Letting your cat outside is a great idea until you start thinking about traffic, territorial neighbourhood cats, and the local wildlife they might bring home as trophies. For many cat owners, the outdoors feels like a constant tug-of-war between freedom and safety.
That is where cat enclosures come in. Also known as catios, these enclosed outdoor spaces give your feline the best of both worlds: fresh air, sunshine, and stimulation without the danger of roaming freely. Let’s explore the many benefits of cat enclosures, why they are growing in popularity, and what makes an enclosure truly cat-friendly.
What Is a Cat Enclosure or Catio?
A cat enclosure, also known as a catio, is a secure outdoor structure designed to give your cat access to fresh air and natural surroundings without the hazards of free roaming, such as traffic, predators, and getting lost. Many cat enclosures can be built DIY-style, but there are also custom-built options for those who prefer a tailored fit.
They come in many forms. They can be attached to the side of your home, built on balconies, set up in the garden, or even positioned on decks or patios. Some are connected by tunnels from inside the house, while others are simple mesh boxes installed outside a window.
Whether you opt for a full walk-in structure or a smaller window box style, the purpose is the same: give your cat the outdoor experience they crave while keeping them safe from harm and keeping wildlife safe from them.
Why More Cat Owners Are Choosing Enclosures
More cat owners are looking for ways to give their indoor cats safe access to the outdoors, and cat enclosures have quickly become a popular solution. They are fast becoming a standard solution for indoor cats who need stimulation, exercise, and fresh air without the risks.
With many local councils now enforcing containment rules, particularly overnight, cat enclosures provide a compliant and low-stress way to meet those requirements while still supporting your cat’s natural behaviours.
The Benefits of a Cat Enclosure for Cats
The benefits of cat enclosures go far beyond just keeping your pet safe. A thoughtfully designed enclosure can support your cat’s physical health, mental stimulation, and overall wellbeing.
1. Safer Outdoor Access
An outdoor environment can expose your cat to fast-moving cars, aggressive dogs, poisonous plants, and infectious diseases, not to mention the risk of getting lost or trapped.
A cat enclosure allows your cat to watch the world go by, nap in the sun, and breathe in fresh air without stepping into danger. It is especially beneficial for older cats or those with disabilities who might not be able to defend themselves or find their way home.
2. Promotes Physical Health
Cats naturally want to move: stretch, climb, jump, and lounge. Being stuck inside all day can dull their senses and slow their bodies.
A cat enclosure encourages healthy movement and offers direct exposure to sunlight, which contributes to bone strength and general vitality.
3. Mental Enrichment
Are cat enclosures good for cats with a tendency toward boredom? Absolutely.
The outside world is full of exciting scents, shifting breezes, and curious critters to watch. Giving your cat a space to observe and explore safely helps reduce frustration, anxiety, and behaviours like scratching furniture or vocalising excessively indoors.
4. Reduces Conflict in Multi-Cat Homes
Cats are territorial animals, and space matters, especially when more than one feline shares a home.
Adding an outdoor enclosure gives them new ground to explore and claim, which can ease tensions and help reduce territorial disputes inside.
5. Helps With Litter and Odour Management
A cat enclosure can make a noticeable difference when it comes to litter mess and smell. Setting up an outdoor toilet area keeps most of the odour outside and helps reduce the amount of litter being tracked through your home.
Even so, it is still a good idea to keep an indoor tray available. Some cats feel more at ease using it, and giving them both options just makes sense.
Benefits for Cat Owners
The benefits of cat enclosures are not one-sided. They offer convenience, peace of mind, and even property value for cat parents, too.
1. Strengthens Your Bond With Your Cat
Spending time outdoors with your cat, such as reading a book while they sun themselves or watching them explore a new perch, can be surprisingly bonding. It is a quiet, shared experience that brings you closer and helps your cat associate the enclosure with comfort and calm.
2. Peace of Mind
It is not always easy balancing your cat’s curiosity with the risks of the outside world. Enclosures offer a practical solution, where your cat gets the stimulation of being outdoors and you get the reassurance that they are protected from common dangers.
In many areas, they also help you stay on the right side of local council rules, especially where roaming restrictions apply.
3. Protects Wildlife
Cats are skilled hunters, even when well-fed. Allowing cats to roam freely contributes to the decline of local bird and lizard populations.
A cat enclosure gives them access to the outdoors without adding pressure on already vulnerable wildlife.
4. Prevents Neighbourhood Disputes
A roaming cat can quickly become the subject of neighbourhood complaints. They may dig in gardens, fight with other pets, or leave droppings behind.
With an enclosure, your cat stays where they belong, and you stay on good terms with your neighbours.
5. Adds Value to Your Home
Believe it or not, a well-built cat enclosure can become a selling point. Pet-loving buyers often appreciate a home that already caters to animal wellbeing. It also speaks to thoughtful, modern living and a commitment to responsible pet care.
What Makes a Good Cat Enclosure?
When fur parents ask us what to put in a cat enclosure, we always start with safety. Your enclosure should be escape-proof, with no sharp edges, wide gaps, or toxic materials. Your cat should be able to come and go from the house via a door, flap, or open window.
Inside, include perches, platforms, shaded hideaways, and a few weather-proof scratching posts. A litter tray, water bowl (or water fountain), and some cat-safe plants will round out the space. Add in a few toys, and your cat will be happily entertained for hours.
Tips for Introducing Your Cat to a Catio
Some cats will take to a catio right away, while others may need a few gentle introductions before they feel completely at ease. Even the best-designed enclosure will not do much if your cat feels unsure about using it.
If you are introducing your cat to the enclosure for the first time, timing matters. Choose a warm, quiet day, and avoid times when there might be loud noises outside, like mowing, renovations, or social gatherings.
Let your cat explore the space at their own pace. Avoid picking them up or placing them inside, and never shut them in. If they seem hesitant, try luring them with a treat or their favourite toy. You can also head into the enclosure yourself and wait. They may follow out of curiosity.
For the first few sessions, leave the cat flap, door, or window propped open so they can see the entrance clearly. This helps them understand that the space is theirs to enter and exit freely. Once they become more confident, you can start closing it while still keeping access simple.
Is a Cat Enclosure Right for You?
From reducing vet bills to protecting wildlife and helping cats feel more confident and active, the benefits of cat enclosures are hard to ignore.
If you are planning a custom build or thinking about the best setup for your space, it is worth exploring the many options available to suit your space and your cat’s lifestyle.
Heading off for a few days? We can take care of your whiskered homebody while you are away. Our cat boarding offers a safe, comfy space they will actually want to come back to.
