Great Catio

I sit for some lucky kitties who have a fabulous enclosed "catio" and with permission from my clients, am sharing photos so other kitty guardians can get ideas on how to make safe outdoor spaces their own cats. This back yard is quite small but still contains lots of fun elements for kitties when weather allows for outdoor time. There are plenty of resting areas off the ground so kitties can feel secure. There are no trees large enough for a kitty to climb and jump over (the Japanese Maple will stay petite). This enclosure is designed to be utilized only when their people are home to open the back slider, so there isn't a lock on the back gate but that could be added for extra security. Outdoor time is not only enriching and stimulating but direct sunshine is vital to kitty health. Building a secured area such as this one is a minimal investment that will offer years of enjoyment for your whole family.

Here's a view of the back door - a slider with a screen door. The screen 

has a little cat door in it so kitties can choose in or out when the slider is open.

The framing has a nylon/plastic mesh that would be very difficult for a kitty to climb.

The yard contains several large, flat rock - perfect for Annabelle and Luna to sun themselves on.

Luna explores the side yard. The bench is another ideal spot for sunning and napping, 

as well as for humans to relax.

Tabby Twin Habitat

Odin on the top shelf!

Odin (L) and Adian (R) enjoy the warmth of the cement

Odin's log

 

Wondering what the tabby twins are up to these days? They turn four years old next month and have a fabulous enclosure they are enjoying! The walls and ceiling are polypropylene netting that's supposed to be quite resilient over time given our weather. It's not inexpensive but is much easier to work with than chicken wire and doesn't pose any sharp edges. The shelves the kitties perch on and scratch are cedar. There's even a long walk way across the top so they can be up as high as possible. If you were to build on a non-paved surface you'd want to create an "apron" along the bottom to prevent wildlife from digging in; not keeping any food outside overnight also helps prevent unwanted visitors. I like that the boys are less available to fleas since it's not a grassy patch. (I frequently grow pots of oat or wheat grass for them to munch on if they like.) Odin and Adian are such loving kitties and as you can see, very happy with life.