Cat Outdoor Enclosures and Welfare Benefits

Secure outdoor enclosures (catios) provide indoor cats with outdoor access without the risks of free roaming. Evidence supports their positive welfare impact.

Key Facts

Catios range from simple window boxes to large outdoor runs connected to the house
Regular outdoor access reduces obesity, boredom, and stereotypic behaviours in cats
Wildlife mortality from enclosure-kept cats is effectively zero compared to roaming cats
Well-designed catios include climbing structures, shelters, and interactive elements
Commercial and DIY catio options are available at a wide range of price points

Welfare Considerations

The outdoor enclosure provides an elegant solution to the indoor-outdoor cat welfare dilemma. Cats housed exclusively indoors without enrichment suffer from understimulation; cats allowed to roam face road traffic, territorial conflict, and predation risks and cause significant wildlife mortality. A secure outdoor enclosure allows the cat to experience fresh air, natural light, bird watching, and climbing — key elements of outdoor experience — without the risks of roaming. Research consistently shows that outdoor access improves cat welfare indicators; catios extend this benefit to owners who choose indoor housing for safety or wildlife protection reasons.

What You Can Do

Consider building or purchasing a catio if you keep your cat indoors for safety reasons
Include climbing structures, shelving, and hiding spaces in any outdoor enclosure
Ensure the enclosure provides shade, shelter from rain, and comfortable resting surfaces
Connect the catio to the house through a cat flap to allow self-directed outdoor access
Share your catio design with others to inspire more cat owners to provide enriched outdoor access