Many people struggle to strike the right balance between giving their feline friends outdoor access and keeping them safe. If you live in a dense urban area near a road, you may want to think carefully about letting your cat roam freely. Despite what is often said about cats in reverse, accidents do happen, unfortunately, so looking at some cat friendly ideas may be the best way to provide your pet with a space to play outdoors.
And this isn’t just about protecting your cat. As natural hunters, cats are guilty of destroying local wildlife if left to their own devices. Giving them a place to enjoy the outdoors, relax in the sun, and perhaps do some odd thing of bird spotting (without their entertainment becoming dinner) is the best way to let their instincts in and provide enrichment.
Catios are an enclosed pen that is often located next to your home, allowing your cat to come and go as they please. Thus the idea of a patio has become more popular for those who have fur in residence.
These attachments integrate easily into your porch, patio or porch and come in all kinds of sizes and configurations. Browse our favorite kaleo ideas to help you decide on the design and look that best suits your outdoor space. Whether you choose the DIY option or the off-the-shelf, we’re sure your cat will love it as much as you.
What katio ideas can I explore in my own backyard?
Lyudmila Dobrynina, from Optimeal (Opens in a new tab)Cateo, a family-owned business that provides high-quality dry and wet food for cats and dogs, says, “The kateau is a great way to give your cat a safe space to enjoy nature. When building a katio, you can be as creative as you want, the sky is the limit! Some options your friend might enjoy Furry poles are scratching posts, hanging toys for playtime, and cat-friendly green spaces.
Contrary to what people sometimes think about catio, it is possible to create an environment that “provides your cat many hours of fun and stimulation. Other basic, needs-oriented options are a place to eat and drink, go to the bathroom, and a comfortable space for sunbathing or a cat nap. These choices benefit your cat’s basic needs and encourage Healthy emotional well-being.
Now, let’s look at some more specific catio ideas that will work in a variety of settings.
1. Create a large network cateo
(Image credit: Custom Catios)
When acquiring or building a catio, it is always important to consider how much sensory stimulation your cat will get from being outside in the backyard. Cats that are too closed to the outside world may not deserve it because cats get many of their sensory needs met through the ability to see, hear, and smell the outside world. Therefore, a safe option with catios is a steel mesh design that is completely visible and allows your cat to experience the outdoors without wandering.
This large mesh catios are designed by Custom Catios (Opens in a new tab) And the sturdy metal design will also keep your cats safe from other critters.
2. Combine katiu and outdoor seating
(Image credit: CatioSpaces.com)
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If you like to spend time with your feline companion outdoors, why not combine the advantages of a catio with the advantages of an outbuilding? We really love how this design by Catiospaces.com (Opens in a new tab) Much like a transparent garden room with an attractive outdoor sofa.
This is an excellent option if you have a cat or a younger cat and want to make sure you bond with them while enjoying the outdoors. Choose the best outdoor furniture to finish your space so that you and your pet have a space to sit in comfortably.
3. Convert unused garage space into a cabin
(Image credit: Custom Catios)
Never thought that a garage conversion could accommodate a catio? Not only is this a great space-saving solution for homeowners who don’t want to sacrifice valuable backyard space for a freestanding catheter, but the structure actually adds interest to a cute garage facade.
If you are a DIY business pro, you may be able to build it yourself, but ideally this add-on type structure is best implemented by a professional Catio builder like Custom Catios.
4. Get a freestanding katio for a smaller space
(Image credit: Wayfair)
If you are exploring small backyard ideas, a more compact freestanding design might be the best option. Catios are sold by many home retailers and come in do-it-yourself flat pack form. Obviously, the standalone version won’t give you the full customization of a bespoke quartet, but it’s a budget-friendly option that’s very useful in rented backyards or urban spaces.
Monico Asphalt Roof Outdoor Cat House is available from Wayfair (Opens in a new tab). Add it to an empty pen to give your pet a place to hide and play.
5. Go for a catio style extension
(Image credit: Custom Catios)
Due to its boxy shape, katio designs can be incorporated into your home exterior design in a similar way to box extension ideas. The slim catio design that sits on the back wall of your property will reduce the footprint, but will also provide your feline friend with plenty of vertical play space, which many cats really enjoy.
A climbing frame that has steps and seating areas inside would be ideal for this type of design. If you can’t get out far, use elevation to give your cat plenty of space to explore.
6. Or try a wood-paint design to match your layout
(Image credit: Wayfair)
Some homeowners may be a little unsure about katio because they are not always the best structures in your backyard. Depending on the style of your home and yard, you might want something a little nicer than the standard lattice lattice. That’s where the painted design comes in – it’s a softer, less clinical look that matches traditional patio styles.
The Orourke Outdoor Playpen by Wayfair (Opens in a new tab). You can update it with the best exterior wood paint if you want a new look.
7. Create a categorical balcony
(Image credit: CatioSpaces.com)
If your outdoor space is only a balcony, you can still have a katio. This adorable rectangular design from CatioSpaces.com (Opens in a new tab). It’s the perfect place to sunbathe and suits the lazy house cat just fine.
8. Match the paint work to your home’s exterior
(Image credit: CatioSpaces.com)
If you want a smarter design, paint your framing wood a color matching the window and door frames in your home. The white color looks especially cheerful and elegant.
What should be included in the catio?
Cynthia Chomos, Catio designer and founder of CatioSpaces.com, explains that “ typical construction consists of wood and wire and includes a roof made of wire, polycarbonate or other roofing material. Vertical and horizontal spaces can be created using cedar shelves, branches, ladders, and bridges. Carpeted lounging areas allow for naps in the sun. Plants, toys, and cat-safe scratching provide extra stimulation. You can also add an outdoor litter box to help reduce indoor litter odors. However, it should never replace an indoor litter box.
Another consideration is how your cat gets to the catio. While you can certainly carry your cat to the catio, the fun of catios is your cat’s freedom to get into the enclosure based on their timing. Cat doors for a sliding window, wall, patio or door are the gateway to a safe catio experience. A smart cat flap can also be used and adds the benefit of your ability to control when the catio is open.
Is the cat tough?
No, the katio is not harsh and it is definitely a much better option than keeping a cat indoors permanently when you have an outdoor space. Most cats don’t need a lot of space to roam and will stay around your backyard anyway, so providing them with ample, cat-stimulating space is a perfectly good alternative to having free access to your backyard.