{"id":744,"date":"2019-06-27T16:14:28","date_gmt":"2019-06-27T16:14:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sbahvet.com\/?p=744"},"modified":"2019-06-27T16:14:28","modified_gmt":"2019-06-27T16:14:28","slug":"build-a-catio-give-your-cat-the-best-of-both-worlds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sbahvet.com\/blog\/build-a-catio-give-your-cat-the-best-of-both-worlds\/","title":{"rendered":"Build a Catio, Give Your Cat the Best of Both Worlds\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to making their furry friends happy, cat owners are accustomed to thinking outside the box. Between cat trees and hammocks, window perches and cardboard castles, they try their best to ensure their cats remain comfortable, secure, curious, and connected to their environment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For strictly indoor cats that show an eagerness to roam, chase, and frolic beyond the safe confines of the house, finding ways to keep them entertained can be a challenge. A clever alternative to roaming the neighborhood is to build a catio.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Free Roaming Comes With a Cost<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sure, cats allowed to wander the alleyways and roads around their homes may have more feline fun. However, indoor-outdoor cats are at risk of accidental injury or death, exposure to contagious diseases and parasites, and can even get lost or picked up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Birds & Mice Will Thank You<\/span><\/h3>\n

Another reason to build a catio is to protect the wildlife of your neighborhood from the predatory instincts belonging to your cat. Known to prey upon mice and birds, even well-fed cats can\u2019t always refrain from a game of chase and pounce.<\/span><\/p>\n

Endless Requests<\/span><\/h3>\n

While some <\/span>indoor-only cats<\/span><\/a> are content inside the safe, warm, cozy confines of a house, many whine and chirp to be let outside. It could be the simple allure of the fresh air and sunshine, but with <\/span>so many possible risks<\/span><\/a> it can feel like you\u2019re doing them a disservice by opening the back door.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A Genuine Gift<\/span><\/h3>\n

A catio is a safe, fully enclosed outdoor space designed just for your cat. They can feel the sun, smell the breeze, and stare at all the possible prey surrounding them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some catios are set up in the middle of a yard so the cat inside is fully immersed in the natural world. Others are build right off the back door or a ground floor window for easy access. To build a catio at your house, check out <\/span>this simple plan <\/span><\/a>or peruse these <\/span>DIY catio plans<\/span><\/a> for the right one for your cat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Options Galore<\/span><\/h3>\n

Every cat\u2019s needs are different, and your can customize their catio to suit them. The following suggestions aim to help you get the ball rolling:<\/span><\/p>\n