Friday, June 2, 2017

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

Disclosure:We were compensated to share info about Catio Spaces with our readers, as you know, we ONLY share information about products that we currently use, have used, that we would LOVE to use, and that would be of interest and value to YOU, our valued readers.


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. 


Be sure to give them a LIKE on FACEBOOK too!

44 comments:

  1. These look awesome! Of course, my human is not exactly a DIY person - she'd have to have someone make it for her.

    Too bad you can't build a catio out of css code. MOL!

    ReplyDelete
  2. WOW! Those all look like they would be fun for a kitty. Like you though, wer live in an apartment and thigns like that are not allowed. we'll just have to dream about them I guess.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. we're dreaming right along with you! Wish I had a house, I would hire someone to build one with Cynthia's DIY plans!

      Delete
  3. I have always dreamt of having a catio for my kitties, and these look amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too! The DIY prices seem extremely reasonable too. I need to move lol

      Delete
  4. I would love an outdoor catio but not easy where I live.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I disagree with the protection of birds from the cats--probably because my screen is too wide--being wire fencing. Having a bird feeder and birdbath next to it probably does not help but provides bird entertainment. A few finches have been dispatched and a few birds flew into the house causing great havoc! I leave it to Darwin (scientist--not cat) who lives or dies.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a wonderful way to have your kitty a place to be outside and not worry about him or her wandering off. This is brilliant.

    Have a purrfect day Cody. My best to your wonderful mom. ♥♥♥

    ReplyDelete
  7. Catios are more important than ever for safe environmental enrichment but cat owners need to check regulations for apartments or condos like yours. I've posted about catios for years and recommend Catio Spaces. It's great to see so many sizes and varieties.

    ReplyDelete
  8. How cool is this company! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  9. The catio's are wonderful Caren. Such a great way for kitties to be outside safely.
    Have a good weekend!
    Robin

    ReplyDelete
  10. I would love to do this for Bear. We live in a condo complex as well so the outside spaces are off limits for catification. Not to mention that we are the condo in the hole ... which means there's not much to see from here because our unit is half surrounded by a huge retaining wall ... and the other half is underground. He still loves to sun himself in the windows ... but I'm pretty sure Bear favors the peace and quiet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't a shame that condos don't change their association rules? MANY people have cats...and humans can use them too! I am on second floor, we have a balcony, but if they would change their rules it would work for us. I sooo wish we could move!

      Delete
  11. OH MY CATS at House Hunter for felines. I love all of them. We tried to get our back porch turned into a screened porch but since the porch was existing it would have been hard to keep the bugs and critters from coming under the bottom.
    Hugs madi and mom

    ReplyDelete
  12. These are great ideas. I got my eye on two of these ideas. Fanks!

    Emma and Buster

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are most welcome!! If you build any, please let us know!

      Delete
  13. oh WE lust after them too, believe us! We're kind of intrigued by the tunnel....

    ReplyDelete
  14. Those catios look wonderful ! Purrs

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am in your same boat. I live in a condo with a strict HOA. Our cats go out on our balcony under our supervision. These catios are awesome! I still will check out their web site.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Nice looking catios, I am overprotective though and would fear they could get out somehow.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Those are pawsome! We would love a catio too, and even though we do live in a house, it just isn't feasible with the way our house is right now. Maybe we should move!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I keep telling Aunt Melinda she needs a catio so cousin BB doesn't wander off again. I can't have one here, unfortunately.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Those look great!

    I really want Athena to have a catio but as we are hoping to move soon it'll have to wait.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I would dearly love to have one of these. BUT I have NO skills whatever and no one to do it for me. I would have to hire it done. But what a great catio. Far better it seems than any others I have seen. The best I could hope to have is the window box. My home is on a slanted hill so all the windows except those on the west side are very high up. Only suitable for a box. Thanks for letting us be aware of these gems..

    ReplyDelete
  21. Those look wonderful! That's on my list of top projects!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Cody we really really hope that one day you will live in a place with a catio.
    A real catio, not something that looks like a small hen house, a big one, a fun one.
    Ronrons
    Hisia

    ReplyDelete
  23. Those are great. We had a screen porch for about two years that was just wonderful. Sometimes we'd pester mom to let us out at 3 am.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. a screened porch would work too but it would have to be the type of screens that can't be ripped with cat claws :)

      Delete
  24. Oh MeOW How pawsum!!! We would luv a catio. Big hugs

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Raena

    ReplyDelete
  25. These catios are awsome! Purrs from us!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Oh wow guys those catios are amazing, the P.A. is planning on some perimeter fencing to keep us in the garden soon, as young Fudge is a bit of a nightmare and furgets who he is, where he is and how he got there! MOL

    Thanks fur sharing such a great post, we loved it!

    Bestest purrs

    Basil & Co xox

    ReplyDelete
  27. Our cats would love something like that. Now that it isn't safe to let them outside while I garden, it would be so much fun for all of us.
    xxoo
    Maggie

    ReplyDelete
  28. These are so, so cool. If Sam were younger, I would definitely try to talk my hubby into building one of these (he'd more likely hire someone...LOL).

    ReplyDelete
  29. Wow!
    Those are really cool!
    Have a super Sunday...

    Noodle and crew

    ReplyDelete
  30. These are very nice catios and they seem affordable for most peeps. If, we were stuck inside for whatever reason....this is the answer.

    Loves,

    Shoko and Kali

    ReplyDelete
  31. OMC, those are awesome! We're in the same boat as you, Caren ... Townhouse association rules say we can't have a catio. But we can dream! :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. In my first house I used Cat Fence-In to make the entire yard cat safe. A catio is another great option for keeping kitties safe and giving them some outdoor time.

    ReplyDelete
  33. We wish...we surely do wish...

    We could adapt that to work on our front porch...and we might sit there more often too if we did that. We don't think we can make our back porch work...though that would be way better...much more fur the kitties to see.

    Furry clevfur designs!

    ReplyDelete
  34. We've recently put up a catio for our indoor kitties - they love it! They have a catflap, so can come and go as they please during the day, as long as somebody's in to keep a check on them. I can't work, so most days they have all data access.
    They are quite common over here in the UK, for indoor cat owners.

    ReplyDelete
  35. We have a really dinky catio for our three, but at least it does get them outdoors. I would love to have a big one for them one day!

    ReplyDelete