New must have for cats: catios

Catios — enclosed patios for cats — are the new trend for indoor cats who want a taste of the outside life, the New York Times reports. (See the Times’ cute catio slideshow and catioshowcase.com.)

Catios have made inroads in the suburbs, where they range from small, practical structures — like a box made of wood and chicken wire — to all-out fantasy cat playgrounds, replete with tunnels and scratching posts. But such enclosures remain a rarity in the city, where giving up even a square foot of real estate to a litter box can seem like a sacrifice.

Atlanta cat specialist Drew Weigner is quoted saying outdoor space offers cats emotional benefits:

While it is safer for them to stay inside, “in an enclosed yard, they’re going to get more exercise,” Dr. Weigner said. “Plus, there’s the intellectual stimulation, quote-unquote.”

Dr. Weigner advises suburban cat owners to keep outdoor enclosures off the ground, to guard against fleas and other parasites. He pointed to the American Association of Feline Practitioners’ Web page on environmental enrichment, which recommends several types of fencing for suburban cats.

Inside or outside, cat experts recommend setting up a playground for your feline to exercise their bodies and minds. Learn more about cat playgrounds and how you can set up your own in this video.