Indoor cats gaze out the window for hours at a time, imagining what life is like outside, but are frequently confined within because their owners are afraid they will escape. If this describes your cat, cat-patios, also known as catios, may be exactly what you're looking for.
Catios are the ideal balance for you and your pet: they get outside stimulation while you stay worry-free. Catio windows, a catio deck, or an outdoor catio are just a few of the various catio ideas available to fit almost any Waterloo Region home.
The choices for what you can do are extensive, whether you're welcoming a cat into your new Waterloo region home, planning to add a feline friend to your family once you have found and purchased your ideal Waterloo Region home or simply wishing to update your home for your current feline.
What are the Benefits of Catios for Cats?
There's a very good reason why people keep their cats inside: to keep them safe from the dangers that lie outside. Diseases, parasites, automobiles, and wildlife are all more dangerous to outside cats. Indoor cats, on the other hand, live longer on average but lack the mental stimulation that outdoor cats do. Catios are an excellent compromise. They can expend all that stored up energy and discover new sights, sound and scents while also offering peace of mind for you as a pet parent.
Catios can be as big or as small as you want them to be, depending on how much space you have. Choose a window or balcony catio if you don't want to take up too much space or spend too much money. If you want a place where you and your cat can both relax, catios on the porch and in the backyard are ideal.
One of these four catio ideas is guaranteed to inspire your next home improvement project, regardless of your budget or imagination.
Window Catio
A window catio is a great catio concept for boosting your cat's favorite viewing area, and it's easy to put together. Giving your cat their own enclosed shelf, similar to a window box, allows you to include a cat door, so they can come and go as they please.
Your cat will appreciate the benefits of fresh air while also feeling more connected to its environment. Depending on the size of your window and how much of the window you want it to occupy, sizes range from little enclosures to enormous boxes. As an added bonus, the material used is usually mesh wire, allowing light to pass through the window.
2) Balcony Catio
Balconies are larger than windows and provide space for your cat to stretch his or her legs. Even though cats have good balance, leaving them alone on a balcony that isn't secure may not be the best option. Balcony catios are a terrific way to make the most of your outside space for your cat without having to surrender a window. Cat-proof the balcony with mesh or chicken wire that extends over the railings and stretches upward to form a ceiling, further protecting your feline companion.
3) Deck or Porch Catios
Because they are built on your deck or porch, these catios are larger than window and balcony catios. A porch catio can be constructed in a variety of ways. You can protect your deck with mesh wire, attach beams to the roof, and add another door to your yard, or you can dedicate a smaller piece of the porch to incorporate the tall enclosure with its own entrance. Because porch catios are often larger, you can add multi-level shelves and other climbing structures for your cat to enjoy.
4) Backyard Catio
A backyard enclosure is the best alternative for you if you want a catio design that isn't attached to your house. Backyard enclosures come in a wide range of sizes and styles. They can be anything you choose, from a simple collapsible enclosure to a themed catio that fits you and your pet AND your landscape design aesthetic. These backyard enclosures are an excellent way to include your outdoor space with your catio.
Choosing the Best Catio Design for your Waterloo Region Home
Let's start with the location. You'll want to construct a catio with easy access to the inside of your home. This might be a window or a door – anywhere your cat can stroll right into it. There are several options for cat doors that work with all types of windows and doors if you decide to install one for simple access. A cat door is also a good catio concept because it keeps your house warmer by removing the need to leave your windows open for them.
After you've decided on a place, you'll need to figure out how big your catio should be. This will be determined by how much outdoor space you have available, as well as how many cats will be using it.
After you've decided on the location and size of your catio, you can either order custom-made designs or build it yourself. Premade alternatives can get pricey depending on how customized you want your catio to be. Consider making it your next DIY project if you're trying to stay on a budget.
DIY Window Catio
Most homeowners will choose window catios since they are the simplest option. Here's what you'll need if you want to make your own window catio:
Mesh or Chicken Wire
Saw
Plywood planks
Beams or wall mounts
Stapler
Power drill and screws and/or wood glue
Measuring tape
Premade cat door (optional)
To begin building your window box, you will need to use the wood saw to cut the lumber for the beams and floor to the desired length. After this, you will connect the beams to form a rectangular frame by using screws or wood glue.
Once the frame is completed, drill the wall mounts to your home and secure the wood frame to the top with screws or wood glue. Now, add the flooring inside the frame and on top of the wall mounts using screws or glue to secure it in place. Next, add the wire to the outside of the frame using a staple gun. Once you’ve added the roof of your choice – wire, plastic covering, or wood – your window catio is complete.
Getting ready to buy a Waterloo Region home, or sell the one you own? Let Team Pinto use their huge local real estate experience and expertise to help you. Contact the award-winning Team Pinto here, or book a free Zoom consultation to discuss your unique Waterloo Region real estate needs here.