Cats love going outside, but it’s usually better to keep them indoors so they can stay safe. If you’re a cat owner and want to give your pets a way to experience the outdoors without introducing them to dangers, consider building a catio!
What’s a Catio?
A catio is a portmanteau of “cat” and “patio”. As the name suggests, it’s a patio for your cat! Ideally, you’ll want your catio to have lots of room, sunshine, and lounging spots for your kitty. You’ll also want to make sure it’s safe and secure so they can’t get out and so other animals can’t get in.
Protect Your Kitty
Catios help protect your cat from the dangers they could encounter outdoors. Other cats, dogs, cars driving too fast through the neighborhood, and various toxic plants all offer plenty of dangers for a housecat roaming the neighborhood. Keeping them on the catio instead keeps them safe.
Protect Wildlife, Too
Catios also protect the local wildlife in your neighborhood, too. Housecats are effective predators who take down numerous birds and rodents every day. Their hunting behaviors overtax neighborhood animal populations, so keeping them contained to a catio is good for your environment!
Lower Vet Bills
Cats who roam the neighborhood can become injured or ingest poisonous materials. If you have female cats who aren’t fixed, it can also lead to you taking care of a new litter of kittens. Keeping your cats indoors or on the catio prevents these potentially expensive occurrences and saves you money at the vet!
Reduce Cat Population
Speaking of neutering your cats, keeping them on the catio means they won’t go have a bunch of kittens. There are tons of wild cats roaming free in neighborhoods around the world, so do your part to help contain the cat population and make life easier for the cats you already have!
Outdoor Bonding
Building a catio gives you ample opportunity to bond with your cat while outdoors. Cats love the fresh air and warm sunshine they experience outdoors, so a catio is a perfect place to spend time with them and enhance your bond.
Giving Them Freedom
Indoor cats love spending time outdoors because it gives them the freedom they naturally crave. While some cats have no problem living inside, others really want to get out as much as they can to see the sights and enjoy the fresh air. Giving them that freedom is great for their mood and behavior!
Reduce Odor
If you place your cat’s litter box in the catio, you can reduce the odor in your home. Just make sure there’s a pet door they can use to get to the catio at any time. Cats need to be able to access their litter box 24 hours a day so they can do their business!
Read More: How to Build Trust With Your New Cat
Benefitting Neighbors
If your cats currently roam free, building a catio can give your neighbors a break. While many people love cats, your neighbors might not be the biggest fans of them. Keeping your cats on the catio means your neighbors don’t need to worry about their small pets being attacked or their yard being used as a litter box.
Read More: How to Reduce Cat Allergens in Your Home
Reducing Stress
Cats who spend time outdoors but away from dangers tend to be less stressed than outdoor-only or indoor-only cats. They get the best of both worlds with a catio! If you want to give your cats comfort and relaxation, build a catio they can enjoy year-round.
Read More: What To Do If Your Cat Runs Away
