Millions of people love their cats. Some 36% of households keep an average of two cats. They are the second most popular companion animal in the United States, lagging only behind dogs.
![Cat in a tree](https://windingpathways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Bernstein_CatInTree-150x150.jpg)
Cats decimate bird populations.
Some cats cause problems, especially when owners allow them to free-range the neighborhood. According to the American Bird Conservancy, they kill 2.4 billion birds a year and may be a significant cause of the decline of many species.
Catios to the rescue!
A growing number of cat lovers, many who also enjoy bird watching, recognize the problem and are increasingly adding a catio to their home. Wonder what it is???? It’s simply an enclosure that allows the family cats to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and a bit of adventure without allowing them complete access to the neighborhood.
Many catios are enclosed patios, which spawned the name, that let cats play outdoors while their owners enjoy lounging or socializing nearby. They are relaxing places for both species. Other catios are small and positioned outside windows. Catios can be either purchased or homemade and often an existing patio can be modified into one.
Safety First!
Although cats love roaming the neighborhood, it is not a safe place. They pick up ticks and transfer them to humans, suffer accidents, are killed by cars as they cross streets, and are taken by predators.
A catio is a good solution to several problems. It allows cats to enjoy the outdoors safe from cars and predators in a place where they can’t kill birds. And, the owners always know where their cat is.
Harmony
An array of catio photos is visible on Catio Spaces. Many other websites feature them. Catios are a great way for cat lovers to show care of wildlife species, keep their cats safe, and live in peace with human neighbors who are frustrated when they spot a feline stalking birds under their feeder.
I have had 3 cats in my life, all indoor cats. My last cat was happy to enjoy the outdoors on a lightweight leash anchored in the yard. While I was in the yard tending flower beds or just relaxing, Lula was content to watch the world go by and chase the occasional leaf blown by the wind. Many cat owners insist that cats MUST be free to roam, that it’s in their DNA. I disagree. Lula never tried to escape the house without her leash. In fact, when she saw me get the leash, she patiently stood by, with chin lifted, to allow me to attach her collar. Securing our cats is safer for wildlife and for our beloved pets!
Thank you, Sheri.