Catios - cat patios providing safe outdoor access - offer an evidence-based solution to providing indoor cats with environmental enrichment while protecting wildlife and cat safety.
Indoor cats denied outdoor access can develop chronic boredom and frustration, particularly those with high activity drives or outdoor history. A well-designed catio provides the sensory richness of the outdoor environment - fresh air, varied sounds, bird watching, and seasonal variation - without the risks of free roaming. The welfare benefit for cats confined indoors for safety is substantial, allowing expression of natural behaviors like watching prey animals and experiencing environmental complexity.