Why a Catio Instead of an Alternative?
Catios are permanent outdoor structures (made of
wood and wire, among other materials specific to the design) that give your cat
the outdoor experience without all of the risks. Potential alternatives to
catios for use both indoors and outdoors exist, but they come with a great
number of disadvantages.
You may think this is a similar option when
considering a catio versus a portable enclosure. Portable enclosures may seem
advantageous but are less stable and more easily escaped. There’s also a
greater risk of other animals getting into the portable enclosure. Weather can
also be an issue; storms and wind may more easily damage a non-permanent structure.
With or without your cat present inside at the time, this can be an issue. Portable
enclosures are usually not as spacious due to their nature. On the other hand,
depending on the style of your catio, there may be enough space for your cat to
hide during light rain and escape from the sun.
Some cats can be trained to walk on leashes.
This takes dedicated walking time regularly, though, and decent weather during
your preferred time to take such walks. There’s always the risk of your cat
slipping the leash. Another risk includes the fact that you may encounter other
animals on your walk with no barriers between you, such as a dog who is not
good with cats. Some cats refuse to walk on a lead, so you will waste your
money on these accessories. Considerably lighter supervision is required for a
time in a catio – you should still pay attention to the weather and whatever
wildlife or neighbor cat visitors may stress your cat out – but in the end,
catios are a much better option for those with a busy schedule.
Backyard fencing often has too many holes to
escape from, and some cats can scale fences easily, especially chain link. Just
as easily, other animals can enter the space and attack pet cats in their own
yard. This is not a very good alternative to a catio.
Cat trees indoors can be used for climbing and may provide
areas to hang toys and even places to hide, but with these, even near a window,
cats miss the experience of the outdoors – with the sights, sounds, and smells
just beyond their reach. Similarly, some people have designed shelves to serve
as walkways for cats to climb and sit at a high vantage point – just for their
cat to resume trying to use the tops of cabinets and shelves with knickknacks
instead.
Considering all the alternatives out there,
catios are clearly superior. They are convenient, safer than their
alternatives, and a great way to give your cat the outdoor experience that they
crave.
