This post is about life in the catio then and now.
THEN: I rummaged around my external hard drive, and pulled out some old catio pre-digital photographs. The catio photos are taken at my previous house, where I originally built the thing. Aside from a few repairs, it is still the same catio. The cats shown are Peep (Maine Coon), Data–long hair orange and white, and Verty–a tabby like Scooby. All crossed over the bridge quite a while back. They can be read about on my In Remembrance page. Interestingly enough in both locations, the catio faces East. My next door neighbors had cats, rabbits, and geese. When coyotes killed them all, I decided my cats were going to be indoor cats from then on. I could not bear losing them. And thus, the catio, or catrun, as I called it then was created.
Old Polaroid of me and cats checking out the new catio for the first time 2001
The above featured photo is a polaroid from 2001, which I repost today as it is the only one I have like this.
Catio at the old house
2001 Peep (above) and Data
Peep and Data the cat 2003
Data and Verty
Peep, Data, Verty 2005
Reassembling the catio at our new home (repost)
NOW: Some things are not pictured. I cannot seem to get all four of them in there at the same time for a photo shoot! I missed photos of visiting cats sitting in the grass just outside the wire, being sociable. I missed both the finches Opie caught inside it. The birds must have had eyesight problems. There is also squirrel taunting, as the squirrels have learned the cats cannot get out and come after them! So, here are a few photos I have not posted before.
Opie
Scooby and Zeke (below)
Opie and Zeke
Scooby
Marigold Scooby Zeke
Feline Café 
Such gawjus kitties. And, what a great catio. We’re so glad you decided to bring da kitties in fur safety. Big hugs
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
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The coyotes only left the heads and collars of the neighbor’s cats. That is a sight you won’t forget when hunting for their cats. I built the catio in a day–some new wood–some scrap wood.
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Dat’s so pawful. You’re right, we’d never wanna see dat. Big hugs
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
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That must have been something really interesting in the last picture
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I know there is a big squirrel nest out there. Could be a cat as well.
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Greg, what a great catio! Your cats are safe and seem to love being outside. Yep, checking out the woods from safety! Christine
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It is far superior to a windowsill. Past few days it has been closed due to hazardous air quality from wildfires, so they have been lounging around with depressed faces since they can’t go outside. This weekend should be good.
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Yep, know about the wildfires. My son told me there’s ash blowing everywhere, and air quality is poor.
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That about sums it up! I am locked in with windows closed and my four portable HEPA filters humming away, so I can breathe properly.
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Good! I’d also wear a mask if you have to go out. Can’t be too careful.
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It is supposed to BLOW AWAY by this afternoon–3 or more hours from now. I don’t need to go out–I am always prepared!
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Great photos of catio living. Everyone, past and present, looks like they really enjoy being outside and safe.
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No longer being outside cats was not too much of a shock, since they still got to go outside in a manner of speaking.
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Peep, Data and Verty were all beautiful. I am glad you decided to keep your kitties inside where they are safe.
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There was not much of an option as I lived next to a farm and could see the coyotes roaming about.
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guyz….itz nice ta meet thos who came bee for N itz grate ta see all theeze soooper awesum catio fotoz…..dad did a grate job buildin it….itz mega kewl… !! 🙂 ♥♥
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Glad you liked the photos
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What a wonderful catio !
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It has lasted well beyond expectations. When I moved, I thought I would leave it behind, but had second thoughts. I took it apart and moved it. The catio is still solid, though I have the occasional repair going on. thanks for visiting!
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Your catio is so cool! I really need to figure out how to make a small one for Foster. 👍Debra
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Finding a good place to put it, so they can go inside and outside is the first step. You need a handy window. That will dictate it’s size.
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Wow they all love their Catio.I worked out it would be 16 year old that’s definitely been a good build by you and most certainly appreciated.Love the photos of Data,Peep and Verty.I had to laugh when I saw Mr Scooby spread out enjoying his cat nap.He does look big and gorgeous in these photos.Wonder what is so interesting to them in the last photo.x🐾🐾🐾😻😸💕
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The first thing they do when they go into the catio is take a good look at the woods in the back. They look for animals. That is what they are doing here, as they just went out. They see more than I do! 🙂
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