Thank you to Cat Topia for guest writing this blog, as part of one of our sponsorship programs. To learn more about Cat Topia, visit thecattopia.com
Cat patios—also known as catios—provide a safe and enriching space for our feline friends to engage in natural behaviors. Just as the name suggests, catios are a secured, enclosed outdoor space that allows your cat to stay active and engaged both mentally and physically.
They have a variety of benefits that can improve your cat’s overall wellbeing, and are one of the best home upgrades for improving your furry friend's life. That’s why AWA has TWO catios to help shelter pets get the fresh air, exercise and engagement they crave!
The Benefits of Building a Catio
The key benefits of installing a catio for your pet come down to improving their mental and physical health. Cats require physical activity and mental stimulation to maintain optimal health, but getting the amount they need is challenging, as it can be difficult to motivate your indoor cat to stay active.
Many cat owners feel their cat is unfulfilled when they live indoors completely, wanting to let their furry companions enjoy the outdoors while ensuring their safety. However, it's not recommended to allow cats to roam outside freely due to unpredictable conditions that can leave them injured or lost.
That's where a catio comes in as the perfect solution!
Mental Health
Catios can help play a crucial role in reducing stress and anxiety, leading to a happier, more relaxed cat. By engaging in playtime within a catio, your cat’s mind stays sharp and active.
You can customize your catio's layout and features to provide a wealth of activities to keep your cat mentally stimulated throughout the day. Toys, puzzles, and more can be always be added and subtracted to keep things feeling fresh and fun for your cat.
The controlled, outdoor environment helps alleviate boredom and enhances your cat’s overall mental wellbeing by offering freedom of choice.
Physical Health
Catios help encourage your cat to engage in natural behaviors such as playing, climbing, stalking and jumping. This regular exercise and engagement helps your cat maintain a healthy weight.
It's important to observe your cat’s energy levels to personalize your catio with the best interactive toys and climbing structures to meet their needs.
Safety
Outdoor cat enclosures allow your cat to safely enjoy the freedom of the outdoors, without the risks associated with free roaming. This includes predators, traffic, encounters with feral or stray cats, and more.
By creating a safe environment for your furry friend, you gain peace of mind knowing your cat is shielded from those dangers without cutting them off from their natural instincts.
TIP: Regular catio maintenance and inspections are essential to prevent any potential escape routes or entry points for predators.
Options For Building Your New Catio
Building a catio requires a lot of planning, skills, and tools, making it a job only for experienced DIY-ers and professionals. If you'd like to build a catio yourself, you should start with some brainstorming and planning to create your ideal space.
Some aspects to consider/include:
- Size: Big or small? Determine the space available at your home.
- Location: Do you want it attached to your house for easy access? A deck or patio? A common location for catios in apartments are on a balcony or roof.
- Types of catios: Window box, tunnel catio, and freestanding catios.
Window box catio. Image: Cat Topia
Tunnel catio. Image: Cat Topia
Freestanding catio. Image: Cat Topia
- Material: There is a variety of materials to choose from like wood, metal, and steel. Consider the aesthetic, durability, and maintenance when deciding what catio to build.
- Budget: How much do you want to spend? For example, a window box catio is more budget friendly, however you compromise with space for your cat. Freestanding catios may be more costly, however they offer more variety and customization.
Unsure Where to Start? Hire a Pro!
Hiring a professional contractor is a great option for those looking to build a catio. While DIY kits are available, having a custom catio built by an expert can offer higher quality and a design tailored to your specific needs.
Although this approach may come with a higher cost it will save you time and effort, eliminate the need for purchasing tools, and provide assurance that your cat’s new outdoor space is safe and durable for years to come.
Is a Catio Right for Your Pet?
Catios offer a comprehensive solution for enhancing your cat's physical health, mental well-being, and overall safety. By providing a stimulating and secure outdoor environment, catios encourage natural behaviors that keep your cat active and engaged, while also reducing stress and anxiety through freedom of choice in their environment.
Whether you choose to build a catio yourself or hire a professional, investing in a catio is a valuable step toward ensuring your cat leads a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. Give your feline friend the best of both worlds—a taste of the outdoors with the safety and comfort of home.
Trust us your cat will be thanking you! For more examples of catios, please visit Animal Welfare Association’s adoption center to see catios being used!
