As soon as the first spring window opens, cats can tell it’s the season of exploration! Whether they’re twitching their noses, pouncing early in the morning, or scratching at the window screens, cats are drawn to the great outdoors. But with so many potential hazards, it can be hard for responsible cat parents to balance their cats’ needs for exploration with their safety.
Outdoor Cat Solution
The solution?
A catio!
A catio is a secure outdoor space that allows cats to bask in the sunshine and revel in the sights, smells and sounds of the outdoors while keeping them safe from harm. With a catio, cat parents will have the peace of mind knowing their cats are safe and enjoying the best of both worlds – the comfort and security of indoors and the joys of the outdoors.
PROTECT CATS, BIRDS AND WILDLIFE IN YOUR BACKYARD
Wildlife Protection
While the concern about cats hunting wildlife is valid all year long, spring absolutely teems with brand new life. Fledgling baby birds and unwary young rabbits and other small mammals are exploring for the very first time. Nothing destroys a person’s enjoyment of their wildlife-friendly garden like finding yet another furred or feathered “gift” on your doorstep.
Even cats who are uninterested in hunting have a strong tendency to explore. Curious roaming cats can get lost, locked in a shed, get chased (or worse) by predators, be exposed to poisons and diseases, or be hit by a car.
We’ve all seen neighborhood posters and online forums for lost and missing cats – and it’s absolutely heart-wrenching.
Bored Cat Solution
But what is a bored cat to do if they are stuck indoors all day and night?
Extra indoor playtime certainly helps, and there are lots of new interactive toys on the market for cats. Even so, it’s tough to ignore your indoor cat’s forlorn meows as they sit in the window and watch you enjoy your sunshine-filled yard.
To protect cats, birds and wildlife in your backyard, the best course of action is to keep cats indoors. Springtime is a particularly dangerous time of year for wildlife, as fledgling baby birds and rabbits are just starting to explore their environment.
Not only is it heartbreaking for owners to find their cats’ “gifts” on their doorstep, but cats that are allowed to roam can also get lost, chased by predators, poisoned, or hit by a car.
It’s important to provide your indoor cat with plenty of playtime and interactive toys to keep them entertained while they’re stuck inside.
That way, they can still enjoy the sights and sounds of your backyard without putting wildlife at risk.
With a little extra effort and precaution, you can help ensure the safety of cats, birds and wildlife in your backyard.
Catio Spaces: Outdoor Cat Enclosures & Catios
As the founder of Catio Spaces, Cynthia is passionate about design, nature, and cats. She was thrilled when she found out about catios and realized they are a great way to make everyone happy – cats, humans, and wildlife alike.
Catios are beautiful and stylish enclosures that add a touch of elegance to your home and garden. They are the perfect place for your cat to enjoy the outdoors safely, running around and chasing bugs, basking in the sun, and watching birds.
You can also relax in the catio with your furry companion and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature together.
Catio Benefits
Not only do catios provide cats with a fun and stimulating environment, they also help protect wildlife by providing an outlet for natural hunting instincts, rather than turning to birds and other animals.
Bob Sallinger, the Director of Conservation at Portland Audubon, agrees, noting that catios are a great way to reconcile the conflict between cat owners and birders.
He stated in an interview with Bloomberg Green, “This is a way to address the conflict that’s humane and appeals to cat lovers and bird lovers alike.”
A catio is an aesthetically pleasing enclosure that adds beauty to your home and garden.
It’s a safe outdoor space where your cat can exercise, enjoy the wind in their whiskers, bask in the sun, chase bugs, and watch birds (the very best cat TV there is!)
.Your cat can enjoy watching outdoor family activities.
If you build a large catio, you can enjoy reading or napping on a comfy lounge chair with your cat.
Finally, a catio protects birds and other wildlife by directing your cat’s instincts toward watching birds, rather than hunting them.
So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your cat happy, safe, and entertained while also protecting wildlife, a catio is the perfect solution!
THERE’S A DIY CATIO PLAN FOR EVERY CAT AND EVERY HOME
If you’re thinking of creating a cat and wildlife friendly home, there are plenty of catio designs to choose from.
Compact Catios
Smaller, compact catios fit the bill for any cat who enjoys birdwatching, a sunny place to nap, and a chance to be near you in the garden. Our Window Box Catio is an attractive addition to any house, and is perfect if your space is limited. Medium and large catios provide lots of space for a cat to climb, leap, and run. The 3-sided Haven or Sanctuary can tuck up against an existing wall with cat access directly into the catio through a cat door. For larger yards, the 4-sided stand-alone Oasis catio can be connected to your home by an elevated or ground-level Cat Tunnel. You can even add a Catio Litter Box or Litter Box Bench to your catio.
Whether you choose to build a large catio or a small one, your cat will love being immersed in the sights and scents of the outdoors. You can browse all of our DIY Catio Plans here.
Cynthia Chomos: Catio Designer
Cynthia Chomos is a Feng Shui Consultant, Catio Designer and the Founder of Catio Spaces, creating harmonious indoor and outdoor spaces for her 4-legged and 2-legged clients. She lives in Seattle with her adorable tabby Serena (who has four catios) and is the inspiration for Catio Spaces. Cynthia offers free catio tips, DIY Catio Plans and custom catios to keep cats safe and protect birds and wildlife. You can contact Cynthia at CatioSpaces.com.
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