Cat + Patio = Catio: The Newest Home Project Trend
Yes, you read that title correctly. We did say “catio” and yes, it is a real thing. In fact, it’s part of a larger trend to make our homes and spaces pet friendlier and even more comfortable for our furry family members. Let’s face it, our dogs and cats are already the kings and queens of our – um, their – castles. Indeed, plants are the new pets and pets are the new kids and we are all guilty of spoiling our fur babies!
If you are interested in enhancing your home’s pet appeal, we have some DIY tips for you to make your very own catio or dog patio.
Constructing Your Catio
Picture this: Princess Purrs-A-Lot, an indoor kitty all her life, has recently been making her desire to explore the outdoors known to all in the house. And she is serious. Those cute meows from her perch on the windowsill have turned to yowls and every cracked door is a dramatic attempt at escape. You want to give Princess everything but also want to keep her safe. Is there a way to have it all, including yowl-free coffee time?
The answer is an outdoor cat enclosure – or catio – designed to meet the fickle demands of Princess and give our feline masters the ability and freedom to experience the outdoors without the risks.
First, assess your space and your cat’s capacity for mischief. Cats can be escape artists so if you want to make sure your kitty doesn’t end up roaming free and getting too much of a taste of life on the streets, be sure your outdoor space is an appropriate canvas for your catio masterpiece. No matter the size of your space –whether it’s a large yard or a small balcony or outdoor patio – check for a few things like gaps in fencing, climbable trees kitty could use as an escalator to another yard, and really . . . climbable anything. According to PetsMD, a cat’s propensity to climb and view the world from on high is all instinct. Cats go high so they can more easily spot potential prey down low and to help them feel secure and protected. Unfortunately for us, that climbing can lead to a whole lot of other potential mischief we may want to prevent.
To curb any errant climbing, make sure your catio offers plenty of perches to make your cat feel comfortable and allow him or her to take in the views. Giving your cat that ability will alleviate his desire to seek it out on his own. There are a large selection of aesthetically pleasing cat perches available online and a few really cool at-home and DIY options. There’s even dedicated categories of outdoor cat enclosure furniture for sale including perches and kitty climbing gyms. Peruse the options with Princess looking over your shoulder. Her buy-in is critical.
Consider additional options to keep escape to a minimum. Some catio plans include galvanized fencing or other quality material surrounding the enclosure to keep kitty safe. These outdoor cat enclosures allow for outdoor enrichment with the benefit of security and range from smaller enclosures shipped to you for assembly or larger catios you build yourself using available online plans. There are plenty of styles and setups to choose from and to make your kitty’s dreams come true.
Now that you’ve addressed any Houdini-like possibilities, it’s time to consider comfort and stimulation. Of course, your catio will need the basics and necessities. Fresh water is a must. Consider a small fountain to ensure kitty always has plenty of water or make it a priority to check on and refresh the water supply a few times throughout the day. Food is a no-go. Keep the food inside your house to keep from attracting insects or other critters – especially if you also have a doggie door. And let’s not forget the feature most integral to kitty maintenance: the litter box. Princess will need a place to do her business in the great outdoors but that doesn’t mean you should get rid of your indoor litterboxes. Keep both for your cat’s security and comfort.
Beyond the basics, add a few extra elements to your catio like toys and scratch areas. These will present more opportunities for enrichment and stimulation. If you want to include plants, be sure they are safe for meow-meow. Catnip, wheat grass, basil, pansies, or simply grass planted in a pot are great options.
Finally, if your outdoor cat enclosure is big enough for a human, and of course, if Princess allows, make sure there is a place for you to sit and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors along with your cat. Make it bonding time!
And what about Fido? Are catios just for cats? Well, yes; yes they are. But that doesn’t mean you have to leave your pup out of your plans. Keep reading for a few tips on how to create the ideal outdoor living situation for dogs.
Dog Patio Planning
Although Princess will lord the creation of an entire space designed just for her over your dog for the rest of their natural lives, there is no reason to leave Fido out of the equation. No matter the species, our pets mean a lot to us and we want to make them feel included in our outdoor activities. For those of you on “team doggo” who are looking to make your yards or patios safe and comfortable for your canine companion, we’ve got you covered.
Top of the list? Make sure your dog patio or yard is enclosed. Whether it be fencing or some other type of barrier, don’t let your dog roam free. It’s not safe for the pup and not fair to neighbors who may not be as down with dogs as you are. Check your fence or enclosure regularly to prevent any escapes and to make sure Fido is always secure. Once that fence is A-OK, consider peeping holes – places along the enclosure for your dog to see (or smell) the world beyond. The ability to see beyond its immediate surroundings can keep a dog from feeling anxious and prevent unwanted behaviors like chewing, jumping, or digging. Not to mention it’s super cute!
Beyond the fence, consider what your yard or patio offers for your dog’s stimulation and comfort. Be sure to include areas of shade. If you don’t have access to natural shade from trees, use an umbrella or sunshade. Like the catio, any dog patio must have plenty of fresh water. Be sure to place water bowls in the shade to encourage hydration and keep the water cool. A water feature can provide ample fun for Fido. No koi ponds necessary! A plastic kiddy pool or even a sprinkler hooked up to a garden house means your pup can stay cool while playing.
Incorporate a doggie door for easy outdoor access. No matter the door between your patio or hard and home, there’s a doggie door for that. Try a dog door for a sliding glass door or a dog door for a screen door. The options mean freedom – for you and Fido.
Make sure the flora in your yard or on your patio is doggie-proof and doggie-friendly. If you don’t want Fido in your roses or broccoli rabe, fence or rope off those areas to keep your pup out of trouble and in your good graces. Avoid planting anything toxic to dogs like azaleas, hyacinth, or daffodils (check out the American Kennel Association site for a complete list of plans poisonous to dogs).
Last but not least, give yourself and Fido plenty of time to enjoy your outdoor space together. No matter what you include in your outdoor space, your dog just wants to play with you. So grab a frisbee and have some fun!
