Photo by Michael Howie / The Fur-Bearers
The impact of domestic cats on biodiversity in North America is huge – with estimates including 100 million to 350 million birds killed in Canada annually and 6.3 to 22.3 billion mammals killed in the United States annually.
Fortunately, there’s an easy, fun, and sustainable way to let your cats get their stimulation, time with nature, and protect biodiversity all at once – catios.
What's a catio?
Catios are exactly what they sound like: patios for cats. More specifically, they’re enclosed areas that cats are allowed to spend time in, allowing them to experience the outdoors without the chance to kill wildlife.
The design possibilities are endless. From simple boxes that fit on windows and give cats a simple lounging spot, to more developed wooden frames added to decks, to engineered steel systems, whatever space, budget, and materials you may have, there’s a solution.
The key elements:
- Use safe, sturdy materials. Chicken wire is less effective than hardware cloth; rust-proof screws are needed; zip tips and bungee cords are not long-term solutions, especially if your cat is an escape artist.
- Include sun and shade. Give your cat options to be in the sun and cool off somewhere within the structure when they choose.
- Add levels, perches, and hiding spots. Cats love to climb, jump, and see things from different vantage points. This can help with stimulation.
- Ensure easy access. Cats don’t always want to come out, or you may need to get into clean. Make sure you have easy access to the interior of the catio.
- Include water, but avoid food. Water is essential, especially on warmer days when cats may not be able to get back inside. But adding food to the catio is sure to attract rodents and other animals – the opposite of what we want.
- Enrichment is key. Whether you want to grow cat grass, add a scratching post or climbing log, or some catnip toys, adding any elements to give the catio a fun, playground-vibe will benefit your cat.
🐾 Catio Plans & DIY Resources
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A single catio can make a measurable impact on improving biodiversity (including of fur-bearing animals) in your area, and most cats seem to love them. Simply put, catios are win-win for cats and wildlife alike.
Do you have or plan to build a catio? Tag us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky) or send us a picture at [email protected] and share the story of your catio.
American Bird Conservancy. (n.d.). Cats, birds, and you. https://abcbirds.org/program/cats-indoors/cats-and-birds/
Blancher, P. (2013). Estimated number of birds killed by house cats (Felis catus) in Canada. Avian Conservation and Ecology, 8(2), 3. https://doi.org/10.5751/ACE-00557-080203
Birds Canada. (n.d.). Keep cats from roaming outside. https://www.birdscanada.org/you-can-help/keep-cats-from-roaming-outside
Loss, S. R., Will, T., & Marra, P. P. (2013). The impact of free-ranging domestic cats on wildlife in the United States. Nature Communications, 4, 1396. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms2380
Nature Canada. (n.d.). Ruffling feathers: Cats and their effect on local ecosystems and bird populations. https://naturecanada.ca/news/blog/ruffling-feathers-cats-and-their-effect-on-local-ecosystems-and-bird-populations/
