March 15 is National Catio Day to celebrate the benefits of catios (outdoor cat enclosures) and bring awareness to the dangers of free-roaming pet cats. At Catio Spaces, we fully support this holiday and our mission to keep cats safe, provide peace of mind for cat parents, and protect birds and wildlife.
Cats naturally want to be outdoors; however, allowing unrestricted outdoor access can expose them to vehicles, poisons, predators, diseases, getting lost, and other risks. As instinctive hunters, cats often prey on birds and other small wildlife. The solution? Cat parents can solve the “indoor/outdoor” dilemma by providing a protected outdoor space for their furry friends.
To celebrate National Catio Day, Catio Spaces is thrilled to announce our “Spring Catio Plan Giveaway” when 15 lucky cat owners will win their choice of a DIY Catio Plan. It’s the purrfect opportunity to create a safe and enriching outdoor space for your feline friend. (Giveaway details below!)
Here are some benefits of catios and expert tips for building an enclosure your cat will love.
WHY A CATIO IS A MUST-HAVE FOR EVERY FELINE HOUSEHOLD:
- Protect Your Cat: Catios keep cats safe from vehicles, predators, poisons, diseases, and prevent them from getting lost.
- Reduce Vet Bills: Avoid costly treatments for injuries or fights by providing a secure environment.
- Help Wildlife Conservation: Free-roaming cats are responsible for killing over 2.4 billion birds annually. Catios eliminate hunting while allowing your cat to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
- Encourage Outdoor Enrichment: Fresh air, sunshine, exercise, and bird-watching reduce boredom and make a happy and healthy cat.
- Provide Health Benefits: Promotes an active lifestyle and helps prevent obesity.
- Promote Multi-Cat Harmony: Adding a catio can increase territory and reduce stress in multi-cat households.
- Peace of Mind for Owners: Know your cat is always safe while enjoying the benefits of the outdoors.
EXPERT TIPS FOR BUILDING THE PERFECT CATIO
Building a catio doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you build a catio with a DIY plan or hire a carpenter to make one for you, follow these tips to create a space your cat will love:
- Choose the Right Location: Cats love the sun! Pick a sunny spot with an exciting view of birds, nature, and family activities for endless entertainment. Shade can be provided in a section of the catio using shade cloth or space under a bench. Avoid a solid, sun-blocking roof over the entire catio.
- Pick the Perfect Size: Ensure the catio is big enough for climbing, lounging, and exploring—especially for multi-cat households. If space is limited, smaller catios like a window box or cat tunnel catio provide purrrfect horizontal space.
- Use Durable, Cat-Safe Materials: Use weather-resistant materials and cat-safe wire mesh to ensure safety and longevity.
- Add a Cat Door: Rather than carry your cat to and from the catio, add a cat door in a window, wall, or door for safe access directly into the catio,
- Add Enrichment Features: Include shelves, perches, branches, and cat toys. Use the ASPCA’s list of cat-safe plants to make the space lively and pet-friendly.
- Create Space for You: Larger catios offer space for a comfy chair or lounge to enjoy bonding with your favorite feline outdoors. After all, fresh air is good for humans too!
- Decorate Your Catio: DIY catios can be painted can be decorated to complement your home and suit your style and feline’s fancy.
- Make It Wildlife-Friendly: Locate the catio to prevent direct interaction with wildlife while giving your cat a front-row seat to nature’s wonders.
For detailed guidance, check out Catio Spaces’ award-winning DIY Catio Plans and start with these 8 Catio-Building Mistakes to Avoid.
Don’t Miss the Spring Giveaway!
This National Catio Day, celebrate by giving your cat the gift of safe outdoor adventures. Enter the Spring Catio Plan Giveaway before March 31st for your chance to win your very own DIY Catio Plan! Because every cat deserves a purrfect catio space!
Don’t want to wait? Visit CatioSpaces.com to pick your plan and start building your purrfect catio today!
WHAT ANIMAL AND WILDLIFE ADVOCATES SAY ABOUT CATIOS
Jennifer Hillman, VP of Wildlife Protection at HSUS, emphasizes, “Catios are the responsible solution for ensuring the safety and well-being of both cats and wildlife. They provide a safe space for cats while protecting birds and small animals in our communities.”
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), encourages cat owners to “keep cats indoors and stimulated with toys, climbing structures, and safe outdoor spaces like catios.” (”Catio Spaces is thrilled to have recently accepted PETA’s Friend to Felines Award “for understanding the importance of giving cats a stimulating space to enjoy nature while staying safe from outdoor dangers and helping to protect birds and other wildlife.”)
Veterinarians agree. “Cats can be affected by stress, and one of the ways to help decrease stress is through stimulation and playtime. These outdoor pens can significantly enhance your cat’s quality of life, providing both physical and mental health benefits in a safe and controlled environment,” says Dr. Brittany Scott, DVM, a veterinarian at VCA Ho-Ho-Kus Animal Hospital. “As for other benefits, I see a lot of indoor cats who are overweight—catios can provide extra space for them to roam and stay in shape.”
Even bird advocacy organizations like Audubon and American Bird Conservancy highlight catios as a win-win solution for cats and wildlife.
National Catio Day is a celebration of the many benefits catios provide—keeping cats safe and happy while protecting birds and wildlife in your community.
Whether you’ve been dreaming of a catio or just starting your journey, catios are the purrfect solution for safe, happy cats!
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.
