Catios are easily one of the best ways to enrich your cat’s life instantly. By giving your cat or kitten a protected space outdoors, the quality of his life sky-rockets. But what should your cat have access to while he is basking in sun-puddles? Should a litter box be close by so he doesn’t have to go far to pee and poop? This post is all about should a catio have a litter box.
Having fresh air, sunshine plus bug and bird watching (all while keeping the birds safe!), is a quick injection to provide all the kitty cat fulfillment he craves. With soooo many catio and cat enclosure options, the the thought of having one can be a little overwhelming. That is why we continue to break it all down into little bit size pieces for you; while keeping everything together too. You can nibble at it (or binge it like your favorite Netflix series) as your cat enclosure journey continues.
Should A Catio Have A Litter Box?
Putting a litter box in your cat’s catio is a great idea if the enclosure is big enough for your cat to enjoy his space and have his litter box too. A good rule of thumb is, your cat should be able to lay comfortably in his catio and also be able to stand up and turn around without touching his litter box.
Outdoor catios are a great and practical option for cat parents wanting to give their cats an outdoor space to explore and enjoy. While cats can use the great outdoors as a litter box, it’s important to ensure that they have a safe and comfortable place to do their business. This is why having multiple covered litter boxes in your outdoor catio is essential.
RELEVANT: Catio Accessories: The Essential Guide to Making Your Catio Purr-fect
When it comes to litter boxes for an outdoor catio, you want to make sure that you have multiple covered boxes in the space. This helps to reduce the spread of bacteria and odor from the cat droppings or urine. Additionally, having multiple covered boxes gives the cats more options and the ability to choose which box they prefer. To make the transition easier, you can even place the litter boxes in different areas of the catio, so the cats can choose whatever box they are most comfortable with.
Another great feature to have in an outdoor catio is a cat door.
This will allow your cats to come and go as they please and have access to the litter boxes whenever they need it. It also helps to keep unwanted visitors out of the catio and provides more security for your cats.
Finally, when it comes to outdoor litter boxes, you want to make sure that they are covered. This will help to ensure that the litter inside won’t get wet from rain, or be blown away by the wind.
It also helps to contain any odors, and prevents the cats from being able to access the litter from outside the catio.
Having multiple covered litter boxes (especially in multi-cat catios) and a cat door in your outdoor catio is borderline essential for all cat parents.
Not only does it provide a safe and secure area for your cats to do their business, but it also reduces the amount of mess and odor in your outdoor space.
Can You Put A Cat Litter Tray Outside?
Yes, you absolutely can put a cat litter tray outside with a few guidelines. The tray should be waterproof material all around (the outside and sides) and ideally it should have a top or awning over the litter tray. If this is not possible, that is okay just be sure to bring your cat litter tray indoors when it will be unattended so there is not any chance of it being blown all over the place on a windy day or worse, getting left open outside during a thunderstorm. You can easily see why that can create problems.
Outdoor Litter Boxes
Having an outdoor litter box is the best advantage as a cat owner. Having outdoor litter boxes gives your kitty cats a super private area to do their business. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the smell of a litter box in your home. Having a covered outdoor litter box can also be ideal in case it rains. Even if your catio has an awning to protect the litter from direct rain; if it is windy too your outdoor litter boxes could get icky and wet.
Investing in a cat door to the catio where your outdoor litter boxes are will be a great payoff!
What Else Should Go In A Catio?
Now that we know a litter box or tray should go in your catio, we can think about some of the other items that will make it enjoyable for your favorite feline.
Here is a list of things you might include in your cat’s outdoor space that will make her feel like the princess she already knows she is.
RELEVANT: Window Catio
- Cat
- Outdoor Furniture (for you and her)
- Toys
- Litter Box
- String of lights
- Cat-friendly plants
- Shelves
- Food and water bowl
- Cat water-fountain
What Type Of Furniture Should Go In A Catio?
The most important type of furniture that should be in your cat’s catio is weather resistant. Outdoor furniture should be extra strong extra any sun damage it might be exposed to. The furniture you put in outdoor cat enclosure should also be waterproof or at the very leas, water-resistant.
Use this blog post as a guide for your outdoor furniture shopping needs!
10 Tips For Choosing The Best Outdoor Furniture For Your Catio
Closing Purrs:
Designing your cat’s catio with as much cat furniture and decor as she is used to will her get her acclimated to her new outdoor space. A litter box is most definitely a good thing to include and will signal to her the palace is all hers and all purrs! Including other things like toys, furniture and pet-friendly plants can also be very nice.
Building your feline an outdoor cat enclosure does not have to be overwhelming.
Here are additional resources that should help you and your cat.
Building Your Cat A Window Catio For Less Than $100
Clever Cat Catio Builder’s Directory
Your First Catio: 10 Essential Steps To Success
Until next time,
Headbutts and Purrs
Why Is Kritter Kommunity Your Trusted Pet Partner?
Lisa Illman is the Founder of Kritter Kommunity, LLC. She has a tuxedo male adult cat currently and she has had him since he was a baby kitten; so Lisa knows well the kitten lifecycle, the teenage cat lifecycle and the adult cat lifecycle (he is currently 11 years old). Prior to her cat Finnegan, Lisa had two FIV positive cats for a decade. They inspired Lisa to invent a cat enclosure so they could safely sit outside and enjoy fresh air and sunshine. She brought the product to market and eventually designed a line of portable catios; they sold on Amazon, Skymall Catalogue, Wayfair and countless other websites. Her experience being a cat parent coupled with her business development and product management experience make her a trusted cat enthusiast partner. She and Finnegan (her cat) test, research and review pet products to give readers the best feedback possible.
