Men have man caves and women have she sheds, but what about our favorite felines? It turns out that they too can have their own special space to enjoy. Called a catio, it’s an outdoor enclosure that allows a kitty to be among the fresh air without the risk of them venturing too far from home. For an indoor cat that wishes they were an outdoor cat, it’s the perfect compromise between human and feline.
It’s possible to build your own catio; in fact, they're conceptualized as a DIY project. Although this might sound like a daunting endeavor, Seattle-based company Catio Spaces is determined to make the process an easy install next to a window, on a deck, or in a yard. They've developed downloadable plans that are customizable depending on your needs. Regardless of where the catio goes, the materials used are typically the same. To ensure a cat's safety, they're framed in wood and lined with escape-proof galvanized wire, a mesh roof, as well as various perches for your furry friend to observe the world at large.
Although some catios are perfectly feline-sized, others are large enough for you both to share. Check out some of the ways in which people have decorated these spaces in a way that’s cozy and satisfying for all.