Catio Spaces "Life is GOOD in a Catio!!"

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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. 

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. 

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