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Is it cheaper to build or buy a Catio?
There are many compelling reasons to build a catio, and we’re here to tell you some good news: Building a catio is much easier and less expensive, than you might think. Even if you live in an apartment with nothing but a fire escape, you can make it work.
How much does a Catio cost?
You can buy a DIY catio plan for $40-$150 and then buy the materials for a further $100-$1,000. You can buy a pre-made catio for $300-$2,500. You can pay upwards of $1,000 for a custom-built catio. Equipment, building permits, poor planning, and maintenance can increase costs further.
Is it cruel to have a Catio?
Outdoor cats can cause harm to birds and other animals. By keeping them in their catio, you’re giving the outdoor sights and sounds your cat loves by also protecting wildlife. Decreases conflict between cats. If you have two cats or more, there can sometimes be unwanted conflict and stress.
Do you need permission to build a Catio?
Before building your catio, get permission if needed—preferably in writing. In some cases, you’ll need a permit from your city or homeowners association. Another good step: Make sure everyone in your home is on board with the idea. Cats are great climbers—and sometimes even wily diggers—so make your catio escape-proof.
Can I use chicken wire for a Catio?
Various wire gauges are available. I recommend the durability of 16-gauge fencing wire (chicken wire is typically 19-22 gauge). Remember, while window-screen mesh has tiny openings, it isn’t sturdy enough to withstand your cat’s claws.
How big should a Catio be?
A logical starting size for a catio is 2 ft wide, 3 ft long, and 2 ft high. Install a larger catio if you have the money, space, or multiple cats. Cats love climbing, so you can build up even if you can’t build outward.
How do I get my cat into Catio?
Cats are very food motivated, so you can use treats to encourage your cat to hop up onto a shelf or to lead them up a ramp or up cat stairs. Play is also a good motivator. If you have a wand toy for your cat you can use this to “lure” your cat onto a shelf, ramps, cat stairs, or even out onto the catio.
What makes a good Catio?
Cats love vertical space so you can maximize a small area by adding several vertical shelves and perches. If space is limited, a window box catio is a great option. If you want to enjoy the catio too, a 6’x8′ or 8’x10′ size catio will allow space for seating and bonding with your cat.
Do cats like cat enclosures?
And while kitty may enjoy the occasional wrestle with their human, there’s no denying that they appreciate a space of their own to retreat to. An outdoor cat enclosure or cat run lets your felines take in the fresh smells of the outdoors and gives them plenty of space for frolicking.
What do cats like in a Catio?
Many cats love to be outdoors, but it’s not safe for them or for birds and other small animals to let cats wander. Enter catios (patios for cats), which offer cats a breath of fresh air, a ray of sunshine, and a pleasant view, all from the safety of an enclosed structure.
What do you put inside a Catio?
For their exercise and scratching pleasure, put in platforms, ramps, cedar tree limbs, tree trunks, a 4-inch-thick rope and scratching posts. Water dishes can be inside the catio, but not food, which attracts insects.
How can I keep fleas out of my Catio?
As far as protection from fleas, Advantage II is a topical application you disperse on the nape of the neck once monthly. It is good for any fleas (not sure about ticks) that may land on her.
What wood should I use to build a Catio?
Cedar is an ideal choice of lumber for outdoor cat-enclosures, as it is an aromatic wood that is not only versatile, but also durable and sustainable. Aesthetically, the wood can be various colors, and has a natural finish that will look beautiful for years.
Does a Catio need a roof?
Most catios are built like screened porches but with an open screen roof, so build shelves or cat runs around the entire perimeter and use tall logs to grant them access to these runs. Always make sure you are making a full circle and providing multiple exit and entry points if you have more than one cat.
How long does it take to build a Catio?
Assemblying your catio Even for the experts, catios can take a team of two to three people up to a full week to put together, depending on the design. To be on the safe side, make sure to budget at least a few days for assembly—more if you’re not an experienced builder.
What is a Cattyo?
A catio (“cat patio”) is an outdoor enclosure that keeps cats and birds and wildlife safe. Catios offer cats healthy exercise time as well as safety from outdoor hazards like cars, predators and poisons. It’s a win-win! Catios come in many forms.
