“Catios” are the perfect compromise for outdoor cats and wildlife

A "catio" or "cat patio" is an enclosure that allows pet cats to enjoy outdoor enrichment in a contained space. Catios come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from simple window boxes to freestanding structures with toys and boxes for felines to experience alfresco without risking harm to them or the local wildlife. 

According to the American Bird Conservancy, "Outdoor domestic cats are a recognized threat to global biodiversity. Cats have contributed to the extinction of 63 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles in the wild and continue to adversely impact a wide variety of other species." An individual domestic cat can easily kill 100 to 200 wild animals per year. As a whole, it is estimated that domestic cats kill between 1.4 and 3.7 billion birds and between 6.9 and 20.7 billion mammals annually in the United States.

A study published in Nature Communications reported that "both stray and owned cats are responsible for a far greater number of bird and mammal deaths in the contiguous United States than previously estimated, outpacing other threats such as collisions with windows, buildings, communication towers, cars, and poisoning." Feral cats are "likely the single greatest source of anthropogenic (man-made) mortality for US birds and mammals," according to the report. 

Fortunately, catios offer the perfect compromise, letting your feline friend have the outside time that they enjoy without letting them wander far enough to hunt the songbirds that you enjoy! If you're thinking about building your own catio and want some inspiration, or if you just want to see some amazing catio creations, look no further than your own computer. The Portland Audubon Society and the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon are hosting their eighth annual catio tour virtually. The tour, which will be held 10 am to 4 pm Sept. 12 through Zoom, will showcase 10 diverse outdoor cat enclosures from the Portland Metro area, including a catio in Clark County! This year's tour will highlight 10 catios which have been professionally filmed to showcase their creative and unique designs, from efficient to expansive. Guests will take the tour on Zoom with other catio fans, be the first to see the catio videos, and also interact with catio hosts during live Q&A. The Catio Tour was created to inspire cat owners to build or buy their own outdoor cat enclosure to keep cats safe from outdoor hazards while also protecting wildlife from cat predation.

2020 Catio Tour Details 

For more information on this event visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/315049216344911/