Let’s be honest… if your cats had opposable thumbs, they definitely would’ve built themselves a catio already.
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What Is a Catio? And Do You Need One?
A catio is an enclosed outdoor or semi-outdoor space where your cat can safely experience the outdoors. Catios are a good way to help aid mental stimulation which in turn reduces boredom and decreases destructive antics (like excessive meowing and inappropriate scratching.)
And they’re especially useful if:
you live in a tiny apartment,
your cat is highly active,
you’re gone for most of the day, and/or
you’re a frequent flyer.
And since you’ve probably already saved “catio ideas” on Pinterest at least thrice at 2am, let’s cut to the chase.
Here are 8 signs to build a catio (or something similar) with ideas that aren’t too far-fetched and are actually small apartment friendly.
Small Apartment-Friendly Catio Ideas
1. A window box catio that securely attaches outside your window for that perfect inside-outside feel.
2. If you’re lucky and have a balcony, you can always create a quasi-catio by cat proofing your balcon. This way they can stay safe while having plenty of space to enjoy the fresh air.
Suggestions:
Wire Mesh / Hardware Cloth is highly recommended over nylon, as it stops cats from climbing or pushing through, and acts as a better barrier against predators.
Transparent Nylon Netting with steel wire reinforcement provides high safety without ruining the view.
Heavy-Duty Pet Mesh/Netting or even Baseball Backstop Netting holds up well to scratching and biting.
Chicken Wire can work for the bottom half, but it is less durable than welded wire.
3. The IKEA catio hack is an affordable (though somewhat complicated) DIY project where you modify shelving units and add mesh to prevent a prison break situation. You can situate it outside an open window so the kitties can walk in and out without disturbing you in the middle of yet another Zoom call.
A few suggestions for mesh:
HEJNE: Highly recommended wooden shelving unit that can be easily covered in mesh.
NORDKISA: Ideal for creating taller, enclosed spaces.
KALLAX: Useful for creating low-level, cubby-style environments, particularly when using UTSÅDD inserts.
IVAR: Durable wooden shelving that works well as a base structure.
4. A rolling catio cart is perfect for the indoor-who-desperately-wants-to-be-an-outdoor cat. Just move it from your apartment to your balcony. Or you could even pop it out into your building’s hallway so kitty can chat up all the neighbors.
5. Bird feeders that hang on your window also double as your cat’s favorite Reality TV show — a cheap alternative to actually going outdoors. And it they can trash talk the birds while you’re working. Win, win.
6. Use safe plants and cat grass to create an indoor garden for sensory stimulation and, most importantly, spa-like relaxation. Throw in a brook or two and they may even throw you a tip (extra kisses.)
7. Climbing trees is a large part of the appeal of the Great Outdoors, so try adding more vertical space to your apartment with a couple multilevel cat ladders. Place them by a window or balcony to help simulate that “I’m finally freeeee” feeling.
8. Putting a pop-up play pen in your backyard is a temporary (yet effective) way to spice up your kitties life. You could even bring this set up with you to a quiet park for a nice day out in the sun with friends.
Did I inspire you?
Personally, I think catification is brilliant. It improves a cat's quality of life and helps relieve some of that cat parent guilt. But if you’re working in the office for long hours or traveling a lot, remember that they will need a few extra things to keep comfortable while you’re away, like:
Human interaction
Health monitoring
Routine maintenance
Even small upgrades like going the extra mile to design an interactive home and find a trusted sitter, can completely upgrade your cats’ quality of life. And that allows you come back home after a holiday getaway to cats that aren’t just okay (and slight pissed at you) but are also happy, healthy and regulated.
Planning a trip soon?
Kristin’s Kitty Care offers in-home visits to keep your cat safe, stimulated, and stress-free.
Email me to let us know about your cats’ needs and schedule your complimentary meet n greet.
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