Should I Get a Catio?: Tips On Outdoor Cat Enclosures
This video looks at the pros and cons of catios to help you decide if you should invest in a catio.
Most indoor cats want to go outdoors. But we are afraid that they will get lost or injured. So, we keep them indoors. Should you get a catio?
One solution that meets them halfway is an outdoor cat enclosure, also called a catio. These enclosed outdoor spaces are made specifically for cats. But there are pros and cons.
The video also looks at tips to keep these “cat patios” optimized for your cat. Outdoor cat enclosures can be very safe spaces where your cats can enjoy the outdoors, but you need to know a few things.
Your cats are stimulated by the outdoors, fresh air, smells and sounds. These are the benefits.
• Bugs to chase, plants, Sunlight
• Extra space
• Kittens won’t get lost, stolen, attacked, poisoned, hit by cars
• Cats can get away from other pets, such as dogs
• Levels provide exercise
• They can be there unsupervised and save you time
Downside
• Fleas
• Outdoor cats prowling about
• Weather (wet, snow)
• Digging dirt and dragging it in
• They are not cheap
• The require upkeep
Considerations
• Do you have the space for a catio?
• Location: sunlight (morning sun, afternoon shade). From which direction does the weather come?
• Should your outdoor cat enclosure be attached to the house or free standing?
• What size should the catio be?
• Do you want to spend time with your cats and kittens in the catio?
• How will your cats access the cat patio?
Suggestions
• You will need access to clean and maintain the catio.
• Get a lock.
• It’s best to have a covered litterbox inside the catio.
• Put plants inn there, but ensure the plants are not toxic.
• Check periodically to ensure it is still secure (roof, corners, door, attachment to house, run if you have one.)
Access
• Do you want to give your cats the choice? Is it even an option?
• Which window is best. Which room?
• Do you need a cat run for a free standing catio?
Catiospaces.com (catiospaces.com/) has plans to build your own catio. This is the company that Jenny used to get her catio plan.
#9livestolive #catios #outdoorcatenclosures
Flea image: Public domain in its source country on January 1, 1996 and in the United States. By Robert Hooke - This image is available from the National Library of Wales, Public Domain, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
I lost a cat. So traumatic. I have an indoor cat now. He drives me insane. It's not easy keeping cats indoors. Catio is a good compromise.
It's really hard to lose a cat. You work so hard to take care of them, but they enjoy the outside so much. The balance is really difficult.
@@9LivesToLive It's the worst. Thank you.
I’m so sory
I relate. We have at least 40 cats we rescued from feral colony, lost some over the yrs. Just rescued like 6 kits about 4-6mths ago. Some siblings & parents (moms) were murdered about 1-2mths ago on my property. They never leave my property. Found 12 dead within 24hrs. 💔😭 We try to get them in & fix. We probably could've gotten in 2 of the last when the weather turned a wk later. The last to die, was first one noticed because he sat & cried. He let me hold him, bring inside. He was the one that would come to door, be playful, let my kid "boop" his nose. Then the kid went looking for others. 😭 His deaf sibling was 2nd to last to die, be found. We probably could've gotten her too. 💔
So devastating to lose a beloved kitty suddenly. Leaves a lifelong, permanent emotional scar.
I had 5 cats born in my backyard . One got stuck to me and I've never had a cat, so this really helped me. I'm afraid to let him outside and create a monster.
I know. Sometimes it's hard to know what to do. To find the right balance.
I had a large enclosure custom built for my 3 cats. It runs along the side of my property and is as long as the house. It’s about 25’x5’ and 15’ high with a double decker insulated cat condo with heated mats inside. They also have multiple perches to climb. It has a walkway that they climb that takes them to a little cat door so they can let themselves in and out. I did this because one of my cats was anxious and was getting in fights in my neighborhood with others kitties and jumping off the 2nd story roof of my neighbors and getting soft tissue injuries and abscess from the punctures from fighting. The stress and vet bills were what made me decide to do it. I have also had my favorite cat killed by a car so I really think they are a great idea for people who have space for it. It’s not cheap to build if you don’t have building skills but saved me a lot a stress and time at my vets office.
It sounds like you have a great system! That's fantastic! Thanks for sharing.
I love how this video is so thorough and well thought out, plus the great camera skills. I'm currently building my dream tiny house, and plan to include a nice large attached catio with a lockable pet door built right into the exterior wall. Another bonus... Only *my* cats can come and go. No raccoons or other wild critters just waltzing right into my home through the pet door.
A tiny house with a catio sounds great, Dava! Good luck with it!
We put in a prefabricated catio that we bought and put together ourselves. We placed it and attached it right outside our dining room windows. The cats can go in and out the windows into their enclosed catio. They love it!
That's so great! I'm sure they appreciate it!
I rent, so I bought an extra large wire dog crate for a catio. I put it on the table on the covered front porch for her. It’s definitely not ideal, but she enjoys watching the neighborhood and being outside, so at least it’s something. The weather here can change very quickly,so I also put a heavy cave type bed in there along with a small litter box. That way, if it suddenly starts raining she’ll have a place to go for shelter quickly, as well as being able to use the litter box. I also put a pot of “cat grass“ organic wheat grass in there for her.
I think it's great to do whatever you can!
Good idea!!! Thank you!!
Supongo que en las noches queda dentro de casa y que ese catio es para el dia...
I have lost my precious cat so I am well aware of how difficult it is to protect them if they are allowed to go outside at will. They are persistent in making it clear that they would like to experience the adventures of what they see outside when looking through a window. Your video is very informative and helpful. Cats are so challenging when it comes to providing safety for them outside but you have shown that it is possible to build a safe enclosure or catio for them that they surely will enjoy.
It's a really hard trade off. I think most of it depends on the neighborhood.
Your video is very informative. I built a catio last summer for my daughters 3rd floor covered balcony. It’s 6 ft wide, 2-1/2 ft deep and 7 ft high, with a door, 5 shelves, 2 ramps and scratching post. It was my own design, made of 2x2 and 2x6 cedar. Cost about $500. I stapled 2x3 inch fence wire to cover the frame and door. Her 2 cats love the outdoor space. Cats get a bit squirrelly if kept indoors all the time. I ordered a cat door from Amazon that can be installed in a window screen in summer and another one installed in a piece of plywood which seals up the window in winter. The catio is attached in front of a window and balcony deck with a few screws. My fathers construction skills have rubbed off on me.
Sounds like an awesome catio, Sharon! Thanks for watching.
I have 11. They are collectively easier to take care of than my dog. I started making a catio 2 years ago....I think I will finish it now! Thank you for this video. Very good information. You covered all the bases:)
Great! I'm sure they will love it! 11 cats! Wow! Good for you!
Your fur babies will thank you ! and probably live longer .. cat's that get bored / do not get enough intellectual stimulation can get depressed, are less playful/active , etc. which can cause health problems. Francisco has another great video on a larger yard enclosure called "Purrfect Fence ". . . with 11 cats , that would probably be ideal, if you have the yard space . It would provide your kitties room to run around and play ! Bless you for taking care of so many little fur-bundles-of-joy ! 🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈 💕 aww.. that's a lot of purrs .
11? 11 cats? And they're easier to take care of versus a dog?? Yeah okay 🤥
@beyondview , yes, for me, the 11 cats are easier. I'm sure it wouldn't be the same for most people but I have fibromyalgia and so walking her often hurts me. Maybe before sending emojis that say someone is a liar, you could ask a few questions. For example: HOW do you find it easier?
11 cats u a good kitty parent
We have thought of getting a chicken coop just to give the kitty some outdoor time.
You did a really nice job going through everything. 🏆
Your catio is fantastic. I lost a beautiful female, desexed, pale tortoiseshell tabby, 6 years ago. She was an indoor/outdoor cat. She, (& my 2 black cats), were let out during the day & I put them inside at night. She got out during the night. I never saw her again. My heart still breaks. I moved to another town for work, because the other town had become unfriendly for pets. I wish I could afford a catio? My now 2 black cats & 1 tabby, are totally indoor cats now, even though my neighbours are all pet friendly.😊 I'm still cautious to let my cats out. They get full sun, from my large windows, they have cat grass & litter trays. They sleep with me, every night.😊
So sorry you lost your cat. It can be heartbreaking. I will be posting a video in the next few weeks on a cat balcony. It might be one way to give your cats fresh air without the expense of a full catio.
I’m so sory I know how it fells I lost my dog he would play with my cats outside
Good job in explaining many details regarding catios. You have done some homework 😸
Thanks for watching and for your comment.
We turned the patio off the main bedroom into a Cateo.. was easy n inexpensive hubby did it,,, and a little door on the wall on the side of the French doors,, We do keep it locked at night … They sleep with us anyway,,Lol 😅
I love to hear of innovative ways to enrich cats' lives.
Really appreciate this video, it's really well made and brings some issues up I hadn't considered. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! And thank you for watching, Paula!
I'm getting this one day
Great!
I think 9lives to live is a great!
Another advantage of a catio, even the smallest window box type, is it gives the cats more choice of *temperature.* They might want to find somewhere cooler than what we find comfortable indoors.
Great point! I had not thought of that. Thanks for your comment.
@@9LivesToLive You did mention temperature as something to be careful about, like not too hot or freezing their furry butts off, but if they have their own access, they can make that choice.
My panther boy was sleeping outside a lot recently, but he's come in now it's been raining for a few days. He's set up home on the lino floor by the door to my appt, where there's a bit of a draught. Probably the coolest spot indoors right now. Here's Shelly of TinyKittens working with ferals, the vid shows a small window sized catio that they're all in. Those outdoor cats like their outdoor space. kzhead.info/sun/db2IhKqHbHSqiqc/bejne.html
Thank you so much for this. I have a perfect yard for a catio but trying to decide where to begin can be frustrating. Your info was hugely helpful. Liked and subbed.
Thanks so much for your comment, Robert! I'm glad when the videos help!
Extremely informative. Gave me a lot to think about that I had not considered. Thanks so much !
You're welcome, Gwendolyn!
Love your videos, We have a Cateo but they cry as u are aware,,thank u for the PURRFECT fence video ,,, we only need the conversion, Hubby is building our own at a much cheaper price,, ,, What a wonderful idea and i had no clue until I watched ur video…. TY TY TY 😻
Great! I'm sure your cats will like it.
Holy moly! So glad I came across your video :) You provided great insight regarding the pros and cons of a catio. So much more to think about other than a cute outdoor cat enclosure. Thank you!
Thanks for watching SBM! Yes, Catios have a lot of variables to consider. But indoor cats do love them. I appreciate your comment!
@@9LivesToLiveYou a good cat dad
Thank you for this video! I want to build one for my cat because I can't let her out on her own because of health problems, so this is really helpful!
You're welcome, idk! Good luck with your project!
I rescued a cat with FIV. He was an outdoor cat, where ever he came from. He was good at adjusting to indoor life, but I got a small one built to give him variety. He does love it, especially at night when he stares out into the dark garden from the top shelf, happy out.
@@rnn9319 That's great! They love the fresh air!
Thanks for the video
I really want to build a catio for my cats!
That nooooooo! Was perfect i can relate 100%!
LOL!
Thank you for the info.
You're welcome, Ginger.
I have been contemplating what the best "catio " would be on my apartment deck. I do not plan on leaving the cats unattended in it but they would certainly jump the deck railing if i dont use something. I think the 3 tiered wire cage which is on wheels is my best, affordable option. I can wheel the whole thing indoors if rain or storms pop up. I just want my cats to enjoy a little "deck time" when i am out there.
That sounds like a good idea. I also heard of someone who built a small catio using IKEA shelving. I don't remember where, or I would link it. But you might look into that.
@@9LivesToLive I actually did see that video. I just couldn't locate the ikea shelving on their site. I think the video was a few years old. But THANKS 😊
Very thorough 👍
I appreciate the comment, D Light! Thanks!
ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS VIDEO
Great! Thanks for your comment, Atilla. I'm so glad you found it useful!
👏👏👏👏👏 excellent tips. Good advice
Thanks, Leif! I'm glad you found it helpful!
Thank you for sharing this very helpful info.
You are so welcome, Alien!
Thanks for the helpful info.. 👍
You bet!
Very thorough, great video.
Much appreciated, Kelly!
Your videos are so informative!
Glad you think so!
you're videos are great! and sooo informative ... thanks!
Glad you like them, Marilyn! Thanks for the comment!
I made a catio on my covered front porch, made it out of 13"×13" wire panels used for cube shelving and a lot of zip ties for reinforcement. Plus some carpet covered shelves. This is an economical and extremely customizable option, that doesn't require a lot of diy skill or maintenance. Just a little creativity in shelf placement. This is a great option for those who rent, as its not permanent and you can take it apart and reconfigure if you move and all you'll need is more zip ties. The cats cannot escape through or scratch through the panels, and neighborhood kids and animals can't get to them either! Mine is 2 panels wide 5 panels long 3 panels high About 67 panels (including the inner ones that support the shelves and make it more sturdy) Plus I apdded a cat tunnel that is attached to a large cat cage, that someone gifted me. I put a cat hammock in it as well that I made out of the seat of a broken childs colman style folding chair. My 3 cats love it, they spend about half their days chilling in it watching birds and napping.
Sounds great! Thanks for the comment!
A lot of good advice in this video. Thank you very much.
You're welcome!
Great informative video. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Great points! Definitely some things I hadn’t considered!
Glad it was helpful!
Your videos are great and cover so many details I would not have thought of. Thank you!
Thank you for the comment! I appreciate it.
Thank you for such awesome video. Very informative and to the point. I appreciated it, new subscriber here.
Thanks, Nora! I appreciate your comment and am glad you found the video helpful!
It's a pleasure listening to you. Just the right tone and rythm. Great editing. And very interesting, of course.
Thank you so much for your comment. I appreciate it.
Look into Purrfect Fence. Not cheap and not ridiculously expensive but it works 100% if you construct it properly which isn’t hard with all their support. I’m so glad I went for it.
Yes, I like Purrfect Fence. I made a whole video kzhead.info/sun/d5icedVtqpulZ6M/bejne.html
Ya gotta respect a man who owns a cat named "Mr. Muffin."
LOL!
New Subscriber here.... Loved Your Video 💟
Thank you so much 😊
I bought a special *outdoor litter box.*
I did not know they made one.
Great chanel, love it! Please also consider to built the main strut structure frome square galvanized steel. It is more sturdy and durable than wood and thus cheaper in the long run.
Good suggestion, Amarinta! Thanks for the comment!
🐈💞 Luv my Catio Friends, I still spend the $ and flea, Vitamins. Any trip to town I'm not afraid to ask for scrap's when another new 🏡 being built. PURRING TIPS 🙋 P.S. A HUGE TIP, I LEARNED YEARS AGO MY CATS DID NOT LIKE LIGHT'S!!! I EVEN DOWNSIZING TO MINI X-MAS LIGHTS, AND STILL NOT LIKING, I WALKED WAY OUT ON PROPERTY AND REALIZED, THEY COULDN'T SEE OUT AND ALL THAT CREEPED IN THE NIGHT COULD SEE THEM. SO YOU RICH FOLK'S THAT HAVE SENSOR LIGHT, GREAT FOR ME, FUR BABIES WIN, I USE HEADLAMP WANDERING AROUND AND BEST THING ABOUT THIS, IS NO BATS, YEAH BEST TIP, YOU'RE WELCOME 🐈💜🙋
So great about the catio! I did not know that about the lights.
I like the idea of a catio, walking them on a harness and leash and taking them with you to more places in a safe enclosed stroller. However, I’d never put a bird feeder with seeds out as those attract rats hugely. And if your cat likes to dig, then they can dig under a fence and escape.
Thanks for the comment. The fence does have a metal barrier at the bottom that prevents digging within a foot of the base. So that helps prevent an "escape".
I had a bird feeder once until I looked out the window in broad daylight and saw a pigeon, squirrel and a rat at the same time under the feeder eating seeds 😮 I knew it was going to be a rough winter and I removed that feeder with a quickness. Blessings 💜💚
I built my catio about 12 inches off the ground, suspended on concrete deck blocks. the floor of the catio is just wooden 2x4 boards with spaces in between so the rain drains out of it. Easy to clean, and the cats cant dig out of it in any way. My bird feeders are far enough away from the catio that the cats can still see it. No rats here, just birds and squirrels.
I live in a country where winters are cold, and our house is made of this kind of very thick, insulating bricks with air pockets inside. We made a large cat door (large enough for a dog to use it as well but small enough for no human old enough to walk to get through), and we have 2 doors, one of each side of the wall, so they form like a tunnel through the wall with gates on both sides. it's short enough that it's not possible for any cat to stay inside, if they go through one door, they go through the other as well - so there's no danger of any getting trapped inside. But since there's 2 doors, it does act like a sluice of sorts as far as weather conditions are concerned, it helps with not losing heat in the spring and autumn. In winter we just stuff it and have extra regular as-if cabinet doors to completely block the possibility of use of that and prevent heat loss. Works great
Love the cold hack! It's always interesting to see how people deal with their environments. I spent a little time in Kazakhstan, it was really cold in the winter.
@@9LivesToLive I responded but my comment disappeared? :(
@@9LivesToLive again it happened, I don't understand why :(
@@Sylkis89 I don't know why. These two appeared. Weird.
❤❤❤
I just saw your other video on larger enclosures. The other things that are of concern, at least for me, are groundhogs, that may come up inside of an enclosure or catio, so mine would need a floor. Another, where larger enclosures are concerned, is a covered “roof” even if it’s netting. Birds of Prey can snatch a cat and fly off with it. A black vulture once swooped down and tried to snatch my cat, who I had on a harness and leash. Lastly and sadly enough, I’d definitely opt for a sturdy, metal enclosure that I can lock. Neighbor issues. Thank you. Your videos are informative. Subscribed.❤
Yes, these are not perfect for every situation. Thanks for the comment!
I bought a large catio from Amazon. Waste of many. They need to be large enough for a human to walk inside of. If the cats can't move around much, they won't enjoy it. Here in Colorado fleas are not an issue due to the dry climate, also no mosquitos or ticks etc. But build a catio large enough for you to also get into and put a lawn chair, or don't bother. There is an excellent video up by a man in Tennessee that built one entirely of PVC pipe, zip strips and wire fencing, no wood to paint, rot, catch cobwebs etc.
Thanks for the tip. I will look for that video. But I do think that indoor cats enjoy the outdoors even if they do not have a lot of space. I have a small cat balcony and they are always using it. But if your cats are used to wandering outside, nothing will satisfy them except for the freedom to roam.
Our neighborhood cats are Lynx and Puma lol. Our Bombay cat just tried to hunt the fox in the backyard. Sure surprised the fox lol!
Taking on a fox, wow! Thanks for your comment!
Cats are amazing! Forget the TV and watch the cats!! All have different personalities and goofy antics! A big tree fell on edge of woods. The feral cats have been all over, up and down the trunk and branches. And our indoor cats enjoy the entertainment.thru our big screened windows.
My cats are also entertained by the outside cats in the neighborhood!
😊👍👍
😁
Ive had one of these for years. I have patio doors and window to access it.
Patio door access sounds great!
Depends on the neighborhood and where you live, city or rural. I have cats, they go outside during the day only. If I go on errands cats are inside. You can train cats to come to you. I think cats are healthier if they get outside time, but I live in a rural area. If I lived in the city they wouldn’t go out. Never let a cat out at night wherever. Fleas have never been an issue for me. No matter what get all their shots.
Thanks for your comment. I have read many comments about not letting a cat out at night. It seems the world is more dangerous then.
I keep my cats outside and they love the big yard. But is there like a catio or something that they can get into for extra protection?
Maybe you can put a pet door in a window.
I had a indoor car , had him for 14yrs. I lease tried him / had a baby gate for the door way, & he never tried getting out even if I accidently left the door open he would just stand at the door way , He did take off one time and was gone for few hrs. I'm guessing he didn't like bring in the wild bcuz he never went off again.
That's great for you. You don't worry about him.
Alumnium don't need maintance. 💡
Good to know.
Do you guys know what kind of nails should I use to attach my catio to my house? I heard that I need different nails for masonry sidings.
I don't know anything about masonry. Maybe you can talk to someone at the hardware store about the best way to attach it.
I also have trouble with my cats climbing all over my reed organ!
How do you handle it?
So the only downside is the cost. The other "cons" were just things that happen when a cat is outside, which is what we want.
And maintenance. You do have to keep it up. But the cats will love it.
Not all cats want the outside. My cat is happy as an indoor cat. 100% safe
So, true! One on my cats can sit next to an open door and does not take a step out. I just hope it stays that way.
another pro is that roaming cats can absolutely devastate local bird and small wild life populations.
A great point Caramel! I had not thought of that! Thanks for your comment!
I hope cat guardians are not spraying their cats as a form of punishment. It is just cruel and does not actually solve their problem or change the cat's behavior. All it does is teach your cat to be scared of you. Instead of just saying 'No' to something, say 'Yes' by providing an alternative for your cat. A great example is the shelving you built for your cats.
Agreed!
Personally, i think this is a duty. Or dont let em out at all. I know, money...
Yes, all of these solutions are expensive. But they love that extra "outdoor" room.
But a harness for your cat. It's freedom but it's also done in safe way. Little at a time. Kitty Holster & chicken is company name. Made in USA. Keep cats safe. They are not missing out. Too dangerous. Coyotes .wildlife
Yes, harness walking can be very good for some cats.
@@9LivesToLive Krazy farm & poultry. Has nice harness for cats. We are training our outdoor cat to be on it. He roams and unsafe bc dogs moving in.
I dont care about fease we live on a farm
Great! One less headache for you! Thanks for your comment, Mary-Ann.
@@9LivesToLive your welcome we live on a farm thats why I want to make a cat tunnel to keep my kitten safe
Not only for the cats, but that “outdoor cats” take a terrible toll on the bird and small wildlife population, killing millions of baby birds annually and contributing to the wild bird population decline. Being an indoor cat is fine.
Yes, it's impossible to take the hunter out of them.
No disrespect to cat owners, but I would rather be a feral cat than only get a taste of the outdoors. How is a catio not a cat's Riker's Island?
Everyone has an opinion about this topic. Thanks for your comment.
Most feral cats live 1-2 years. Domestic cats can see 20.
Oh, my God, why would anybody let a cat out in the street? What an irresponsible, heartless person.
Some cats demand it, and each person has to make their own decision based on the safety of their own neighborhood. Places with loose dogs, coyotes and large birds of prey are especially problematic.
I am not a builder but when I had two cats n two cat boxes in my clothes closet well I learned quick. I used 2 x 3 wood for main frame. I made the front wall on my lawn n drug it to the side of house. I was going to use Pet screening from big box store that was 4’x8’. So the depth was 4’ and the width was 8’. On the front panel I put a door and was shocked how well it came out. I love rain on tin so I put up variegated tin room with a huge slant to keep water from accumulating on my mobile home. I put the two cat boxes outside and we were all happier. I had nailed 2x3 one on each end to house. Then attached side walls then the front. It was on the east side n they loved being in the morning sun. There was a larger shelf just outside window then a step down shelf n two shelves across the front n one lower step shelf to get to the ground. During rainy season I had bought heavy duty plastic sheeting that worked great. They used it all year long n spent at least four hours a day out there. Going thu the front gate every day to clean the boxes worked great. Before long other neighbors were building catios. I have a kennel long patio enclosure now with a cat door as my last cat couldn’t jump high as she was older n had a bad back (Manx). But now I have an adorable lovey of a boy who is three n I know a four foot fence won’t hold him. I am moving I hope soon n I will make an outdoor detached with a tunnel from cat door as I will be renting. 😮
Wow! Creative solution! Thanks for sharing.