We Need an Outdoor Catio!

Cats are adventurous creatures. Your cat needs to explore the environment and receive the necessary mental stimulation and interactions with nature. The mysterious world around your furry friend is inviting and full of exciting ventures. However, the outdoor settings are notably dangerous for cats.

Today, we will discuss safe options for your cat’s outdoor experiences. The cats can safely enjoy the outside by using a catio, strollers, pop-up pet tents, and harnesses with leashes. Let’s explore the safe outdoor experiences and share the ideas that work for our three cats.

Our three boys are indoor cats only. Except for Sunny, who we raised since he was a tiny ten days old kitten, the two other cats, Marley and Joey, lived most of their lives on the streets. Since their rescue, our boys have been living inside the house. Every cat has his favorite things. For example, Marley loves sunlight and will always find a sunny spot. He will lay down at a bright, light-up patch and snooze. When the light changes the direction, Marley moves with the sun. Sunny is a couch potato. He enjoys laying on pillows and soft, cozy blankets. Joey’s favorite activity is to sit at a table or a desk, observe the room, and talk. Of course, our cats love to snuggle in bed with us.

All the boys love to sit at the windows and watch the life on the street. Our home has a lot of room. The sun lights the house through many windows during the day. We open the backyard door in warm weather, and the cats lay by the screen and enjoy the smells of flowers, listen to the birds and watch the sunset. Recently we concluded that we need a catio!

Catios

Catios are patios for cats where the cats can enjoy nature and other great things offered by the outdoors and stay healthy and safe. The great news is that catios are available for any type and size of living space. You can find catio solutions for a window, a yard, a porch, and portable catios. There are tunnels and runs available for cats. Depending on your living situation, the number of cats, and activity level, you can find the best catio solution.

Pop-up Tents.

Pop-up tents for pets can be an alternative to a permanent catio. If building a catio requires time, planning, and financial resources, the tent can be a quick and inexpensive way to help your furry friend enjoy the spring weather. The tents are foldable and easy to store and install. The tents work great if you bring your cats on a trip. You can place a tent in a hotel room. If your children open the room doors, the cats will be safe and secure and won’t run out. Additionally, the pet tents are easy to clean and put away.

Strollers.

Another convenient option to introduce your friend to the outdoors safely is a pet stroller. One day, I had a cup of coffee and was reading a book in our backyard. Sunny was sitting inside the house and was watching me through the door screen. Soon, the cat climbed the screen, sticking the sharp nails into the net. He couldn’t handle the separation. I had a hard time reaching out to Sunny, getting his nails off the screen, and bringing him back to the ground. We brought a pet stroller from the garage and put Sunny inside. Sunny and I could enjoy the Sunday morning on the porch together.

If you decide to use a stroller, make sure your cat can tolerate it well before bringing him outside. Practice inside first. Put the stroller in a room and let the cat explore, jump in, smell it and get used to the new item. Place a nice soft blanket and cat toys inside and make the stroller a pleasant experience. Ensure the cat’s safety with a harness and leash when you go out. Many strollers have a leash attached inside.

Harnesses and Leashes.

Sometimes cats can go for a walk with a harness and a leash, like dogs. The best way to teach a cat to walk on a leash is to start practicing when she is a kitten. Adult cats may not tolerate the idea of wearing a harness.
If you decide to use this method, get the appropriate harness size and design. The piece should be snuggly enough and prevent a cat from wiggling out. At the same time, the harness should allow free movement and not cut into a body or restrict blood circulation.

In Conclusion.

Our cats are curious animals, and they need mental stimulation and interaction with nature. There are multiple safe options for your cats’ outdoor experience. We discussed options, including catios or patios for cats, pet tents, strollers, leashes, and harnesses.