Cats Love Fresh Outdoor Air and Sunshine?

Do you have cats and/or kittens and you would like them to have some outside time in a safe environment like a catio?

Do you have a deck or paved area with a patio roof? If so, you can easily turn it into a catio. If you have a deck, or paved area without a roof then getting a patio roof installed is the ideal 1st step.

You may have things in the home set up for your cats, but being outside in the fresh air, lounging in the sunshine or even paddling in some puddles will give your cats experiences they just can’t have inside the home. It is also a great spot for the litter box rather than the laundry or bathroom.

What exactly is a Catio?

Quite simply a Catio is a Patio for cats. It is an enclosed extension of your home built specifically to give your cats a safe place to play, laze and exercise in.

There are no set rules for a Catio. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some pet owners give their cats access to the entire patio (hence catio) where others prefer only using a section or a smaller conservatory like cage. Some cat owners go to extremes and have exterior cage-like tunnels installed around the home with different access points from windows or doors for their beloved pets to access the home from the catio. Catios are often furnished with scratching posts, stairs, climbing trees and towers, shelves, catwalks, and comfy beds. Once your cat has experienced a catio it won’t want to be anywhere else. It is simply cat heaven.

Considerations.

• Enclosure material – Use good strength cat netting or metal wire for the enclosure. You don’t want your precious cat escaping or worse still a predator getting into your catio to hurt your pet. Make sure there are no gaps where the netting attaches to the walls, ceiling or floor.
• Where – Catios are an extension of your cat’s living space. How much available outdoor space do you have to use for a catio? Will it be in the yard and connected by a tunnel or directly against to the home? These have to be the first and foremost questions when deciding on building a catio.
• Access – How will your cat get in and out of the catio? Access points can be a cat door in a wall, door or window. Do you need to be able to lock the access at any point in time and keep the cats inside only? Will you be sharing the space with your cats (room for chairs, etc)? Make sure you allow for a door to clean up any accidents or for emergency access if your cat becomes ill or injured and unable to come out by itself.
• Foundation – a solid, level foundation is important for a good catio. This could be an existing deck or concrete patio. Artificial turf is a good covering for the ground. If you are using and area with natural grass or dirt ensure the edges of the catio are secured underground (cats can and will dig to escape the catio).
• Inclusions – Your cats preferences and personality will play a large part in your decision in what to include in the catio. Does your furry friend like high vantage points or prefers to be close to the ground? Adding shelves to the catio at various heights will give your cat/s options on where to relax and the option to follow the sun or shade around the enclosure suring the day. Having the shelves carpeted is a little extra comfort but also makes good scratching points as well.
• Age of cats – The addition of ramps should be considered if you have senior cats or cats with mobility issues or arthritis. This will make access easier for them. Also havinglower shelves and beds will give more lounging options if they find it difficult getting around. A bird bath or feeder located outside the enclosure will keep your cats entertained for hours. Your cats can watch and stalk the birds, but keep the birds safe while they are bathing and eating. If you have younger cats and kittens they are usually full of energy and would love the space to include lots of play things to bat around, shelving to run and jump on, hide and seek boxes and hanging toys.
• Plants – adding some colour to the catio is always a great idea. Check the plants and flowers you intend to add to ensure they are cat friendly and not harmful to your furry friends. If you have them in pots be prepared to clean up some poop in the pots as well.
• Decoration – if you are sharing the catio with your furbabies then you will want to add some items to the area for your enjoyment as well. A patio chair and table is a great place to enjoy a book or a coffee with your cats. An outdoor rug will add some colour and also be a favourite spot for your cats to lounge on. A water fountain will transform the area to a zen oasis and cats love playing with water!
• Cat Decor – Always make sure there is a shady spot available for your cats (and a sunny spot if mainly under cover). Include cosy beds, tunnels, toys, cat scratchers, activity trees and hanging things. These are all great additions to keep your cats mind and body healthy, active and entertained. Natural items like a boulder or rock, tree stump and large branches are also great places for cats to hang out and practice their balance skills.

Adding a catio will bring both you and your cat years of enjoyment. Your furbabies will thank you for being such a great pawrent.

Diamond Patios can help with the Roof

The team at Diamond Patios can help design your purrfect catio and catio roof so you can bring that vision to life.

At Diamond Patios we only use quality products and offer expert advice, this gives you complete peace of mind.

Get an obligation-free quote using our patio roof calculator, or Get in touch with the team at Diamond Patios to talk about your catio plans.