Catios and safe outdoor time for cats

What a catio is for

Humane World for Animals describes a catio as a screened outdoor enclosure that lets indoor cats enjoy fresh air, nature and new sights and smells, from a simple window box to a room with a floor, roof and furniture. VCA Hospitals says a catio protects cats from cars, predators and other hazards, and recommends veterinarian-approved flea, tick and heartworm prevention for cats that use one.

Safety checklist

Humane World advises making the enclosure escape-proof, with no openings a cat could squeeze through, even on top, and nothing that could snag a collar. It suggests sturdy, non-toxic materials such as wood or metal, firmly attached components and a strong frame to keep other animals out.

• Check mesh, latches and doors for gaps, and test them before use.
• Provide airflow for warm weather and a cozy spot to retreat from cold, rain and sun.
• Make sure the roof can bear any snowfall in your area.
• Place it where you can see it from the house, and supervise your cat.
• Offer fresh water and a litter box or easy access to the indoors.

Window box, freestanding or shelter

VCA notes that window-mounted catios suit limited space, while larger yards can take freestanding or tunnel-connected enclosures. A window catio attaches to the wall, so check the wall and any rental rules. A freestanding catio needs a flat site. An outdoor cat house is a different product: it is a shelter for community or outdoor cats, not an enclosure for supervised play.

Before you buy

Measure the space, check how the unit is mounted and whether the listing gives a weight or capacity. Where a seller's pages give conflicting capacities or dimensions, ask the seller to confirm. Renters should check with a landlord, and some areas require a permit or homeowners association approval, according to Humane World.