Cat and bird lover, Janey Elliott, got hooked on catios during the Seattle catio tour and wanted a custom catio for her backyard. A devoted cat mom to her senior indoor cat, Mimi, I learned that Janey was planning to expand her fur family and adopt an orange tabby kitten during our consultation. The catio would provide a safe space for Mimi to escape from the energetic new arrival and ease the transition by providing outdoor stimulation.
The ideal location for the catio was the window near the kitchen dining room. From inside the home, Janey can look out and watch her cats enjoying catio life.
The window catio is painted white to match the trim and complement Janey’s home. Supported by two angle braces, the catio features multiple shelves for vertical movement, plus lounging areas for the cats to enjoy birdwatching. I love this window design, it’s the right scale for Janey’s backyard, and the cats can enjoy watching her putter in the garden or dine with friends on the patio.
The backyard is truly an avian haven with several feeders, a birdbath, and an abundance of birds. Mimi’s curiosity, the smell of fresh air, and a few treats from Janey drew her outside where she enjoys sitting on shelves and lounging on the upper carpeted perch. It’s a purrfect example of a cat and bird-friendly garden!
To help the playful new kitten, George, acclimate to the catio, the cat flap was taped open for him to come and go as he pleases all summer long. By fall, and with cool weather, both cats have since adapted well to the cat door.
CATIO TIP: Winter doesn’t have to stop the bird-watching our cats know and love. There are several ways you can enrich your cat’s winter view and help the birds near you enjoy a healthy and safe winter too.
“The custom catio was the best home improvement project I did last year!”
– Janey Elliott
As a catio designer and founder of Catio Spaces, one of the joys of catios is witnessing the enrichment they bring to cats and their humans. Long after my carpenters have left at the end of our projects, I delight in watching my fur clients take their first steps into the catio, and afterward, drive home with a smile on my face.
Life is good in a catio. It’s a win/win for cats, birds, and humans, and a great addition to a cat and bird-friendly home.
Are you, or your cats, catio dreaming?
If so, check out our DIY Catio Plans, or hire a carpenter to build the plan for you. Your cat will thank you for it!
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.
