Revamp Your Patio Into A Catio
First, there were man-caves. Then there were she-sheds. What’s the next logical step? Turns out it’s “catios” or as Kat Kult likes to call it – KATIOS! Tiny, luxurious patios built specifically to help cats enjoy their outside time, safely!
Despite their tendency to spend hours sleeping inside suitcases, cats are wild creatures, and many of them yearn for the great outdoors. However, outdoor cats can get into trouble or even cause it. Outdoor cats are at risk of getting lost, being hit by cars, or becoming a meal for a preying raptor. Cats also have a tendency to kill birds in huge numbers, which is a source of worry for some conservationists.
Catios solve all these problems, while still allowing cats to enjoy the sun and fresh air. They also usually have a few extra perks: scratching posts, climbing apparatuses, and plants. Some even include a chair for a human friend.
There are some companies that sell prefabricated catio enclosures, but most are built by industrious humans in honour of their cat friends. Custom catios let people tailor the structure to each feline’s needs. So if you’re looking for a creative, cat-friendly project to work on this summer, why not construct a catio of your own?
To create a peaceful patio or balcony space that’s safe and tranquil, here are 30 DIY catio plans and some useful tips and inspirational ideas to help you turn your patio into a luxurious catio for both you and the cats.
Important Things To Consider
Even though parasites are minor compared to the other dangers free-roaming cats face, it’s an important factor to consider. During mosquito season, give them heartworm medication. Cats are less susceptible than dogs, but they can still be infected by it and develop resulting lung disease. A whiff of catnip can make mosquitoes buzz off, so it’s a good idea to include it in your catio plan. You can choose to either grow your own catnip or get a catnip repellent spray to keep the mosquitoes away. It’s also important to give your cats a routine dewormer if they are exposed to dirt, where roundworms might live.
Mesh Fencing
If your patio is more of a balcony and positioned on an upper floor, then cat proof mesh fencing is an important element to consider as far as your cat’s safety is concerned. Use claw-resistant, heavy-duty material and make sure it’s securely attached. Black vinyl mesh wire, galvanized steel fencing or black steel critter fencing are all good options to consider. Inspect the meshing frequently to ensure there are no holes or ways to sneak in or out.
Choosing Lumber
Cedar is an ideal choice of lumber for outdoor cat enclosures, as it is an aromatic wood that is not only versatile but also durable and sustainable. Aesthetically, the wood can be of various colours, it gives off a lovely odour and has a natural finish that will look beautiful for years. It’s also highly weather-resistant and non-porous. If you’re someone who enjoys the natural beauty of wood, while also caring about the ecological impact of the lumber being used, cedar is the optimal choice for a catio.
Climbing Structures And Wall Shelves
When it comes to climbing structures, more is more! If possible, allow them to jump from one object to another for more exercise.
Scratching Post
No catio is complete without a cat scratching post. The type of scratching post you pick will all depend on the space you have to play with.
Picking Plants
It’s very important that the plants you pick for the catio are cat-friendly. No lilies, for instance, please! Organic cat grass, homegrown catnip and mint are essential plants to include when you are picking greens for your catio.
Concealed Litter Box
You don’t want your cats to wee and poo in the plants of your urban cat oasis, now do you? Of cause not. It’s, therefore, a good idea to include a concealed litter box, to avoid any nasty odours and dying plants.
Human Seating
Enjoy your catio with your cat by including seating for you, too. Add some extra charm and comfort with a cat hammock for your pussy.
Water fountain
If you want to go all out, then a water fountain for your cat will make for a lux addition to include in your catio plans. You might as well add a cat-themed drinking station for yourself while splashing the cash.
Night Lights
Additional lighting allows you to keep an eye on your cat as they wander around the catio at night and double up as a reading lamp that looks like a cat for you.
If you’re a cat-lover in search of a summer project, catios might just be the perfect focus for your handy ambitions. Your cat probably won’t thank you for it, but hey, that’s why we love them.
