Apparently, Catios Are a Thing Now

Cats love to be outside.

That is common sense! However letting your precious kitties around on their own can lead to many cat-astrophies, lost, or worse, hurt or killed. The solution? The catio (a patio, for cats). A catio is like a cave for Fluffy: an enclosed backyard space that allows your cat to run around or take a nap or do whatever it is he needs to do include satisfying his instinct to stalk and hunt. They are filled with scratching posts, shelves, stairs, and maybe even a plant or two.

Doesn’t this just sound great? Catios can be homemade, custom-built or bought prefabricated from companies like Cats on Deck. According to an article on Zillow, Seattle-based Catio Spaces specializes in designing and building catios with prices ranging from $2,500 to $5,000; the company also sells DIY plans for $50.

While some of these catios are just simple window box-like spaces, others are incredibly complex and detailed, featuring several stories or tunnels connecting multiple structures to maximize feline freedom. And while the prospect of a custom catio sounds like it would be costly, catio advocates argue that if you live in an area near a busy road or around predators like coyotes, it can save on vet bills in the long run. Could possibly be the best money you ever spend to keep your pets safe.

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Source: www.countryliving.com