Companion Cat Outdoor Enrichment and Catios

Catios and outdoor enclosures provide safe outdoor access for cats - design principles affect both safety and welfare value.

Key Facts

Catios are enclosed outdoor spaces allowing safe access to fresh air, sights, and sounds
Well-designed catios include vertical space, perches, and substrate for digging or rolling
They eliminate road traffic risk while allowing many natural outdoor behaviours
Catios can be attached to windows, doors, or free-standing in gardens
Cats vary in their use of catios - some adapt immediately while others take weeks
Connectivity between indoor and catio via cat flap allows cat-controlled access

Welfare Considerations

Catios represent a welfare solution that balances the benefits of outdoor access with protection from road traffic and wildlife predation risks. They are particularly valuable for cats that have previously had outdoor access and find full indoor confinement stressful. Design should prioritise enrichment opportunities rather than simply providing outdoor air.

What You Can Do

Research catio designs suitable for your property and budget
Install cat-controlled access via cat flap for maximum welfare benefit
Include multiple perching heights, hiding spaces, and substrate variety in catio design
Add bird feeders in view of catio to provide stimulation without enabling predation
Consider growing cat-safe plants including catnip and cat grass in the catio