A well-designed catio will give your feline friend the enrichment, fresh air, and outdoor stimulation she needs while providing a hazard-free space that ensures your precious cat never wanders astray. If you’re unfamiliar with catios, they are secure enclosures for kitties, also known as “cat patios,” that offer the conscientious cat owner peace of mind in knowing their furry friends can enjoy the outdoors safely throughout the year.
Catios are also a great wildlife-friendly solution for providing your cat outside access without letting birds and other creatures fall prey to its hunting instincts. If you’re interested in building an attractive outdoor sanctuary for your fluffy family member, we’ve put together some tips to help you start your catio construction project.
Identify the best location for the kitty retreat
Cat access should be your first priority when developing the perfect spot for your catio. Pet doors come in a variety of forms. You can retrofit pet entryways into windows, doors, and even the walls of your home.
If you decide to position your catio in a more distant area of your yard, you can build a cat tunnel. Carrying your cat to the sanctuary is another viable option. However, you’ll need to consider your meower’s temperament because there’s always a chance that she could escape your grasp on the way to the habitat.
Depending on your outdoor living area and how many felines will use the catio, you’ll also need to determine the size of the enclosure. If the outdoor sanctuary will house multiple cats or if you’re working with limited real estate, you may need to provide additional vertical space to make the most of your kitty retreat.
Building on a flat, level foundation is essential for constructing a durable, usable catio. You may need to level your backyard terrain or build on a patio or deck. Make sure the design incorporates sun as well as shade, and include stimulating views of your garden, surrounding wildlife, and household activities. This way, your furry friend can remain connected to your home and you while enjoying outdoor stimulation throughout the day.
Selecting your catio’s building materials
The following construction materials are all accessible from your local home improvement or lumber store:
- 16-gauge, galvanized fencing wire
- Vinyl-coated wire in green or black
- If building on the ground, bricks, pavers, or decking material
- Tight-knot cedar for shelves
- Three-quarter-inch exterior-grade plywood and outdoor carpet for corner perches
- Wire mesh or a clear, polycarbonate-covered roof
Always select the highest quality materials you can afford to ensure a lasting, escape-proof design that lets your feline friend enjoy its catio all year long. If you’re not exactly handy with construction tools, consider partnering with a local contractor to build your catio. Who knows? You might have so much fun with this that you’ll want to consider creating an inviting enclosure for the humans in the household.
Looking to install a cat door for access to your feline sanctuary?
Legendary Door & Windows in Irvine, CA can provide the perfect solution for creating a pet door to your catio without compromising your home’s curb appeal. For more tips and tricks on keeping your home looking fantastic all year round, follow The HomeMag on Instagram and Facebook!
