As spring showers give way to bright sunshine, you’re probably spending more time enjoying your patio, deck, and yard. There’s always a little bit of spring cleaning involved, spiffing up your outdoor spaces and mowing your lawn for the very first time. The effort is well worth the rewards as we head into the joy and new energy of spring.
When your cat steps out to bask in the sun of their catio, they’ll thrive in a fresh, clean outdoor space as well. To renew the enjoyment of their very own safe haven, you’ll likely need to take just a few moments to spring clean their space, too. Don’t look at it as a chore – it can be rather fun and creative!
Here are five quick tips that will have your catio feeling new again.
1. Give your catio floor a quick spring cleaning
Last year’s wind-tossed leaves and pine needles have a way of taking over the corners of a catio. Sweep up last year’s leaves and pine needles. Wipe or mop dirty surfaces with water or a non-toxic cleaner. You’ll be in love with your catio all over again once you’ve spent a little time sweeping the floor.
2. Spruce up your catio decor
If cushions, rugs, and wall hangings have faded, a fresh dose of color will pique your interest again. Sprucing up your patio furniture is also a good excuse to enjoy browsing in your favorite garden or home improvement center. Need a little inspiration? Explore our décor tips and examples here.
3. Repot or add new cat-safe plants
The green of living plants brings nature into the very heart of your catio. If your outdoor plants were nipped by cold weather, missed a few waterings, or were pounced into oblivion by your cat, it’s probably time to prune and repot them, or replace them entirely.
Be sure any plants you purchase are non-toxic for cats. We’ve got guidance for you here on the best plants to buy, and you may want to save the link to the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant list on your smartphone before you head out on a plant-buying binge.
4. Add a new feature
Sometimes, all it takes to renew your catio and garden is the addition of a new feature.
A Tunnel Catio adds eight or more feet of exploration to your cat’s existing catio. You can even combine tunnel sections in various configurations up high and low, so your cat can venture anywhere you’d like their nose to take them.
A Catio Litter Box lets your cat choose “indoors or out?” It can reduce litter box ambushing if you have multiple cats and provides a private spot for your cat to “go” when visitors are inside your home. It also reduces odors by providing an al fresco outdoor option. Best of all, you can clean the litter box with easy access from outside your catio.
Or consider the attractive Litter Box Bench DIY Catio Plan. It combines the convenience of an outdoor litter box with a comfy spot for your cat to stretch out and nap, or for you to sit and enjoy your cat’s company.
5. Refresh your cat’s outdoor possessions
Even if your catio has the protection of a roof, soft materials have a shorter lifespan when they are exposed to the sun and frequent play. Say goodbye to old toys and hello to bright new playthings. Toys that are still in good condition can still lose your cat’s interest over time, so rotate them with others so there is a delightful discovery when your cat steps outside.
Sit back and enjoy your catio refresh!
Take time to lean back in your favorite patio chair, listen to the birds, enjoy your garden, and watch your cat happily bask in their safe and enriching catio lifestyle. Relaxing nearby your cat’s catio, or joining them within it, is a wonderful way to share the joy of spring and bonding with your cat.
Before-and-after locations to add a catio this spring
Maybe you are still dreaming about building a catio – or you are tempted to add another. When planning your cat’s safe outdoor space to leap, stretch and nap in the sun, it helps to have some visual motivation.
Unfortunately, there’s no Catio TV or Modern Catio Magazine for cat lovers to flip through, so here are a few “before-and-after” pics to inspire you. Keep in mind catios can be painted or stained to complement your home and garden.
A nondescript window is transformed into the perfect outdoor perch for a curious cat. This Window Box catio adds character and a focal point to what had once been an ordinary wall.
An under-utilized side yard opens up a whole new world for this contented cat who is safe from coyotes in the neighborhood.
SPRING, CATS, AND CATIOS: A PURRFECT COMBINATION
A spring cleaning makes everything feel fresh and new again. Naturally, your cat will love exploring and napping in their refreshed catio space. However, if your cat is still sniffing spring breezes from the other side of a window screen, consider adding a catio to your warm-weather project list. Your cat will thank you for it!
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.
