genial wellness benefit in a safe and controlled environment , ” says Dr. Brittany Scott , DVM , a veterinarian at VCA Ho - Ho - Kus Animal Hospital . “ As for other benefits , I see a passel of indoor Caterpillar who are heavy — catios can provide extra space for them to stray and quell in conformation . ”
A catio can be an essential part of a cat ’s well - being , especially when they ’re able to hire in natural behaviors such as inscribe and stalking . “ These enclosure also protect birds and wildlife from a cat ’s search instinct and provide a sense of peace for Arabian tea possessor as they know their cat is safe out-of-doors , ” lend Cynthia Chomos , clothes designer and father of Catio Spaces .
forward , experts answer all your questions on how to create the purr - fect catio .
Credit:Catio Spaces / Cynthia Chomos
Catio Designs
Catios can be a standalone structure in a yard or garden ( or on a patio or deck of cards ) or be bind to the exterior of a windowpane or star sign . “ Connected catios usually have an access door allowing a cat the freedom to go outside whenever they desire , ” says Yvette Bacha , conscientious objector - owner of Hellas Custom Catios and conscientious objector - source ofCatio Building Tips for the DIYer .
“ Catios tolerate big cat to play and have fun in a different environment with new surfaces , textures , sound , and sense , ” say Stephanie Brown , a pet expert at Chewy . “you’re able to even add some of their favorite toys to amp up the play and familiarity of playtime . ”
How to Choose the Right Catio
The catio you select will look on the amount of available place in your yard , your cat ’s energy grade , and your ducky ’s geezerhood . “ Each character of catio has its own pro and cons , ” articulate Chomos . “ A catio tie to the nursing home , for example , annihilate the endangerment of a computerized tomography take to the woods from an proprietor ’s munition while travel to a standalone social organization out in the yard . "
It ’s important to contrive your catio to fit your cat ’s energy levels , physical ability , and personality . “ Some cat are bush dweller and outride low to the ground , while others are tree dwellers who choose to be gamey up to keep an eye on their realm , ” add up Bacha .
Where you work up a catio depends on the real estate you ’re unforced to apportion with or give up for your feline , and the suitableness of that blank space . “ quat love passion , so an area that offer Lord’s Day to partial tad is ideal , while a location with stimulating and talkative views near outdoor family activeness provides interminable hours of cat use , ” order Chomos .
Credit:Catio Spaces / Cynthia Chomos
Building a Catio vs. Buying a Pre-Made Option
Cat proprietor can hire a local declarer to create a usance catio , purchase online kit that want assembly , or parliamentary procedure ablueprintand DIY a catio themselves .
A few democratic catio kit options :
Catio Building Materials
In general , catios are made using galvanized telegram , polycarbonate mesh , and rot - resistant Grant Wood . “ The wood can be painted or stain to complement a home , but it ’s important to use deary - favorable products , ” says Chomos . Catios can also let in woods shelves and steps for vertical and horizontal movements , carpeting - covered perches and stumps , and flooring include grass , decking , and pavers .
You ’ll also want to consider your environment when plan your catio . “ For exercise , if your area gets a ton of nose candy , you ’ll need to use a sturdy roofing cloth . If you have snake in your G , a catio built above the ground with smaller mesh openings will prevent snakes from enrol , ” says Bacha .
How to Choose a Catio to Suit Your Home’s Style
The fashion you project and decorate a catio should be a reflection of your home ’s overall reckon and sense . “ For example , if you have a small cottage with trivial to no pace , you may want to opt for a loge - trend catio that extends off a window , where you may add scallop trim or a trellis accent to match your dwelling ’s quaint charm , ” sound out Brown .
“ Gable cap catios look great withCape Cod , Craftsman , and bungalow - style habitation , whereas a shed - way cap complementsColonial , cattle ranch , andcontemporary - expressive style habitation , ” state Chomos , who impart you ’ll also need to consider things like the color . “ you’re able to match the hue of your catio with your nursing home and/or landscape , or you’re able to add contrast with a different shade of color . "
How to Decorate a Catio
One of the joys of owning a catio is getting the hazard todecorate the space . Think bedding , snuggery , scratching posts , and pet - dependable plants . Designs can even include cat trees and kitty hammocks . “ I apprize my clients to also embrace human elements like an outdoor rug , a comfortable chair , a bench , pillows , khat art , water features , and firing , ” says Chomos . “ tone can be incorporated if the catio is in lineal sunshine . ”
Bacha suggest including different textures for the floor , such as large sway , pave Stone , and natural weed to stimulate a computerized tomography ’s sense and challenge their balance and abilities . “ Remember to keep any lighting coiffe to moo at night as bright lights can be dim to a computed tomography ’s eyes , ” she add .
Avoid placing plant in a catio that may be toxic . match theASPCA ’s venomous plantlist to help secure your pets are safe and substitute with these substitute ideas forpet - safe plants .
Credit:Catio Spaces / Cynthia Chomos
Mistakes to Avoid When Building or Designing a Catio
Common errors include not creating an leak - proof anatomical structure , using incompatible materials such as vinyl group - coat conducting wire and artificial pasture ( conk hazards ) , incorporate a full - shade roof ( as cats love the sun ) , and putting out solid food ( which will pull critters ) .
Not supply enough ventilation in tender weather condition or auspices when it ’s cold outside are also considered missteps . It ’s of import to provide a shaded spot in warm climates along with things like cooling mats and portable fans to keep airwave flow throughout . “ For cool and rainier climates , use chaff as flooring , add layering to the walls , and include cozy blanket , fire up bed , and warming mats to keep your cat warm , ” advises Brown .
“ You ’ll also want to build a catio close to your house so you may see and supervise your cat , especially if there are coyote , bears , or other marauder in the domain and keep in mind the needs of senior and sight- or mobility - challenged cats by include ramps , railings , loop - destitute carpeting , warming pads , and cushy landing to digest their ease and campaign , ” suggest Chomos .
Credit:Catio Spaces / Cynthia Chomos
How much does a catio cost?
Pricing can vary wide , from $ 100 up , look on whether you decide on a usance material body , buy a premade outfit , or order a DIY blueprint and build one yourself . “ General cost considerations include the size , materials , building location , pattern , and interior decoration , ” says Chomos . “ Custom catios can cost more depending on the complexity of the construction . ”
