Friday, December 7, 2018

Catio on the Patio

In order to explain this next home project I need to introduce you to the most stunning member of our family. This handsome fellow is Muggles. Do not let the name fool you, he is perhaps the most magical being I have ever met.
All of the beloved pets that have joined our family have come to us as their second family. Here is Muggles' story:

Muggles was a tomcat for his first year, but at some point he had adopted a young college gal. He would stop in for meals and snuggles. Then as the holidays approached and the young woman prepped to head home, she realized she would not be able to provide the care Muggles needed. So she took him to a near by veterinary clinic. It just so happened to be the clinic that my little sister was working at, at the time. My sister took one look at this gigantic cat and decided he needed to be a part of our family. Granted the fist moment my husband and I met him we decided the very same thing.

The one big problem, when Muggles joined our family, he was use to his freedom and constantly begged to go outside. At that time we lived off of two very busy streets and feared him being run over. Our solution at that home was to hook him up to a run line. He could tour the back yard but no farther. He was happy it was a very big back yard.

The next place we moved to was a much quieter neighborhood, but there was absolutely no yard. So we just let him roam free about the neighborhood. He was in good company as many of the neighborhood cats were out and about with him. Our biggest risk there was that he went missing for a few days a couple of times. One time he was gone long enough I put out missing posters.

Now, with our new home we are back to having plenty of yard but also to living off of busy streets. Muggles has come to love his freedom and breaks off any type of harness we try to put on him. So what to do? Because an unhappy Muggles is impossible to live with.
So the crazy cat driven solutions was to install a "cat" door and turn our back patio into a catio retreat. With a few 2x2 and 2x4 boards, a couple lengths of chicken wire, some nails and lots of staples we had the porch enclosed. This solution also allowed for our shy little indoor girl to also go out and enjoy a little fresh air and outdoors sunshine. Both cats seem happy with their new space and we are happy with their safety.

 However one windy October day the scary storm did chase a surprise visitor inside the catio.
 
Many blessings this fine furry day.--Kate

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