How to make a catio for your feline friend

“Cats love vertical space so you can maximize a small area by adding several vertical shelves and perches,” says Catio Spaces. Photo by Liona Toussain/Unsplash

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Summer is a time to enjoy sunshine and fresh air, for both humans and their furry friends. And if you have a kitty, one of the best ways to help them enjoy the season is by installing a catio.

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A catio (or cat patio) is an outdoor area that’s typically attached to a home and enclosed by wire mesh. A cat can access it through a window or door, and the space is outfitted with everything it needs for play and relaxation.

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“Whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat, you can provide many benefits for your feline friend, including safety, enrichment, fresh air and the stimulation of nature, by building a catio,” says the website for Catio Spaces, which specializes in custom and DIY cat enclosures.

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If you want to add a catio structure to your home, you can buy a premade one, build one using a template, or design one of your own. Catio Spaces sells downloadable DIY plans, which include lists of tools and materials, step-by-step instructions and diagrams. But you can also find free templates elsewhere, such as the website for the BC SPCA.

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Once you decide on an option, consider these questions to ensure an optimal outdoor experience for your cat.

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1. How much space do you have? “Cats love vertical space so you can maximize a small area by adding several vertical shelves and perches,” says Catio Spaces. “If space is limited, a window box catio is a great option. If you want to enjoy the catio too, a 6’x8’ or 8’x10’ size catio will allow space for seating and bonding with your cat.”

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2. How will your cat access it? “The ideal location for a catio is near an exterior window or door with easy access for your cat to enter directly into a catio,” says Catio Spaces. “Cat doors, available in a variety of sizes and styles, can be installed in a window, door or a wall. If you prefer a catio located further away from your home, consider a cat tunnel or carrying your cat to the catio.” The BC SPCA website has instructions for how to build this kind of stand-alone catio along with an access tunnel.

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3. What natural elements will your cat be exposed to? Many cats enjoy basking in the sun, so you’ll want to ensure there’s plenty of natural light. But don’t forget to include places that provide shade, such as cat furniture or cloth screens.

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Cats will also love the sounds and sights of any surrounding nature. “A catio location with views of a garden, wildlife and family activities will provide endless enrichment for your cat while enjoying fresh air,” says Catio Spaces.

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4. What else will you put in it? Consider stocking the area with items such as cat towers, beds, toys, cat-friendly plants, and water bowls or fountains. An outdoor litter box might also be a good idea, says Catio Spaces, since it could reduce indoor odours and be more convenient to access. An extra outdoor litter box could also come in handy if you have multiple cats.

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