'Catios' Are The Outdoor Cat Spaces Your Feline Deserves

Because your cat is “extra” and they deserve it

If you’re a cat person, you know you’ll do almost anything to make them happy because their actual happiness meter is usually only set for three minutes and you need to act fast. If you have an indoor cat, you know how excited they get at the prospect of being outdoors, but if you don’t have a screened in porch, it can make it difficult to fulfill that dream — until now.

Introducing the Catio — a cat patio that can be purchased or designed with your current outdoor space in mind. Cynthia Chomos, Founder and Catio Designer at Catio Spaces, was inspired after she bought one for her cat, Serena, and has been designing outdoor havens for fur babies ever since.

“Cats naturally want to be outside where they can breathe fresh air and experience the sights, sounds and stimulation of the natural world,” Chomos said on her website. “A catio, an outdoor cat enclosure or “cat patio,” is the purrfect solution to solve the indoor/outdoor dilemma and keep your cat safe, healthy and happy.”

The idea is that cats can be one with nature but still protected from predators, the elements, and small wildlife, like birds, can be protected from them. They can lick themselves to their heart’s content with a slight breeze blowing through their fur and you can still keep an eye on them in the process. It’s a win-win.

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These safe outdoor pet enclosures range from window perch boxes to eight by ten “sanctuaries” to elaborate outdoor rooms with a kitty tunnel included. You can either build them yourselves or have someone from Catio Spaces design and build one for you. Plans of the DIY variety will only run you $40-70 plus materials while contracting it out can be upwards of $4000. Let’s be honest, your cat will know if you love them enough to build one with your own two hands and will hold a lifetime grudge if not, so you may as well save money and stay in your cat’s good graces.

“Providing cats with outdoor access in enclosures ensures we are good cat owners and good neighbors. It means being responsible for wildlife, responsible for community space and responsible for the safety of our cats.” Jennifer Hillman, Vice President, Grassroots Outreach & Engagement for The Humane Society said.

The three-sided designs attach to your house and you can bling it up by adding cedar shelves, a catwalk, branches, and/or a sunroof depending on how “extra” your cat is IRL. So, basically, you’ll want to get all the upgrades.

The options really are endless and since it’s best to keep your cat stimulated so they have less time to plot your imminent demise, it’s as much a gift for the cat owner as the cat, themselves.