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Animals

‘Catios’ Are the Purrfect Safe Way to Take Your Cat Outside

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If you want your kitty to enjoy the great outdoors, you might consider catios for cats as a possible option. Catios, which are just as delightful as they sound, are patios or screened-in porches intended specifically for cats. These outdoor enclosures allow felines to get some fresh air and soak up the sun without the risk of them running off somewhere and getting lost, or worse, encountering a not-so-friendly animal or human along the way. So it’s no wonder why many cat owners are making room on their patios or in their yards for their four-legged friends to play — in a place that’s not just safe, but stylish.

According to the Humane Society’s All Animals magazine, many types of cat personalities can benefit from an outdoor enclosure, such as “door dashers” and “wishful window watchers.” Although catios might not be right for every domestic cat — especially one that avoids doors and windows at all costs — the kitties who love it seem to be in paradise. It certainly doesn’t hurt that designers and builders are always adding new sources of kitty entertainment to these catios as added bonuses. As Animal Planet notes, it’s not uncommon at all to see catios with a scratching post, a spot for snacks and meals, or even a bed for the precious pet to take a little cat-nap.

How to Pick a Purr-fect Catio

If you know your cat would adore a catio, there’s a few factors you should keep in mind, as per All Animals. If you’re part of a homeowners association or if you have a landlord, it might be a good idea to check in with them about putting in a catio before you begin. (Of course, you probably want to ask your human family members or roommates if they’re OK with the idea as well!) Once you get the all-clear, decide if you want to build or buy the catio.

If you want to buy, there’s a variety of catios in a wide range of prices that you can purchase right on Amazon, including the Yaheetech 4-Tier Cat Cage Playpen (Amazon, $89.99), the Prevue Pet Products Premium/Deluxe Cat Home (Amazon, $159.27), and the Trixie Pet Products Outdoor Cat Run ($510.92). If you’re more of the DIY type, you can certainly try building one on your own to add a more personal touch. Just make sure that your unique catio is totally escape-proof and that there’s no way your pet could climb out it or squeeze through any open spaces.

No matter what your catio ends up looking like, it’s important to keep your cat’s needs and interests top of mind the whole time you’re putting it together. Should your catio contain scratching posts? A few favorite cat toys? A snack station? Think deeply about how this could improve and enrich your feline’s life, and trust your instincts with every creative addition. After all, no one knows your cat better than you!

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