Cats

Cat Outdoor Enclosure Catio Design for Welfare

Catios (cat patios) provide safe outdoor access for indoor cats. Well-designed catios allow natural behaviors including climbing, bird watching and fresh air without road or predation risks.

Key Facts

Catios range from window boxes to large free-standing structures connected to cat doors
Essential catio features include climbing structures, perches at multiple heights and weather shelter
Cat-safe plants including cat grass, catnip and valerian provide olfactory enrichment in outdoor enclosures
Tunnel systems connecting the house to a freestanding catio provide enriched exercise opportunity
DIY catios can be built from basic materials with designs freely available online for most skill levels

Welfare Considerations

Catios provide a welfare solution to the genuine tension between outdoor access benefits and road mortality risk. Cats in catios access fresh air, UV light, natural sounds and smells, and varied visual stimulation that significantly enriches the indoor cat environment. For cats previously restricted to indoors, catio access increases activity, reduces boredom-related behaviors and provides exposure to natural stimuli important for psychological wellbeing.

What You Can Do

Build or purchase a catio that provides vertical space, weather shelter and connection to the house
Include bird-safe feeders visible from the catio as visual enrichment without predation risk
Plant cat-safe herbs and grasses in the catio for olfactory and tactile enrichment
Connect catio to the house via a secure cat flap and tunnel for independent access
Ensure catio construction prevents escape through appropriate mesh sizing and secure connections