Creating a safe and beautiful space for your cats to enjoy the outdoors can be a challenging yet rewarding journey. As a lifelong cat lover, I’ve always dreamed of giving my cats a secure place to explore nature while staying safe from the dangers of the outside world.
However, life has a way of throwing curveballs, and my vision for a perfect cat-friendly garden has gone through multiple iterations—and plenty of lessons learned.
In this post, I’ll share my experiences with designing and building a cat-friendly outdoor space, including the ups and downs of creating a catio (enclosed garden) and my ongoing efforts to make it work.
Why a Cat-Friendly Garden?
The idea for a cat-friendly garden was born out of necessity. After losing two beloved cats, Njiška and Plupa, to accidents in an unprotected outdoor space, I realized how dangerous the outside world can be for our feline friends. My goal was clear: create a space where my cats could enjoy the outdoors safely while preserving their natural curiosity and love for exploration.
This is where the concept of a catio came into play—a closed-off area that combines safety with elements of nature, offering cats the best of both worlds.
The Vision: A Pet-Friendly Gard
Initial Design
When we moved into our new home, I envisioned a closed garden spanning 13.5 meters in length and 3.5 meters in width. It would have an open roof to allow natural light, climbing plants along the beams, and dedicated play areas for the cats, including wooden structures and shrubs.
The garden would serve as a sanctuary where I could relax with my cats and watch them thrive in a safe environment. However, the project turned out to be more challenging than I anticipated.
My Cat-Friendly Garden Design Plan
Sanctuary where I could relax with my cats and watch them thrive in a safe environment
First and Second Catio Attempts
The First Attempt: Setbacks and Delays
The first design involved a pergola structure with wooden beams and mesh for safety. Although the pergola was installed on time, delays with the contractor meant that the enclosure was never completed before winter set in. For four months, the cats were confined indoors, and all of us struggled to adapt.
The Second Attempt: New Challenges
With a new contractor on board, we managed to enclose the pergola using wooden panels and wire mesh. This time, I introduced plants to the garden, only to face a new set of challenges:
Despite these setbacks, I learned valuable lessons about what works and what doesn’t when designing a cat-friendly garden.
Current Progress: The Third Attempt
Determined to create a functional and appealing garden, I embarked on my third attempt in October. This time, I focused on a methodical approach:
While the process has been slow due to weather conditions, I remain optimistic. I’m learning to adapt my design to accommodate both my cats’ needs and the realities of outdoor gardening.
Tips for Adapting Cats to a Catio
If you’re considering building a cat-friendly garden, here are some tips based on my experience:
