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There is nothing I would love more for Cody than for him to have his own catio. I lust after catios that I see on various blogs that I read and on websites such as Catio Spaces. Sadly, I live in a condo that is a part of an apartment/condo complex and we have "association rules" that prevent us from changing the outside of the building. So, for now, unless our life situation changes, I will have to lust over the catios by Catio Spaces that you can also lust over (and, if you are luckier than I am, you just might be able to have one built or build one yourself! Read on!!)
Cats, whether living mostly indoors or outside, enjoy the stimulation of being outdoors, but responsible owners know danger lurks. Seattle cat-lover Cynthia Chomos has built a business to help cat guardians balance their pet’s natural curiosity and craving for outdoor stimulation with concerns for animal safety.
“Indoor-only cats like fresh air and the stimulation of nature, just
like their outdoor counterparts,” Chomos said citing early rising, sun
worshipping, and nocturnal scampering around the house as some of the telltale
signs of this desire. “Once outside, cats pursue squirrels, birds or a mate and
there are many hazards outdoor cats can encounter, including vehicles,
predators, parasites and poisons,” she explained. In a quest to protect Serena,
her own beloved tabby, she built a catio (cat patio).
| Courtesy of Catio Spaces |
Soon thereafter, Chomos realized she could combine her passion and skills as a designer, feng shui professional and general contractor to
launch Catio Spaces. Her company designs spaces for safe, healthy and happy
cats, offering both custom catios and several downloadable “DIY” plans for
those who want to build their own catio (or hire a carpenter to build the plan).
“I
understand the importance of creating environments for well-being, so it seemed
like a natural extension of my design services to create visually appealing
catio havens for both feline and human enjoyment,” she said, adding, “It’s a joy to be involved every day with cat safety and enrichment
while also protecting birds and wildlife.” (She
donates a portion of each catio plan purchase to support animal
and wildlife organizations.)
Chomos cites many benefits of
catios and it turns out some of the biggest fans of them are
bird-watchers who want to keep their feathered friends safe from their natural
predators. (Housecats that venture outdoors and feral
cats are blamed for killing between 1.3 billion and 4 billion birds annually,
according to a recent analysis by Peter Marra of the Smithsonian Conservation
Biology Institute.)
Initially focused on designing and building custom catios in the
Seattle metro area, Catio Spaces® also offers Do It Yourself (DIY)
catio plans in a variety of designs and sizes for patios, decks, gardens or
yards.
| Courtesy of Catio Spaces |
Current DIY plans include the compact Window Box™ or Haven™ and two
larger options, the Sanctuary™ and Oasis™ that Chomos describes as “purrfect
choices” for guardians who want space for human seating and enjoyment.
Prices for the DIY catio plans range from $39.95 to $69.95; gift certificates are also available.
Prices for the DIY catio plans range from $39.95 to $69.95; gift certificates are also available.
| Cat Enclosure Interior Black Photo Courtesy of Catio Spaces |
Along with easy-to-follow instructions and
illustrations to eliminate guesswork, each set of DIY plans is designed for
ease of assembly (or removal if relocating) and to complement a home’s design
and aesthetics.
Bonus information includes guidelines for acclimating a cat
to a cat door and the new space, plus tips for cat-safe plants, décor, and
accessories to promote cavorting, exercise and enrichment.
Straightforward assembly was an early goal of Chomos’ DIY
concepts. “You don’t need to be an expert carpenter,” she emphasized. “Even
novices will find the plans easy to follow and rewarding to build.”
Since launching Catio Spaces, Chomos has built and installed
numerous custom catios around Western Washington, including ones with clever
themes and décor, and even catwalks and tunnels!
Projects have included:
- a Seahawks-themed catio for a fan of Seattle’s NFL team and his game day lap cats;
- a haven for an highly active and “determined door dasher;”
- a window box veranda for a sun-loving “wildlife window watcher;”
- a spacious patio makeover for a pair of felines who love scaling fences to watch wildlife.
10 BENEFITS OF CATIOS:
- Protection from vehicles, predators, poisons, diseases or getting lost or stuck in a tree
- Reduce vet bills from cat fights or injuries.
- Protect birds and wildlife
- Help reduce the roaming cat populations in local communities.
- Provide a healthy outdoor lifestyle with fresh air, exercise, bird watching and sunbathing.
- Reduce indoor multi-cat issues by adding more territory.
- Enjoy feline and human interaction surrounded by nature and fresh air.
- Help reduce indoor odors with an additional outdoor litter box.
- Good neighbor relations (keep your cat out of their gardens and yards).
- Peace of mind knowing your cat is in a safe and protected place.
| Cat Enclosure Exterior Black Photo Courtesy of Catio Spaces |
"CATIMONIALS" FROM SATISFIED KITTIES AND THEIR HUMANS!
DIY CATIO PLANS:
“Your DIY Catio Plans were a perfect solution for us and the
directions are great! Every detail was considered and the plans were easy to
follow. The catio is so beautifully professional and secure. I feel safe giving
my cats permanent access, even at night. People just can’t believe we built it
ourselves!”
-Emily S., OR
“I’m a 55 year old nurse, and if I can do it, anyone can! I
priced out several pre-built options from other companies, and just couldn’t
afford it. I investigated your website and with my home improvement skills I
realized I could do this. I had my husband help with holding panels for the
joining panels step, but I essentially built it myself. I think it’s a
fantastic option for people who really love their cat companions!”
Jacki H., WI
| Catio Ledge Photo Courtesy of Catio Spaces |
“I just finished building the window box catio and within 10
minutes my cat Dagny was out there enjoying some fresh air! I used the wire
mesh roof option and added a plant and a small covered shelter inside for her.
Thanks so much for the great do-it-yourself plans!”
Chris D., AZ
“Thank you for creating your detailed DIY Catio Plans and
offering them at an affordable price! My cat Sissy wants to enjoy the sun and
watch birds so I’ve built the catio with her happiness in my mind. Cats
everywhere are thanking you!”
Zoey C., CA
“Cynthia and her carpentry crew took a dream I had for my
cat and brought it into reality. Not only does the enclosure enhance my home,
my cat Monty has a whole new world to explore and I have peace of mind which is
priceless. Cynthia knows her craft, understands cats and I can’t praise her
enough!”
Scarlett - Custom Catio
| Catio Haven Exterior white Photo Courtesy of Catio Spaces |
| Cynthia Chomos Photo Courtesy of Catio Spaces |
Chomos has also become a go-to “CATalyst” and resource for
feline owners. (Website visitors can request her free tips
for considering and planning a catio.) “On a daily basis, I work with cat
guardians, locally and globally on a variety of issues,” she stated. Recent
calls and email queries have ranged from questions on protecting cats who were
attacked by coyotes to creating a retreat for cats that were living in an
upstairs bedroom fearful of a newly adopted dog. Additionally, bird organizations and wildlife
rehabilitators seek her advice on educating their communities on the benefits
of catios.
Be sure to give them a LIKE on FACEBOOK too!