Keep your cat both safe and happy with a catio!
Catios will allow your cat to live their best life. Since it's a natural instinct for a cat to hunt and spend time outdoors, we have some suggestions for a safe way to get your feline friends out of the house. It'll feel like a summer staycation for cats!
So what are they? Cat + Patio! It's an escape-proof, outdoor enclosure or "cat patio" to keep cats safe outdoors while they're enjoying the enrichment of nature. These can be added to a window, porch, patio, or even the garden. A cat door can be installed in a window, wall, or door with 24-hour access. You should be able to lock up the cat doors at night (and during the day) which is super important so we only recommend products that have this feature.
Experts are screaming from the rooftops about how fabulous catios are, since this allows cats to get sunshine and outside exercise.
Discover Wildlife Care tells us,
"A catio can be any size, shape or configuration to fit your house or apartment and just about any budget. From something as simple as a window box to a screened-in patio area with multiple level pathways, your imagination is the limit."
The theme for our product recommendations is safety combined with a unique design. Most of these can be placed on your patio, deck, or in the backyard. You can also build your own! Here's some inspiration.
Best Catios for Outdoor Fun
1. Kittywalk Pet Enclosure
This multi-unit, netted outdoor enclosure for multiple cats is pricey, but worth it. It has hammocks!
2. Outback Jack Outdoor Cat Enclosures
Allows indoor cats to safely enjoy the fresh air and a day in the sun with over 30 square feet of activity space and a 360-degree view - perfect for everyday use on your deck, lawn, and balcony.
3. PawHut Outdoor Cat Enclosure Catio
This fully enclosed outdoor playpen for cats is a great addition to your patio or backyard and is perfect for one, or multiple cats to play or lounge and relax in.
4. Purrfect Play Tent
Makes a Great Cat Tent or Small Dog Tent for Decks, Balconies, Camping, RV's, Outdoors, & Indoors.
5. DAPU Compound Pet Playpens
This allows your cat a breath of fresh air and a way for her to enjoy a sunbath without worry about bird attacks or getting lost.
6. Hi Suyi Portable Cat Tent
This is one of the least expensive items in the list and it's great for the yard or deck. The hydraulic pop-up system makes it easy to set up.
7. Kittywalk Pet Gazebo
This netted outdoor cat gazebo has a zipped roof and is ideal for backyards!
8. MSR Outdoor Cat Tunnel
This gives your cat more than five feet of space to roam around outdoors!
The catio spaces we included are all on this list because these enclosures give your cats fresh air and are safe with a locking mechanism. A happy cat is a happy cat lover.
Will you be investing in a catio for your cat? Tell us on the Wide Open Pets Facebook page!
Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Pets are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
This post was originally published on April 29, 2019.
