While not all cats are vocal, they talk to us in many ways. Cats express their love by winding around our feet, curling up beside us, or simply by making sure they are in the same room, quietly aware of every move we make. A flick of their tail says it’s time to play, and a steady stare means “when’s dinner?” Cats also communicate their fascination with the outdoors by spending hours at the window gazing at birds and neighborhood activities. However, letting them out for unsupervised exploration puts them in danger of numerous risks and also poses a serious threat to wildlife. When your indoor cat is clearly telling you “I want to go outside” but you know a free-roaming life isn’t a safe option, a catio is the perfect compromise. My cat-loving clients, John and Tiffany, listened to their trio of outdoor-curious felines when they moved to a new home. Let their cats’ story inspire you to follow your cat’s natural desire for the outdoors and the enrichment of catio life. 
VOLTA, FIGMENT, AND RITZY GET A CATIO TO ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS
When John and Tiffany moved into their Seattle home, their indoor-only fur kids, Volta, Figment, and Ritzy made it clear that outdoors was where they’d love to be. Whenever Tiffany opened a window, they would jump up on the sill to sniff fresh air and curiously observe the bustle of activity in the neighborhood. Their cat parents listened. My Catio Spaces’ carpentry team and I were delighted to transform their patio into a Sanctuary-style catio that now provides a safe and attractive space for their cats to enjoy the wind in their whiskers and the enrichment of the outdoors.
John and Tiffany’s spacious new patio catio features multiple shelves for exercise and lounging.
How did Volta, Figment, and Ritzy adapt to their cat door? We installed a cat door in the basement window for direct access into the catio, and it was an exciting new experience for this feline household! With the door propped open, brave Volta ventured out the very first evening. It took a few days for the entire cat clan to figure out they could pass freely in and out of the cat door all on their own.
Figment exits the window cat door, and Tiffany checks on her fur kids enjoying catio life.
How did the cats acclimate to their catio? 
Volta was the first to start exploring the different levels of the catio. According to Tiffany, Volta does venture out alone, but she truly enjoys her new catio space when one of her humans is also outside in the garden or with her in the catio. Volta greets everyone that comes by, is quite vocal about what she wants (pets and attention, usually), and is very attached to John. 
Figment, an active and adventurous kitten, entered the catio but initially preferred to stay on ground level. However, after thoroughly exploring his new territory, he now spends hours out in the catio exploring the various shelf elevations, lounging, and napping. He especially enjoys the sunsets. Figment also likes his late-night patrols to check out the nocturnal happenings while everyone else is asleep. 
Ritzy waited two days before venturing out into the catio. She prefers to be on her own most of the time. Tiffany says she’s a timid, patient, and loving cat. She loves peaceful surroundings, and there’s nothing like a catio to allow an introverted cat to commune with nature. How has John and Tiffany’s life changed since adding a catio? In addition to having happy catio cats, John and Tiffany spend more time outdoors in the late afternoon and evening enjoying the fresh air and garden views. Volta, Figment, and Ritzy love bonding with them in their new outdoor catio space! 
DOES YOUR INDOOR CAT WANT A CATIO?
Catio Spaces’ DIY Catio Plans are available in a variety of sizes designed to complement any home and yard. The plans include easy-to-follow instructions, a list of the tools and materials you’ll need, and diagrams for a successful project. Your plans arrive quickly as a PDF download so you can get started right away. Is your cat trying to tell you they want a catio? Cat parents keep sharing how a catio added joy and outdoor enrichment for both their cats and themselves. Why not open up a whole new world for your cat, too? Explore all of our DIY Catio Plans here. 
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.
