Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Welfare and Outdoor Catio Design

Catios (cat patios) provide outdoor access while keeping cats safe. Well-designed catios improve welfare by enabling natural behaviours without the risks of free-roaming.

Key Facts

Outdoor access significantly enriches cat behavioural repertoire and mental health
Free-roaming outdoor cats face risks from vehicles, disease, and predators
Catios can provide climbing, hunting simulation, and fresh air safely
Connecting catios to multiple indoor rooms improves territory and choice
Planting catios with cat-safe plants adds olfactory and tactile enrichment

Welfare Considerations

Catios represent an excellent welfare compromise for indoor cats - providing environmental enrichment and outdoor experience while eliminating the significant risks of free-roaming. They can transform feline welfare for indoor-only cats.

What You Can Do

Consider installing a catio for your indoor cat
Research catio designs appropriate to your space and budget
Ensure catios are planted with cat-safe, non-toxic species
Connect your catio to multiple indoor rooms to maximise territory