Creating the Purrfect Catio

Do you keep your kitty indoors? If so, that’s great! Cats are more independent than many pets: Fluffy is a skilled hunter, after all. However, our feline pals aren’t quite as ferocious as they want us to think. They face some serious dangers outside, and are both safer and healthier living indoors. That doesn’t mean your cat can’t enjoy a taste of nature, though. If you really want to pamper your furry pal, consider turning a screened porch, spare room, or even a sunny corner into a catio. A Downey, CA vet offers tips on creating a catio in this article.

Plants can really transform a space, and can give any room a fresh, cozy look. Set out some pet-safe plants for Fluffy to nibble on and hide behind. Spider plants, Boston ferns, African violets, Areca palms, Money tree plants, Rubber tree plants, and Ponytail palms are all good options, but there are many more. (Tip: the ASPCA has a great directory of both safe and unsafe plants here .) Another thing you may want to try is planting a bed of wheat grass in an old litterbox or storage tote. Once it’s grown out, your furry little buddy will have her own little lawn to look adorable on.

Toys are very important for your furry friend’s health and well-being. Make sure that your furball’s catio contains lots of fun playthings. Classic kitty toys, like plastic balls and catnip mice, will always be popular, but you can also offer your playful pet sometime modern, like an automated laser pointer, robotic mouse, or mechanical ‘swimming’ fish.

Be sure to add some kitty furniture to the catio. Fluffy certainly isn’t shy about napping on our couches, chairs, sofas, beds, or, well, pretty much anything else we own. However, your feline buddy will also enjoy—and benefit from—having some things that were made specifically for her, such as kitty tents, catwalks, pet tipis, and, of course, a good scratching post. Your cute pet will also appreciate a cat tower, and some comfy beds.

Kitties really enjoy watching birds and squirrels. Put a birdfeeder up in your feline friend’s line of sight. Fluffy may spend hours just daydreaming, birdwatching, and pretending to be a vicious hunter.

Please contact us, your Downey, CA vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!