What Is a Catio?
Free the felines!
Are you looking for a way to let your feline friend safely enjoy the outdoors? We have the answer! Keep reading to learn what a catio is and how it will enrich your cat’s life.
1. Understand the Benefits of a Catio
A catio is a fully enclosed area – either freestanding or connected to a wall – that gives your cat controlled access to the outdoors. Catio walls are usually made with mesh or wire screens to provide a full view of the outside world and let in fresh air, so your cat can be immersed in the wild without the risk of predators or getting lost.
Catios are a great form of enrichment for your cat – providing mental stimulation and space for physical activity. They are helpful for preventing boredom in your domestic pets and giving your felines an area to satisfy their natural instincts. Catios often include pet necessities like litter boxes and food bowls so your cat can remain in the catio for extended periods of time. They also typically provide different activities for your cat like scratching posts and climbing perches to encourage physical activity while they enjoy the fresh air.
Catios are designed with different features that may be helpful for you depending on its intended frequency and nature of use.
Outdoor-Safe: Weather resistance is an essential feature to look for if you plan on keeping your catio outside and exposed to the elements. Outdoor-safe catios are durable and specially designed to handle the weather.
Foldable: Foldable catios are less permanent fixtures that can be easily broken down and stored away when not in use. If you plan to use the catio seasonally or if you rent and move frequently, a foldable catio may be the best option for you and your pet.
Tip-Resistant: Tip-resistant catios come with restraining hardware so you can mount the structure directly to the wall, window, or side of the house. This is an important feature if you have active cats who love to run or climb.
The materials of a catio will impact its aesthetic and durability, so it’s important to compare the structures to choose the right one for your feline friend.
Solid Wood: Catios made of solid wood offer a sturdy frame in a range of stylish, natural finishes. While wood catios are weather-resistant, they may fade over time when exposed to the elements. Keep in mind that cats may decide to use the wood frame as a scratching surface – contributing to the wear of the structure.
Metal: Metal catios are especially strong and weather-resistant for use in outdoor spaces. Metal catios range from heavy, tip-resistant frames to lightweight, foldable setups to provide long-lasting durability. They have a sleek, modern appearance as opposed to the organic look of a wooden catio.
Tip!
Looking for more? Check out our guide 13 Catio Ideas to Get Your Feline Friend Outdoors.
