How to Make a Catio

Do you have a screened porch, or perhaps a sunroom? If so, you can make this into a catio, and give your feline friend a special kitty comfort zone. Read on for advice on how to make a catio in this article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair vet clinic.

Window Views

In order to make a proper catio, you’ll need to offer Fluffy some good window views. To make the view even more interesting for your cat, install birdfeeders in the yard. (Of course, we only recommend this if your kitty is an indoor-only pet!) Use a sturdy shelf to make a kitty window seat, or, better yet, position a cat tower before a window.

Little Luxuries

Make sure your catio includes plenty of fun kitty toys. You’ll want to make sure to offer Fluffy a scratching post or board as well. Many cats also enjoy drinking running water. Consider installing a pet fountain for your furball.

Plants

Safe, non-toxic plants are a great way to give your kitty a taste of the outdoors while keeping her safe and sound inside. Add some kitty-safe plants, such as spider plants, Boston ferns, or rubber tree plants. Setting some on the ground will give your ferocious little hunter a spot to peek out from, so she can pretend she’s stalking a bird, instead of a toy ball. You can also grow catnip or cat grass in small pots.

Kitty Furniture

A catio is a great spot for Fluffy’s cat tower. If you want to save money, you can go the DIY route and make one yourself by repurposing an wooden stepladder or a metal storage rack. Just add planks for napping spots, and then cover the whole thing in carpet or sisal rope. Presto! Instant kitty luxury.

Beds

Offer your furball plenty of comfy napping spots, such as kitty beds, ottomans, or even a wicker basket with a pillow in it. You get extra purrs if some of Fluffy’s sleeping spots are positioned in sunbeams!

Shared Space

Add comfortable furniture for yourself as well! Choose fabrics that won’t attract cat hair, such as microfiber. Use comfy throw pillows, rugs, and blankets to make the space attractive and comfortable for both you and your feline pal. Please contact us here at Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair vet clinic, for all your kitty’s veterinary care needs.