Spring is here, and cat parents don’t need a calendar to know it. Is your curious cat constantly twitching their nose once you open that first window? Are you getting an early morning wake-up pounce when the birds start singing before sunrise? Some cats like to lurk near the front door for an opportunity to dash outside while others scratch the window screen, longing for that glorious outdoor world of wonder.
April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month – arriving in time to spark extra caution this sudden case of spring fever. Finding an outlet for these natural feline urges creates a quandary for responsible cat parents. Allowing cats to roam freely outdoors can put them in harm’s way and tempt them to hunt birds and small mammals. Keeping them indoors can lead to boredom. What is the answer to this indoor/outdoor dilemma?
Luckily, you don’t have to choose between boredom or peril. The purrfect solution is to grant your cat the outdoor life they crave by providing a safe and secure catio haven.. You’ll also reap the benefits of peace of mind knowing your cat is always protected.
PROTECT CATS, BIRDS AND WILDLIFE IN YOUR BACKYARD
While the concern about cats hunting wildlife is valid all year long, spring absolutely teems with brand new life. Fledgling baby birds and unwary young rabbits and other small mammals are exploring for the very first time. Nothing destroys a person’s enjoyment of their wildlife-friendly garden like finding yet another furred or feathered “gift” on your doorstep.
Even cats who are uninterested in hunting have a strong tendency to explore. Curious roaming cats can get lost, locked in a shed, get chased (or worse) by predators, be exposed to poisons and diseases, or be hit by a car. We’ve all seen neighborhood posters and online forums for lost and missing cats – and it’s absolutely heart-wrenching.
But what is a bored cat to do if they are stuck indoors all day and night? Extra indoor playtime certainly helps, and there are lots of new interactive toys on the market for cats. Even so, it’s tough to ignore your indoor cat’s forlorn meows as they sit in the window and watch you enjoy your sunshine-filled yard.
As the founder of Catio Spaces, I’m passionate about design, nature, and cats. When I discovered catios, I realized a well-built and attractive catio is a winning solution for everyone involved, whether human, feline, or wild.
Here’s why:
- A catio is an aesthetically pleasing enclosure that adds beauty to your home and garden.
- It’s a safe outdoor space where your cat can exercise, enjoy the wind in their whiskers, bask in the sun, chase bugs, and watch birds (the very best cat TV there is!).
- Your cat can enjoy watching outdoor family activities. If you build a large catio, you can enjoy reading or napping on a comfy lounge chair with your cat.
- Finally, a catio protects birds and other wildlife by directing your cat’s instincts toward watching birds, rather than hunting them.
In a 2021 interview with Bloomberg Green, then-Director of Conservation at Bird Allian of Oregon, Bob Sallinger pointed out that bird predation is historically a source of tension between birders and cat owners, and that catios are a great solution. “This is a way to address the conflict that’s humane and appeals to cat lovers and bird lovers alike,” he shared.
And I agree. I believe that every bird counts. With loss of habitat and other factors affecting bird populations, catios are a great way for cat parents to support bird conservation in their own backyard. Catios are a safety win for cats, songbirds, and other wildlife.
As you write out your list of spring and summer home projects, I urge you to put “Build a Catio” near the top. Your cat will thank you for it!
Our award-winning DIY Catio plans include a list of tools and materials, step-by-step instructions, and diagrams for a successful project. You can build the catio plan yourself or enlist the help of a local carpenter.
We also share with animal welfare organizations!
Wildlife organizations, animal shelters and rescues care for a surge of injured, orphaned or homeless birds, wild animals, kittens and puppies every spring. 10% of purchases through our Catio Spaces affiliate program is donated to animal welfare organizations for their cause.
THERE’S A DIY CATIO PLAN FOR EVERY CAT AND EVERY HOME
If you’re thinking of creating a cat and wildlife friendly home, there are plenty of catio designs to choose from.
Smaller, compact catios fit the bill for any cat who enjoys birdwatching, a sunny place to nap, and a chance to be near you in the garden. Our Window Box Catio is an attractive addition to any house, and is perfect if your space is limited. Medium and large catios provide lots of space for a cat to climb, leap, and run. The 3-sided Haven or Sanctuary can tuck up against an existing wall with cat access directly into the catio through a cat door. For larger yards, the 4-sided stand-alone Oasis catio can be connected to your home by an elevated or ground-level Cat Tunnel. You can even add a Catio Litter Box or Litter Box Bench to your catio.
Whether you choose to build a large catio or a small one, your cat will love being immersed in the sights and scents of the outdoors. You can browse all of our DIY Catio Plans here.
Another benefit of catios is that they aren’t just for cats. Larger catios have plenty of space for humans, too, and can be decorated to complement your home and personal style. Add an outdoor rug, seating, pillows, and other décor to create an enjoyable open air she-shed or man-cave that both you and your cat can enjoy. You’ll find lots of catio décor inspiration here.
Undecided about what catio to choose? Learn everything you need about choosing just the right type of catio for your home.
SPRING IS FOR NEW BEGINNINGS
Put the indoor/outdoor dilemma to rest and celebrate spring with a catio. It’s the purrfect outdoor solution to keep cats and wildlife safe, and to provide cats with the physical and mental enrichment they crave all year round. After all, happy cats equal happy cat parents. Life is good in a catio!
Cynthia Chomos is a Feng Shui Consultant, Catio Designer and the Founder of Catio Spaces, creating harmonious indoor and outdoor spaces for her 4-legged and 2-legged clients. She lives in Seattle with her adorable tabby Serena (who has four catios) and is the inspiration for Catio Spaces. Cynthia offers free catio tips, DIY Catio Plans and custom catios to keep cats safe and protect birds and wildlife. You can contact Cynthia at CatioSpaces.com.
