Column: Consider a ‘catio’ to satisfy your cat’s curiosity while staying safe
We are celebrating our feline friends this September with Happy, Healthy Cat Month.
It's a great time to add a kitty companion to your home. For the entire month, we are waiving the adoption fees for all cats 6 months and older.
Cats are marvelous creatures, and the good news is that more Americans are choosing to share their homes with them. More than 2.6 million cats were adopted across the country in 2023, a 14% increase over 2019.
According to a recent study completed by our friends at Hill's Pet Nutrition, the number one reason people choose to adopt a cat rather than a dog is that they are seen as lower maintenance.
Cats appeal to adopters because they groom themselves and require less space. Many apartment dwellers opt for cats as there are fewer rental restrictions, and cats don't require outdoor space.
Our very own Rochelle Guardado, Animal Training Manager at Pasadena Humane, is back with some tips for keeping our purr-fect pals content.
Tip 1: Know your cat's healthy baseline
Cats are experts at hiding signs of illness. Be alert to any changes in your cat's behavior. Don't wait for signs of obvious trouble before visiting your veterinarian. Regular grooming maintenance, such as brushing and nail trimming, may alert you to these subtle changes.
Tip 2: Stick to a regular feeding schedule
Cats enjoy multiple small meals daily and prefer drinking water in a different area from where they eat. Avoid overfeeding or leaving out a large meal in one bowl each day.
Tip 3: Space to scratch and climb is essential
One scratching pad isn't enough. Provide plenty of spaces for your cat to scratch both horizontally and vertically. Place tall and sturdy cat trees in areas where the family hangs out and near windows.
Tip 4: Provide daily social interaction
Interactive play, cuddle time, and even training (yes, you can train a cat!) are all important for your cat to live a well-balanced life. Contrary to what many people believe, cats are social beings and don't do well when isolated for long periods of time.
Tip 5: Have a mental and physical exercise routine
Daily play is just as important as daily meals. Without play and mental stimulation, your cat's health can deteriorate. Behavior issues may also arise when there is an absence of regular play activities.
Provide plenty of opportunities for fun activities such as food puzzles, catnip, wheat grass, or time in a safe, enclosed catio.
You might ask, what is a catio? Like it sounds, a catio is an outdoor enclosed space for cats – a cat patio.
Catios allow cats to experience the outdoors while keeping them safe from predators and cars. Plus, catios protect birds and other wildlife species from our little feline hunters.
One of the most incredible things about catios is their diversity. They can range from complex structures with multiple habitats to a simple enclosure attached to a living room window.
Pasadena Humane is honored to once again partner with Teranga Ranch for the second annual Los Angeles Catio Tour coming up on Saturday, October 5.
Our shelter will be the kick-off location for a self-guided driving tour of more than 10 private catios of all shapes and sizes throughout Los Angeles. Details and ticket options for the tour are now available online through Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/4pzx4f43 . Details:
If you are considering a catio of your own and would like to add a cat to your family, visit pasadenahumane.org/cats to learn more about adopting a cat and view cats available for adoption.
Dia DuVernet is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane. pasadenahumane.org
