Article

Expanding Kitty's Kingdom - The Benefits of Catios

August 4, 2024

There are many arguments for keeping domestic cats as indoor-only pets – from impacts on local wildlife populations to communicable diseases, an indoor-only lifestyle is the gold standard of safety for both cats and local biodiversity. That said, anyone who has enjoyed a warm summer breeze or the petrichor before rain can attest to the benefits of “outside time”. Enter the catio: a secure, enclosed outdoor space designed specifically for cats. These innovative structures are rapidly gaining popularity among cat owners for their dual benefits — providing cats with a stimulating environment while offering owners peace of mind.

picture of an outdoor catio


The Benefits of Catios:


Enhancing Physical Health


Catios offer an ideal environment for cats to engage in natural behaviors such as climbing, jumping, and exploring. These activities are crucial for promoting physical health, such as


  • Strengthening Muscles and Joints: Climbing and jumping in a catio can help strengthen muscles and joints, promoting better mobility and reducing the risk of arthritis.
  • Preventing Obesity: Regular exercise in a catio helps prevent obesity, which in turn protects their joints and reduces the risk of diabetes and other obesity-related health issues.
  • Improve Cardiovascular Health: Active play and exploration in a catio help improve cardiovascular health by keeping the cat’s heart and lungs functioning optimally.



In addition to promoting physical activity, catios significantly reduce the risk of exposure to diseases and parasites commonly found in outdoor environments. Free-roaming cats are more likely to encounter health hazards such as fleas, ticks, and infectious diseases. By keeping your cat within the protected confines of a catio, you can ensure a healthier, longer life for your beloved pet.


A cat inside a handmade catio

Boosting Mental Well-being

Catios provide an enriching outdoor environment that offers a variety of sights, sounds, and smells, which are crucial for a cat's mental stimulation. These sensory experiences promote mental health benefits such as:

  • Reduced Stress: Fresh air can help reduce stress and anxiety levels in cats by providing a calming and relaxing environment.
  • Quiet Haven: A catio provides cats with a secluded retreat from unwanted social interactions with humans, helping them manage stress and anxiety by offering a sense of control and security.
  • Prevents Boredom: Catios provide continuous stimulation, reducing the likelihood of negative behaviors, stress, and anxiety, and promoting overall well-being.

In addition to mental stimulation, catios play a significant role in reducing stress and anxiety, particularly for indoor cats. The confinement of indoor living can sometimes lead to frustration and anxiety, manifesting in negative behaviors. Access to a catio offers a safe escape where cats can relax and de-stress, significantly improving their overall well-being and emotional health.


PROTECTING LOCAL WILDLIFE 


Despite their cuddly appearance, cats are fierce predators that pose a substantial threat to local wildlife, especially bird populations. Studies show that in the United States alone cats are estimated to kill 2.4 billion birds each year. Their predatory behavior can drastically reduce wildlife numbers. By using catios, pet owners can mitigate this environmental impact, giving their cats outdoor access without harming wildlife. This approach aligns with sustainable and ethical pet ownership practices, emphasizing the responsibility of pet owners to protect and preserve local ecosystems.


PEACE OF MIND FOR PET OWNERS


By creating a safe and secure outdoor oasis, catios provide pet owners with peace of mind, knowing their cats can enjoy the outdoors without the risks associated with free roaming. Catios significantly reduce the risk of accidents, fights with other animals, and getting lost, offering a secure environment for our pets. This safety feature ensures that our beloved pets can safely experience the outdoors without common dangers. As a pet owner, the peace of mind that comes from knowing your cat is living their best life while being secure and safe is truly priceless.


CONCLUSION


The benefits of catios are clear: they support your cat's physical and mental health, offer a safe outdoor space, and protect local wildlife. As a pet owner, providing a catio is a thoughtful way to ensure your cat enjoys the best of both worlds. Consider a catio to improve your pet's quality of life and enjoy the peace of mind it brings!


picture of a cat in an outdoor catio

share this

CASPCA's logo

The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA is a non-profit animal shelter and community resource center located at 3355 Berkmar Drive in Charlottesville, Virginia. Established in 1914, CASPCA is proud to have served our community and their animals for over 100 years.

Related Articles

Related Articles

Everything You Need to Know Before Building a Catio

By Matthew Hildebrandt of Cat Topia • September 25, 2025
Imagine your cat stretched out in the sunshine, safely watching birds flutter by and feeling the breeze through their whiskers, all without you worrying about cars, predators, or getting lost. That’s the magic of a catio, an enclosed outdoor space designed just for cats. More and more cat parents are building catios because they offer the perfect balance: freedom and enrichment for curious cats, with peace of mind for the humans who love them. From reducing stress and boredom to protecting local wildlife, a catio can transform both you & your cat’s daily routine. This article will walk you through the benefits of building a catio, how to plan your design, the best materials to use, a step-by-step DIY walkthrough, and the safety tips that matter most. Even a small setup can make a big difference in your cat’s quality of life.

Goats, Growth, and a Greener Future at CASPCA

By Lauren K • September 19, 2025
At CASPCA, we’re used to being the ones helping animals. This week, a group of four-legged landscapers returned the favor, eating their way through a big project for us!

A Year After the Yoder Puppy Mill Raid: Our Work Continues, Even as Justice Falls Short

By Libby Jones • June 25, 2025
Our Work Continues, Even as Justice Falls Short
ALL ARTICLES

STAY UP TO DATE

GET CASPCA'S LATEST

Receive updates, success stories, and get a heads up on upcoming events!

Contact Us

picture of cat being pet by a vet assistant
A foster care coordinator holds a rabbit