The outdoor world can be big and scary, especially when you are the size of a cat. As we all know, there are a lot of dangers outside for cats too, whether it be predators or motor vehicles. As the saying goes, the biggest thing that gets our cats into trouble is probably curiosity. Many cats want to go outside and explore the big outdoor world, but many owners would prefer that they stay inside, where it’s safer. Thankfully, there is a way to compromise! In the past few years, something called Catios have made a big appearance. Catios or cat patios, can be purchased or made by you. They can be simple or extravagant. The great thing about them is that they can be made to work best for each situation. No two catios have to be the same! Break out your imagination and build something super fun for your cat to enjoy. Here are a couple of examples of different types, both large and small catios.
A simple Google search can show all kinds of different types of catios. Just type in “catios,” it doesn’t get any easier than that! There are a few companies that can be found online, who offer pre-built catios or DIY kits, that you can purchase. Catios that come from companies can be fairly expensive, depending on which design you choose, but if it’s something you are interested in, it may be worth it. If you would rather save some money and build your own, there are lots of examples online for you to gather inspiration from.
If you have a catio or decide to build one, remember that your cat will now be exposed to all the creepy crawlies that come with the outdoor world, so make sure that you talk with your veterinary team about getting them on proper prevention. Even if the catio is not on the grass, this does not guarantee that they are safe from fleas and ticks, so be sure to still inquire about prevention. We are here to help answer any questions you might have about what prevention would be best for your cat’s lifestyle. If you build a catio or already have one, send us a picture! We’d love to see how much your cat loves it!
Written by Kelsey Hewgill, RVT
