Celebrating National Catio Day With Fluffy!

National Catio Day is a perfect occasion to give your indoor cat a taste of the great outdoors while keeping them safe. Each year, pet lovers celebrate this unique holiday by creating secure, enriching spaces that let their feline friends enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and a little adventure—all within the safety of a “catio.” These enclosed patios are growing in popularity, and for a good reason. Catios offer cats essential mental stimulation and exercise, all while protecting local wildlife and preventing their exposure to dangers like traffic or harmful plants. If you’re looking to spoil your cat with an outdoor experience, this National Catio Day, join pet parents nationwide who are crafting catios of all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s a cosy balcony setup or an elaborate garden oasis, celebrating National Catio Day will give Fluffy an unforgettable outdoor experience in a controlled, secure environment.

March 15th is a special day for Fluffy: it’s National Catio Day! Many of our feline patients have their own catios or cat enclosures. In this article, a Plano, IL veterinarian provides some helpful information on creating a private space for Fluffy.

What Exactly Is A Catio?

A catio is a term that combines the words cat and patio. Catios provide Fluffy with a secure area that includes aspects of the natural environment. 

Where Is The Best Location For My Catio?

A porch or patio with screens or walls is a great choice, but those aren’t the only options. A sun room, spare room, loft, or even a sunny corner will also work.

Why Is It Beneficial To Create A Catio?

The main advantage? Celebrating National Catio Day provides your furry friend with a dedicated space for mental stimulation. Cats love basking in sunbeams, indulging in peaceful naps, and observing local wildlife, fueling their natural curiosity and instinct to hunt. A well-designed catio helps keep your cat happy and engaged, offering a cozy spot for all her favourite activities: napping, watching birds and squirrels (often with an amusing clack), soaking up the sun, practicing her own version of meditation, and, of course, keeping an eye on you.

Remember, there’s no need to surrender the space. Your furry friend won’t mind if you have some cozy furniture arranged for yourself. She’ll probably use it, too!

 What Should I Put On A Catio?

If it were up to your feline overlord, she would probably request wraparound cat shelves, kitty walks, cat wheels, and a stocked fishpond. However, you don’t have to go that far. 

• A comfy window seat is a must. 
• A cat tower is also an excellent choice. However, the extent to which your chosen area is affected by wind or rain will play a role. Having a screened-in area is wonderful, but you don’t want a carpet-covered tower getting wet in the rain.
• A catio is a perfect spot for some lovely plants. (We’ll get to that later.)
• For extra purrs, place a bird feeder within Fluffy’s view. (Note: this is only a good idea if your cat stays inside. Otherwise, you might unintentionally be leading the innocent birds to a tragic fate!)
• Toys! This is an excellent location for items such as swimming fish toys, automated laser pointers, and similar products.
• If your patio is separate from the rest of the house, you might want to think about installing a cat door for Fluffy. This way, she can freely come and go from her catio whenever she pleases. There are doors available that are compatible with specific microchips, offering an extra layer of security.
• Beds and boxes are always appreciated.
• A kitty fountain may also be helpful.

Why Should I Keep My Cat Indoors?

Fluffy really enjoys rolling in driveways, leaving adorable pawprint tracks on freshly-washed cars, and occasionally bringing home unexpected gifts (usually dead rodents) for her humans. Unfortunately, these really aren’t safe hobbies for your furry pal. 

National Catio Day highlights the importance of providing a safe outdoor space for cats to explore while keeping them protected from common outdoor hazards. Cats that roam freely outdoors face potential threats like extreme weather, traffic, encounters with wild animals, exposure to parasites, harmful chemicals, and conflicts with other cats. A cat without a dedicated outdoor enclosure might find itself stuck in a neighbour’s shed or exposed to parasites, especially if it enjoys hunting. Additionally, unspayed cats can contribute to pet overpopulation, making a controlled outdoor environment both a responsible and proactive choice.

Keeping your cat in also benefits local wildlife. Cats are responsible for the deaths of billions of small animals annually. Given the current state of many species facing threats and endangerment, it’s crucial for each of us to contribute in any way possible to support their well-being.

What Sets A Catio Apart From A Cat Enclosure?

Cat enclosures elevate the catio experience to new heights. These are usually set up outside the house. Fluffy remains shielded from potential predators by a protective barrier, typically made of mesh, chicken wire, screens, or similar materials. 

You don’t have to make any structural changes to your home in order to set up an enclosure. Many people set up their windows to allow their furballs to come and go as they please. 

When it comes to creating an enclosure, there are a few important factors to keep in mind.

• Cat enclosures require level ground. It might be helpful to even out the area a little.
• Have fun decorating! This place is perfect for outdoor rugs, solar lights, and little garden statues.
• You can buy these, or if you’re handy, you can find blueprints online and build your own.
• You may want a setup that allows you to easily open and close your pet’s access way. That way you can allow her to freely move in and out when the weather is pleasant, while ensuring her safety indoors during the night or inclement weather. You can get kitty doors that fit into windows.
• You can buy these, or if you’re handy, you can find blueprints online and build your own.
• You may want a setup that allows you to easily open and close your pet’s access way. That way you can allow her to freely move in and out when the weather is pleasant, while ensuring her safety indoors during the night or inclement weather. You can get kitty doors that fit into windows.
• Provide some sort of shade or covering.
• Stay on top of Fluffy’s parasite prevention! Unfortunately, a cat enclosure doesn’t provide sufficient protection against fleas, ticks, or mosquitos. (This applies to all cats, including indoor ones.)
• Mesh or fencing should be galvanized or vinyl-coated.
• If there are snakes in your area, it might be a good idea to consider some extra measures to prevent them from entering your space.

Ask your Plano, IL veterinarian for more info about cat enclosures.

Why Do We Spoil Cats So Much? 

Fluffy has a way of charming us into spoiling her, doesn’t she? Those endearing meows, the adorable face, and her soothing purrs make every day brighter. Celebrating National Catio Day is a great way to give Fluffy safe outdoor adventures while keeping her curious spirit engaged. Cats like Fluffy bring so much love and joy into our lives, and offering them a safe outdoor space to explore only strengthens that bond.

What Plants Are Safe For Fluffy’s Space? 

Catios and cat enclosures are great spots for plants. Just be sure to stick with non-toxic options. 

That said, here are some suitable options:

Houseplants:

• Bromeliads
• Cast Iron Plants
• Snake Plants
• Money Tree Plants
• Rubber Tree Plants
• Spider Plants
• Prayer Plants
• Calathea Zebra Plant 
• Boston Fern
• Bird’s Nest Fern
• Kimberly Queen Fern

Herbs:

• Thyme
• Parsley
• Sage
• Rosemary
• Basil
• Dill
• Valerian
• Cilantro

Potted trees:

• Areca palms
• Ponytail palms
• Rubber Trees
• Parlor Palms

Flowers:

• African Violet
• Orchids
• Hibiscus
• Roses

Avoid Sago palms, as they are extremely toxic to both dogs and cats.

You can visit the ASPCA website here for more information on both safe and unsafe plants. If you can’t make sure that something is safe or not, hold off and get something you’re sure is okay. 

National Catio Day 2024: Safety Guidelines for Plant and Wildlife Protection

What precautions should be taken when arranging plants in a catio?

When arranging plants in a catio, opt for non-toxic species to ensure your cat’s safety. Safe choices include herbs like thyme and basil, houseplants like spider plants, and flowers such as African violets. Avoid plants like Sago palms, which are highly toxic to cats. Place potted plants securely to prevent tipping, and consider raised or wall-mounted planters to keep them stable. For added safety, check plant toxicity through reputable sources, such as the ASPCA, before adding any new greenery to the space.

What are the material options for protective barriers?

For a protective barrier in a catio or cat enclosure, durable materials like mesh, chicken wire, and screens provide secure containment while allowing airflow and visibility. Choose galvanized or vinyl-coated fencing to prevent corrosion, extending the barrier’s lifespan. Strong mesh or wire prevents escapes and keeps potential predators or pests out. If local wildlife, like snakes, poses a risk, consider reinforcing the setup with tighter, reinforced fencing. These materials support a safe outdoor experience, keeping your cat secure and able to enjoy natural surroundings.

How can cat doors be integrated with windows specifically?

Cat doors can be integrated with windows by choosing models designed to fit window spaces, often without needing structural modifications. Adjustable, sash-fit doors can slide into window frames, providing an opening just for the door while allowing the rest of the window to close. Alternatively, inserting a custom panel with a cat door cutout within a window frame enables seamless access to a catio or enclosure. For added security, select microchip-enabled doors that recognize your cat’s ID, allowing controlled access and keeping out unwanted animals.

How do catios specifically help protect local wildlife?

Catios help protect local wildlife by keeping cats safely indoors while still providing them with a stimulating, outdoor-like environment. When allowed to roam freely, cats are known to hunt and kill billions of small animals each year, impacting local wildlife populations and putting endangered species at risk. By creating a secure space with screens or mesh, catios satisfy cats’ natural instincts, like observing birds and other small animals, without the direct threat to wildlife. This approach not only benefits local ecosystems but also keeps cats safe from potential hazards outdoors.

What is the specific impact of outdoor cats on bird populations?

Outdoor cats significantly impact bird populations, contributing to the deaths of billions of birds annually. As natural hunters, cats pose a threat to various bird species, particularly vulnerable ones, through predation. This predation disrupts local ecosystems by reducing bird diversity, affecting species population balances and survival. Small animals and birds are especially at risk in urban and suburban areas where cats have unrestricted access to roam. Limiting a cat’s outdoor access, such as using a catio, offers a safer alternative that protects wildlife and enhances pet welfare.

Are you seeking answers regarding your cat’s health or care? Reach out to us at our Plano, IL animal hospital today!