iN VIDEO: Build a ‘catio’ for your favourite feline friends

PENTICTON – It’s not so much about pampering, as it is about protecting your pet.

The South Okanagan Similkameen branch of the BC SPCA recently offered instructions on how to build a “catio” for your feline pets, to provide them with the freedom to roam outside in safety and to protect wildlife from their natural predatory instincts.

The enclosed structures are basically patios for cats, allowing them to lie in the sun and get fresh air while preventing them from interacting with wildlife.

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The SPCA provides do it yourself catio guides with three different styles to suit the space available.

The project could include transforming a window, patio, deck or creating an entirely free-standing structure.

Catios provide an enriched environment for cats, the SPCA says, allowing them access to outside stimuli while protecting them from other cats, traffic, diseases and other urban dangers affecting free-roaming cats.

By limiting interaction with other cats, catios can help reduce the community cat population. Limiting cats’ ability to interact outdoors also reduces harm to birds and other creatures cats prey on.

For more information on building your own catio, go to this BC SPCA webpage.

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