If you're a cat parent, then it's no secret that your feline loves the wind in their whiskers, watching birds all day long, and sleeping in sun puddles. But you live in a busy city and cannot allow them to get outdoors because they may get into trouble or experience an accident. Also, you may not be able to take your furred friend for a hike because they panic the moment, they see the leash. We cannot count the times a cat would cry to a door asking to get out and hide the moment they see the leash.
To make your cat happy, you may be tempted to allow them to spend time on the balcony, thinking it's safe for them to chase insects and birds. But the balcony is the least safe place for your cat because a fall from a high balcony can cause permanent injuries or even death. It may surprise you to find out that your cat doesn't land on their feet when falling from a high balcony, but indoor cats don't balance themselves very well. Also, we're sorry to burst your bubble, but all cats are in danger of injury if they fall from a height. Just because they're not afraid to walk on the balcony edge doesn't mean you should assume they can take care of themselves. This is where catios come in to help you keep your feline friend safe and happy.
What is a catio?
As you may have already guessed, a catio is a combination of the words cat and patio and refers to an enclosure located outdoors. Its purpose is to offer your cat access to the outdoors safely. The average catio consists of wire and wood to allow visibility and airflow and prevent other animals or potential predators from putting your furred friend in danger.
Catios come in countless sizes, depending on their location and available space. Some are quite small, allowing the feline to only lie down in front of the window. Others are larger and can even take an entire balcony. Often catios are so large they can even accommodate you walking into them when you want to spend time with your cat. Many large units are outfitted with potted plants, trees, and multi-level climbing structures that encourage cats to exercise and enjoy themselves.
Reasons to build a catio
If you still wonder if you should build a catio for your furred friend, here are the top benefits it has.
Provides enrichment for your cat. Felines love to climb on everything, balance on ledges, and leap and run around. If you build a patio that provides them with outdoor access, they won't miss the opportunity to become the felines their ancestors have been. A patio will prevent them from ever getting bored as it exposes them to ever-changing sounds, sights, and smells.
Protects your furred baby from dangers like vehicles, other pets and animals, unwanted diseases, getting lost, or poisoning.
Protects local wildlife as cats are famous for causing harm to birds and small animals. When you keep them in a catio, they enjoy the sounds and sights they love, without damaging wildlife.
Prevents conflict between cats. If your neighbours also have cats, there can be unwanted stress or conflict. A catio would provide your feline with additional space to explore without encouraging them to fight or engage in other behaviour problems that could put them in danger.
Help reduce the community cat population. Did you know that a female cat can have three litters annually? If you don't neuter your cat and they're allowed to explore the outdoors, they can add to the unwanted litter that cannot fend for themselves.
How to build a catio on your balcony
The ideal catio has everything your feline baby may need to spend quality time outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. Here are the steps you should follow when building one.
Determine how much available space you have
Clear the balcony from clutter and measure the space you want to convert into a catio. Only because you transform it into a catio, doesn't mean you cannot also use it, and you can make a shared space that both you and your cat can enjoy.
Close the space
A closed balcony is a haven for your furry friend because it prevents them from leaping out of windows or getting stuck in the window casing when you leave them slightly open. If you have an open balcony, use cat-proof mesh fencing to close it off while allowing the sun and air to filter in.
Bring in plants safe for cats
If you plan to use the catio together with your cat or simply want to transform it into a lush area, use potted plants to decorate it. You can plant pet-friendly house plants in balcony pots and display them around the catio to recreate a space as close to nature as possible. Your cat will definitely enjoy hiding under the leaves. The specialists from elho recommend using high-quality pots when decorating any kind of outdoor space to ensure they can withstand weather elements.
Here is a list of plants safe for cats:
- Rattlesnake plant
- Spider plant
- Parlour palm
- Calathea Orbifolia
- Ponytail Palm
- Succulents
- African Violet
- Bird's Nest Fern
- Gloxinia
- Venus Flytrap
Bring in furnishings
After you build the basic structure for the space and decide on the type of flowers (and even trees) you want to use, start looking for furnishings to create a lounge area. You can install wooden insertions your feline friend can use to lounge in the sun or outdoors furniture both of you can use.
Consider additional features
Cats love ledges, so you can install a couple and fence them with a mesh to prevent your baby from falling. Don't forget about cat scratchers, especially if you install other furniture pieces because they'll help you keep your cat's interest away from them. Cat beds are also essential to make them feel comfortable and allow them to enjoy nap times.
Only because you live in an apartment doesn't mean your cat cannot enjoy the outdoors. Building a catio enables them to get the best of both the indoors and outdoors.
