Facility
view from inside a "catio" of a black cat with green eyes crouching
distant view of a catio structure made of colorful fences with an orange cat sitting inside
distant view of a catio structure made of colorful fences with an orange cat sitting inside
By Cynthia Chomos
Photos By Catio Spaces
W ith their natural desire to experience the outdoors where they can express their hunting, stalking and roaming instincts, cats can pose a dilemma for owners who want to keep them safe. One solution that can satisfy both the cat’s yearning for fresh air and stimulation and the owner’s wish to provide their feline friend with a long and happy life is a catio! “Catios,” or cat patios, enable a healthy outdoor lifestyle where cats enjoy fresh air, exercise, bird-watching and sunbathing.

A catio can also be a great addition to a cat boarding facility because they offer a competitive edge and an amenity that promises an enhanced experience for your clients. They are designed to keep cats safe and happy in a stress-free environment, with access to exercise, entertainment and basic needs, which are great selling points for your cat clientele. Cats enjoy the freedom of moving from the cozy familiarity of the indoors to a secure and stimulating outdoor environment.

an orange cat at the end of a "catio" walkway decorated with a rug and potted plants
an orange cat at the end of a "catio" walkway decorated with a rug and potted plants
Cats enjoy the freedom of moving from the cozy familiarity of the indoors to a secure and stimulating outdoor environment.
Whether building your own with a DIY plan, buying a kit or opting for a custom-built enclosure, catios can provide attractive, enriching and safe outdoor environments. They come in all sizes and styles, from compact window boxes to freestanding structures with attached tunnels that connect and protect. Some catios are spacious enough to accommodate human visitors (think snuggling and catnaps!).
a grey cat stepping down from an exterior catdoor onto a "catio" decorated with a rug, a scratching pole and an upper ledge
an orange cat at the end of a "catio" walkway decorated with a rug and potted plants
Just as thoughtful design and durable materials contribute to the quality of boarding facilities, a well-planned and well-built catio can provide safety, stimulation and comfort.

Just as thoughtful design and durable materials contribute to the quality of boarding facilities, a well-planned and well-built catio can provide safety, stimulation and comfort. Among important building mistakes to avoid are an uneven foundation, a base and frame that are not “dig proof” from both wild and domestic animals, and using flimsy netting or wire instead of a safe, strong and long-lasting wire, such as a galvanized welded fencing wire.

Aesthetics are also important. Catios should be attractive havens. Instead of constructing a wire cage, choose a design and location that are visually appealing and complement the building where the cats’ “outdoor room” will be situated.
interior view of a large patio surrounded by trees and with a seating area, an orange cat walks along one of the ledges that travels along the upper walls of the patio
"Aesthetics are also important." typography
Catios should be attractive havens.
Color and accessories can add visual appeal, along with sensory enrichment. Cat-safe flowers and foliage add beauty and a sense of calm, while branches and logs provide ways for cats to enjoy vertical and horizontal movement. Weather-proof furniture, scratching posts, toys, and hanging toys add enrichment and fun. An outdoor litter box is also an option if space allows. Water dishes or water features can also be added outside, but any food or treats should be kept indoors to avoid to attracting rodents and insects.
a white and grey cat walks inside a small "catio" outside a house window
They come in all sizes and styles, from compact window boxes to freestanding structures with attached tunnels that connect and protect.
When creating an enriching catio for a boarding facility, life-enhancing elements that are found in nature, such as fresh air, light, color, textures, sound, movement of water and plants can be incorporated to create a positive sensory experience.

No matter the size, configuration or a cat’s disposition, catio cats find that life is good in a catio!

Cynthia Chomos, founder of Catio Spaces, is passionate about design, nature and cats. Her company designs and builds custom catios in the Greater Seattle area and offers online Do-It-Yourself (DIY) plans for various styles and sizes of catios, cat tunnels, and cat litter boxes. She credits her cat, Serena (who has four catios!) for being the inspiration for Catio Spaces. Cynthia uses her expertise as a Feng Shui consultant to create catios and pet friendly spaces in harmonious homes. This lifelong animal lover donates 10% from the sale of DIY plans to animal welfare organizations via her affiliate program. Catiospaces.com

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