In 2016 we unveiled a new cat porch or ‘catio’ we had built on our side terrace. This is the story behind it and the latest update.
Creating A Cat Porch Enclosure
Stevie Mouse and Emmy
There were two good reasons for spending money on creating a cat porch enclosure – Stevie Mouse and Emmy! Regular readers will know that Stevie Mouse (who is nearly a year old) has impaired sight so is not allowed to go outside the house. At the time we also had Emmy, who was ten months old and suffered from epilepsy meaning she was also housebound.
Solving A Concern
It had bothered us for a while how we were going to ensure the two kittens didn’t get off our back terrace as the summer approached. In the summer the French doors to the terrace are permanently open so we have air. If they got out on the land it would be easy for them to get lost if they got outside. Not to mention the hazards of all the wild animals they could encounter. We already had the scare of Stevie Mouse ‘tightrope walking’ along the metal railings of the balcony and then falling nine feet onto the concrete below (no injuries luckily!).
New Construction
So, my Mum suggested we looked at having a ‘cat cage’ built and that is what we have done. We got a local builder to make something from our design so that when the girls go in there, and the other cats and dogs, they can have a run around, sit in the sun and get the fresh air but can’t escape.
It is a real bonus that the structure doesn’t take too much away from the wonderful view.
Update 2022
Creating a cat porch enclosure was a great success and still going strong. We had to reinforce the wire at the bottom where the dogs kept pushing their noses (they were after lizards!). But otherwise it has lasted well. We sit and eat lunch and our evening meal in there with the animals in the summer. And it is lovely to be able to let Stevie Mouse outside knowing she is safe. Unfortunately, Emmy died a couple of years ago having lived a lot longer than expected. It is nice to think that she had lots of fun outdoors in the cat porch.
When we come up the stairs in the morning now, when the weather is nice, Stevie Mouse is waiting to be let out there at the first hint of warm sunshine. We added a little cat house with a hide away and stairs up the terrace and she loves that. Add in some kitty grass and it is her idea of heaven! The two dogs Ringo and Spud also love the area as they can sit and bark at things happening miles away!
Cat Art Images
Check out my cat art images at my Art Heroes (Europe), Pictorem (USA and Canada) and RedBubble (worldwide) stores.
Before you go
My name is Dorothy Berry-Lound (ShannathShima) an artist and writer. You can find out more about my art and writing at https://dorothyberryloundart.com.
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Thank you for reading!
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