You may have noticed that we always recommend keeping kitties indoors. They’re just much safer inside! Of course, Florida is the purrfect place to give your feline friend the best of both worlds. Catios—or patios for cats—allow kitties to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine while keeping her safe from hazards. Many of our feline pals absolutely love their catios. Fluffy gets to experience the best of both worlds. She can get some of the perks of being outdoors. Fluffy also gets to indulge in some of her favorite kitty pastimes: sun bathing, meditating, and plotting world domination. A North Redington Beach, FL vet offers some tips on this below.
That’s not exactly a yes or no question, as there are some variables that come into play. Some people put up cat enclosures. This is pretty much the same as a catio in practice: it still gives Fluffy a safe place from which she can observe wildlife, enjoy some sunlight and fresh air, and perhaps daydream about hunting. However, cat enclosures can come in many shapes and sizes. Some people build them but use an existing door or window as access. Some may be attached to the residence. Others may be a completely separate structure, which Fluffy may get to by a tunnel or cat tower. Some of these may require permits, particularly if you are under an HOA. Landlords may also have requirements or restrictions about such things.
That said, there are no hard and fast rules about how to create Fluffy’s catio. You can use a screened porch, a sunroom, a spare room, or even a sunny corner. You of course would not need a permit for those things.
We honestly can’t think of any! One might think that you would be giving up space, but that isn’t true. You can still add some furniture for yourself.
Aside from that, there is a chance that your kitty could get bitten by parasites or, depending on where you are, perhaps a snake. However, simply taking some basic precautionary measures can go a long way toward preventing that.
That said, the pros far outweigh the cons here. Fresh air, sunshine, a cool breeze: these things are just as enjoyable for kitties as they are for people.
It’s not a bad idea, especially if your kitty has easy access. In fact, this may be a two-birds-one-stone solution. You can set up a pet door for your feline pal, so she can come and go as she pleases.
The first thing you would want to put on a catio? Kitty Furniture! There are plenty of great options online. If you want to save money or just enjoy being crafty, you’ll also find plenty of options for making your own.
Here’s one option: Repurpose an old stepladder. Add boards to widen out the steps, and then cover the whole thing in carpet or sisal rope. You can also build one from scratch out of lumber or pvc pipe.
Catwalks aren’t the only option. Our feline pals also enjoy things like pet tents and tipis. Cat tunnels or shelves will also keep your kitty happy and occupied
One thing that is bound to make the catio more fun for your feline pal? Put a birdfeeder or birdbath in a spot where she can see it. Your feline pal may spend hours on end just watching the action.
We don’t advise this if you let your cat out, though. That’s just luring the poor birds to their dooms.
No kitty spot is complete without some fun toys. Your pet may enjoy all sorts of different playthings. Choose things that can be washed. If your catio is exposed to outdoors, it will probably get dusty
Classic toys, like catnip mice, are fine, but you can also go high-tech and give Fluffy a robotic mouse. This is also going to be a fun spot for things like smart toys, robotic toys, mechanical swimming fish, and other modern kitty playthings.
Many cats prefer to drink running water. This is likely a deeply rooted survival instinct. In the wild, running water is far less likely to be contaminated than sitting water. Look for a little kitty fountain for Fluffy.
You may have noticed that many cats love high places. Kitty shelves will definitely be popular with your feline buddy.
Plants are a great addition to a catio. They’ll not only give it that outdoors feel, they’ll also give your cute pet things to sniff and investigate. You will need to be sure to only put safe plants.
Wheat grass is popular as a healthy supplement for people, and it’s good for Fluffy, too. It contains beneficial vitamins and nutrients, such as riboflavin, Vitamin E, and folic acid.
Many kitties love this pretty plant, which will also help keep your home smelling nice and fresh. Lemongrass is also safe for Fluffy to eat: in fact, it actually has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Parsley contains vitamins A, B, and C; beta-carotene; and potassium, and is good for Fluffy’s breath! Rosemary and thyme are also safe for your feline buddy. Plus, you get fresh herbs for cooking.
Fluffy’s favorite plant is easy to grow! Catnip is part of the mint family. Its cousins, mint and peppermint, are also safe for kitties.
Zinnias and marigolds are both safe for kitties. African violets are also non-toxic to kitties, and are very easy to grow! Check the ASPCA site here for a full list of safe and non-safe plants.
Spider plants are very popular houseplants, and with good reason. They’re attractive, and simple to grow. They are also safe for cats. (Note: that doesn’t mean the plant is going to be safe from your cat: many furballs absolutely love eating spider plants!)
If you want a larger plant, consider getting a rubber tree plant. These are great for bad gardeners: they’re almost impossible to kill. Ponytail palms and money trees are also safe for Fluffy.
Toxicity isn’t the only thing to be cautious about. Be careful with how you place the plants. You don’t want your pet to pull on a trailing vine or bat at a macrame tassel and pull a heavy plant onto herself. That could be dangerous! Use sturdy plant holders.
Of course, you don’t have to give up the space. Put out some furniture for yourself. You may find that this is a great way to create a multi-purrpose space.
Do you need to bring your kitty in for an exam, vaccinations, or parasite control? Please feel free to contact us, your North Redington Beach, FL pet hospital, at any time.
