When it comes to outfitting your catio space, it’s best to think from your feline’s point of view, and what would keep them entertained and enjoying the space.
You will want to consider using only outdoor fabrics and making sure that any litter box is in a covered area protected from rain.
When furnishing your catio, less is more.
Keep It Natural
Try to make the catio as natural as possible to help stimulate your feline’s outdoor adventure. Many experts recommend using natural materials throughout the catio.
One way to incorporate this is to include cat grass in your enclosure. Cat grass can be grown in a shallow plastic tub and will serve as both a cozy spot to nap and a safe snack for your cat.
Other natural elements could include:
- woodchips
- stones
- old tree branches
- cat-safe plants.
It’s extremely important when adding plants to your catio space to ensure that the plants you have selected are nontoxic to cats.
Cats are natural explorers, and unfortunately many common houseplants can make them ill.
Some favorite, nontoxic house plants to consider using in your catio are:
- Palms
- Boston Ferns
- African Violets
- Spider Plants
- Hibiscuses.
If you are ever unsure about the toxicity of a particular plant, it is best to talk directly with your veterinarian.
Cat Furniture To Add To Your Catio
How often you anticipate your cat using your catio space will determine how many amenities you should include inside of it.
Exercise & Play
Some people want their catio to be used solely for exercise and stimulation, so they would prefer not to have any cozy napping areas present and would opt instead for mainly:
- Shelves
- Climbing structures
- Scratching posts
- Toys
There are hundreds of fun pieces of cat furniture you can pick up out there. Check out this big scratching post for example:
- 32″ height allows cats to stretch fully and tone muscles
- Sturdy 16″ by 16″ base eliminates tipping and wobbling
- Fibrous and durable woven sisal naturally inspires scratching
- Superior to carpeted posts that may snag nail
- Assembles with two included screws
If your cat likes to play, there’s a whole load of fun cat toys you could add inside your catio as well.
You could hang up these toy feathers, which your cat will have hours of fun trying to grab hold of whilst they blow in the breeze:
Lounging & Living
Other cat owners anticipate that their felines will be in the catio for most of the day.
In addition to the exercise items above, these catios would include items like:
- kitty hammocks
- lounge beds
- dedicated areas for litter boxes and food/water
- Hammock size: 55x43cm (22 x17 inches)
- sturdy and comfortable design, max load bearing 28LB
- Waterproof nylon side for cooling during summer; Soft offers unmatched warmth and comfort in winter
- Attach to crate or cage corners with metal hooks
- Easy to clean
Other items to consider for your catio décor include toys that can be hung from the structure for your cat to bat at and carpet that you wouldn’t mind being scratched on.
A cat has a natural inclination to use their claws to scratch and giving them a safe space to do so (away from your furniture!) is extremely beneficial to their health.
Some flooring companies will even offer you old carpet samples for free if you ask, which would make for a cost-effective solution to outfitting your catio.
For more ideas of fun cat toys and accessories, check out our articles:
If you plan on sharing your catio space with your cat, make sure that you consider what would make the area a retreat for you as well.
A comfortable chair and small table for your drink or book can easily make the area one that you can enjoy together.
One final consideration for decorating your catio space is to reflect the area near the catio.
Engage your cat with the great outdoors by placing a bird feeder or bird bath a safe distance away from the catio.
Catios can be a wonderful home addition for any cat owner.
