Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Outdoor Enrichment and Catios

Catios and outdoor enclosures provide safe access to outdoor stimulation for cats, balancing welfare benefits of outdoor access against risks of unrestricted outdoor living.

Key Facts

Catios are enclosed outdoor structures attached to or near houses providing secure outdoor access
Outdoor access reduces boredom and provides exercise, fresh air, and sensory stimulation
Catios prevent wildlife predation that makes unrestricted outdoor cats controversial
DIY and commercial catio options range from window boxes to large garden enclosures
Tunnels and walkways extending from catios expand accessible territory significantly

Welfare Considerations

Catios provide a welfare solution that addresses both the genuine benefits of outdoor access for cats and the legitimate concerns about wildlife predation and road traffic. They represent a creative compromise that improves welfare while managing environmental impact.

What You Can Do

Consider building or purchasing a catio to give your cat safe outdoor access
Connect a catio to your home through a cat flap to allow autonomous outdoor access
Share catio designs with other cat owners to promote adoption of this welfare solution