Dr. Marty Becker
Question: I want to build a catio for my two cats. Do you have any design tips?
Congratulations to your cats for having such a wonderful owner! They will enjoy their outdoor space. Here are some tips on what to think about.
Give your cats as much vertical and horizontal space as possible to allow for climbing, sniffing and relaxation. At a minimum, the catio should be 6 feet by 6 feet. Add a cat tree or incorporate a real tree into the plan – as long as your cats can’t reach the top – plus stations or walkways at different heights around the perimeter. The walkways, about 6 inches wide, should also cross the space diagonally.
Seal the floor with scrim strong enough that it can’t be clawed by a determined predator—or your cat. And there should be real flooring, not just dirt, so other animals can’t dig under it to get inside. If possible, install a sealed concrete floor. It is not only strong; it can also be hosed off as needed. If you’re going outside, place the sloped floor in a drain for easy cleaning.
Prevent fights with stray cats by building a solid foundation wall about 3 feet high so that there is no hissing, growling and spitting at ground level. Review can grow from this.
Add a cover for protection from the elements. Design it so that the catio has shaded and sunny areas.
Planters filled with cat-safe plants offer sniffing and sniffing pleasure as well as vibrant color. Options include African violets, Boston ferns and, of course, cattails. Consider a small fountain or other water feature if your cat enjoys getting into wet things.
Don’t forget your comfort. Make sure you have easy access to plant care and litter boxes. Here are more tips: bit.ly/3PTATpB.
− Kim Campbell Thornton
BUZZ
Keep cooking safe for dogs
It’s cooking season, and it culminates on Labor Day next month. Dogs are notorious for stealing items from the grill—or at least asking for a taste—but make sure you know what’s safe before handing out treats or laughing at a dog food theft. Say yes with a smile to a bite of skinless, boneless meat, such as chicken, as long as it’s not covered in barbecue sauce or anything spicy. Grilled vegetables like broccoli and carrots are also fine. Avoid pork ribs and chops; small or oddly shaped bones can cause choking or obstruction. Same for corn on the cob. And anything on a skewer is a serious risk. Keep litter out of the dogs’ reach and warn guests not to give Baxter anything he shouldn’t have.
“Panthers of the salon” love attention
Have you met Bombay? Copper-eyed black cats, sometimes nicknamed “parlor panthers,” are smart and affectionate, enjoying the company of their owners as well as welcoming visitors. Bombays often enjoy walking on a leash or playing with small balls. They love attention and are often found gracing a lap.
Do not keep goldfish in bowls
Goldfish are popular “starter pets” for children, but they need more and better care than they are usually given. First rule of the fin club: Don’t keep goldfish in bowls. They need a good sized aquarium that holds 75 to 100 gallons. Surprised? Goldfish can grow up to a foot long, and it is a myth that goldfish kept in small bowls or tanks will remain small. So give them space! They also need a good water filtration system and frequent partial water changes to keep their aquatic environment clean. Finally, don’t feed them. Give only the amount they can finish eating in a few minutes, once or twice a day.
Have a pet question? Send it to [email protected] or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker. Pet Connection is produced by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, journalist Kim Campbell Thornton and dog trainer/behavior consultant Mikkel Becker.
s produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is the founder of Fear Free, co-founder of VetScoop.com, and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has written about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is on Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is on Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.
(EDITORS: For editorial inquiries, contact Elizabeth Kelly, [email protected].)
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