What is a Catio?

A catio is an enclosed outdoor patio for cats (and sometimes their humans), designed to provide a safe and enriching environment. It allows cats to experience the outdoors while preventing harm to both wildlife and the cats themselves.

Why are catios important?

Catios provide many valuable services to the individuals involved and to the community at large.

Cats that go outdoors kill more than 8 billion native birds, reptiles and small mammals every year.

Cars, predators, poisoning, parasites, disease, and fights are just some of the threats that loom for outdoor-going cats. The average lifespan of an indoor cat is 15-20 years. The average lifespan of a cat that goes outside is 3-5 years.

Catios provide enrichment for indoor-only cats! Stimulate your cat’s brain by allowing him the smells, sights and sounds that can only be found outside while keeping him safely enclosed.


Help make the Catio Tour a success!

Get your tickets and invite your friends and family to join in the fun! With a self-guided tour, you can build your own adventure!

More ways to help >


It takes all of us to make constructive change. Thank you.


Videos

How do cats that go outside affect native wildlife? Interview with Denys Hemen, Hospital Manager at the California Wildlife Center


How do catios affect cat behavior?Interview with Rochelle Guardado, Animal Training Manager, Pasadena Humane


Songbirds and Cats: Interview with Kathy Barton, President of the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society


Building your catio: Interview with Alan Breslauer, aka The Catio Guy


More catio resources

now in its 11th year!