Breathing fresh air is essential for cats. Have you ever noticed how happy your cat gets when you let him stay outdoors? Being a mother of four cats I remember how preoccupied I was thinking about what can be the best solution for me and my cats to be outdoors longer. If you live in a house, it is not really a problem – check out a cat patio – catio!
Top 6 Outdoor Catios in 2021
I place this product in the first place for several reasons. This catio is spacious enough for several cats. It has a number of levels with sitting space. Moreover, the construction is suitable for hanging and placing some additional feline accessories to entertain your furkids. An asphalt roof is flat and waterproof. Your cats will be protected from sun and rain. Wood is finished and the construction is durable enough to get high-ranked reviews at Amazon.com.
- Size: 71in x 39in x 71in (180cm x 99cm x 180cm)
- Weight: 100 lbs (45 kg)
- Materials: wood, wires, asphalt (roof)
- Construction details: flat roof, multi-level space inside, large door
- Accessories: spots for sitting
If your backyard is large enough, you can find a place for this great wooden catio. The advantages of this model are quite obvious. Except for the open area with a flat roof above it, your cat will have a chance to relax inside the covered zone. This shelter equipped with small windows will save your kitties from hot sunny weather providing enough shade. The manufacturer claims the materials are absolutely safe and non-toxic. You can purchase the product in grey or natural color.
- Size: 76.75in x 37.25in x 68.75in (195cm x 94cm x 172.7cm)
- Weight: 100 lbs (45 kg)
- Materials: wood, wires, asphalt (roof)
- Construction details: flat roof, multi-level space inside, condo area
- Accessories: spots for sitting, covered wooden zone with windows
This model of a catio goes in various sizes, but I would like to draw your attention to the largest. It is ideal for your backyard. The catio consists of wooden panels and wires. You can remove certain panels and mount the catio right to your house side. So your kitty will have an opportunity to go outdoors by herself. And there is no risk for her to get lost. Minimum control from your side, maximum comfort and energizing fresh air for your furkid. The catio room will be enough for 2-3 cats according to the reviews at Amazon.com.
- Size: 70.75in x 38.5in x 70.75in (178cm x 96.5cm x 178cm)
- Weight: 68.6 lbs (30.8 kg)
- Materials: glazed FiR, composite asphalt shingles, metal
The Catio Outdoor Cat Enclosure from Omlet comes in two heights with the option of an enclosure extension after the initial purchase. The Catio allows your feline friend a safe way to explore the outside. The strong welded green mesh is sturdy and will keep your cat safe. Also, the full height version has a double door entrance making playtime with your cats a breeze. A partition, porch, clear and heavy-duty cover can also be added to your enclosure to keep your pets in the shade and dry for summer playdates.
- Size: (H): 3ft or 6ft, (W): 6ft or 8ft & (L): from 6ft to any multiple of 3ft(can be extended)
- Weight: From 132.2 lbs
- Materials: steel mesh: epoxy coated
- Construction details: Please refer to our how to build video here: https://www.omlet.us/misc/how_to_build_videos_cats_select_page_outdoor_cat_run
- Accessories: partition, porch, clear and heavy-duty cover
This model is rather budget and therefore great for customization. You can buy this catio and assemble it near your house. Put everything your furkids love: scratching poles, toys, hammocks. The wooden frame is durable thanks to waterproof finishing. The roof will provide extra shade and protection on hot or rainy days. The gaps between wires are safe and comfortable enough for pets of the feline size. There will be enough room for a food corner, toilet and lounge zone. For breeders it will be great to use this catio for kittens who will be more energetic and healthier staying and playing outdoors.
- Size: 66.5in x 34.61in x 71.06in (167.6cm x 86.4cm x 180.3cm)
- Weight: 94 lbs (42.6 kg)
- Materials: fir wood, asphalt, iron wire
- Construction details: wooden frame with sitting spots, flat roof
I added this product to my best outdoor cat enclosure list due to its low price and medium sizes. This catio is made in a form of a metal cage and can be used both indoors and outdoors. The model will be great for those who do not have too much space in the yard. The manufacturer says it will take no longer than 15 minutes to install the catio. It means the cage can be a perfect solution for cat owners who move frequently or like picnics. Use your fantasy and imagination to purchase various accessories and toys for your furkid. Cleaning this catio cage will be easy and fast.
- Size: 33in x 22in x 67in (84cm x 56cm x 170cm)
- Weight: 36 lbs (16.3 kg)
- Materials: high-quality metal
- Construction details: uncovered metal frame
- Accessories:: metal ladders, resting platforms
Please, remember: safety should be your number one priority.
- Avoid the catios made of low-quality materials, that can be toxic to your cat
- Avoid the catios that have sharp elements that can hurt your pet
- Avoid enclosures that do not look sturdy or have a door that is easy to unlock because your cat can run away.
- Put on a cat tracker if you are going to leave a cat unsupervised in his catio.
- Don’t let your cat leave the safe territory using a cat electric fence.
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Catio
Before getting a catio for your furkids think of what specifications it should have. Keep in mind essential criteria. The following steps will help you.
Step 1. Consider If Your Catio Should Be Portable.
Think about those functions your future catio should perform. If you want an enclosed playpen for your cats next to your house and you are not going to move it, there are lots of wooden models. Assemble a catio of this type and mount it close to the window. Your cats will have an opportunity to go out any time they want. A portable variant should not be too large. You can choose a catio in a form of a metal cage easy to assemble and transport.
Step 2. Consider the Material.
Most large outdoor catios are offered as wooden frames you need to assemble and mount on the ground. The wood is painted, however, many reviewers note that an extra layer of paint would be great. Pay attention to the roof: it should be made of waterproof material.
Step 3. Consider the Number of Cats.
While balcony catios are small enough for a big number of cats due to the balcony size, your outdoor catio can be as big as you want. If you’ve got several cats who love playing and being outdoors, assemble a couple of outdoor catios for them removing some of the panels to create the united space.
What Can I Put Into an Outdoor Cat Enclosure?
Having enough area for a catio you can organize an enclosure for your furkids where they will spend several hours in a row. Make this place extremely comfortable and functional for them. In fact, there are lots of variants you can choose – just use your imagination. Think of what essential things your kitties may need during the day and what entertainment accessories will add fun to them.
a. Cat tree
A cat tree is a perfect solution if you want to turn the catio into an outdoor activity center! Not only your cat will stretch, scratch, and exercise on the fresh air, it will also feel more protected because most of the cat trees include condos.
b. Outdoor Litter Box for Catio
A litter box is one of those essentials you should consider in the first place. Think of what kind of litter boxes your kitty will like. It can be a roofed model or a traditional open litter box. Pay attention to the size of litter boxes if you have got several cats – the litter boxes should not take a lot of space in your catio.
c. Feeder
Want to make your catio really autonomous? Put an outdoor cat feeder inside. Even multiple cats can be fed automatically. Having a good litter box and feeder inside the enclosure your cats will be able to stay inside for 6-12 hours.
d. Poles for Catio
Even being outdoors your cats will need something to scratch and climb up. The greatest solution will be to place a pole inside the catio. Choose the pole size considering the number of cats and the dimensions of the catio. You can buy a really tall variant, something with original design or functional and budget for your feline friends.
e. Plants for Catio
It may sound rather strange for some people, but cats actually love some kinds of plants. Why not to make your outdoor catio a green and eco-friendly are, where your cats will feel closer to nature? Select some grass and other plants that are safe for cats. You can buy a kit or just seeds and organize a green corner for your meowing friends.
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d. Decor Ideas for Catio
Just like any house your kitties’ enclosure can be originally decorated. Just think of those elements that can be used as part of the catio’s original design. You can assemble a little shelter inside. Feline litter boxes can be unique and funny. There are models resembling a vase, for example. Or put an original paw-cleaning mat in front of a litter box.
e. Catio Cat Toys
Playful cats will be extremely active outdoors. You know your kitty best, so consider what things your meowing child will like. It can be an interesting short or long tunnel. Cat tracks are also a lot of fun. Hang toys on bars or on a scratching pole. In short, try to take those toys that are easy to wash since your cat will use them outdoors.
FAQ’s
Are catios good for cats?
If you want your cats be healthy and feel more energy, it will be a great thing to organize a catio outdoors. Your cats will have a chance to spend more time breathing fresh air and you will be sure they are safe. Choose catios with protected roofs and changeable weather will not be a problem.
How big a catio should be?
Your catio depends on a number of cats you have got. Just think of litter boxes for each of your furkids, their food bowls, playing area and lounge zones inside a catio. An outdoor catio may be really tall and spacious – it only depends on your backyard territory.
Should You Buy a Catio?
Purchasing a catio is always up to a cat owner. In cat shelters we hire a specialist who constructs catios for some dozens of our feline orphans. Being an owner of just one or a couple of cats means that you do not need too much space for a catio. Of course, you can construct a catio by yourself. In this case you should take accurate measures, think about appropriate and safe materials and surely have enough time for construction.
Building a catio will take time and lots of efforts. Just think about an alternative. At Amazon.com you can find lots of options that will fit your conditions and satisfy your demands.
Do you really want to spend days and weeks constructing a catio by yourself or is it better to buy a high-quality product and start using it tomorrow? And what about you? Do you have a catio for your feline babes or probably think of purchasing one?
