You're right about "cats like to survey their territory from a height". The only thing I can think of that possibly may be a problem is if your garden is accessible to other animals, especially dogs or bully cats, that could chase and harass your cat in the long runs. This might be enough to spook him to the point that he wouldn't use the runs. I don't have an outside catio, but my two active Devons are indoor cats and get enough exercise running up and down our stairs. They're taken outside for fresh air and when its warm enough in an enclosed mesh pet stroller which they really enjoy.

 

Hi There,
I didn't realise this was an American website so I think we are at cross purposes ! I meant a cattery for people to board their cats with us. We are English but live in the West of Ireland in a very rural quiet area. I had been looking at various catteries online and saw that some had long runs and some had raised balconies. I was just wondering what cat peoples views are .... thanks for replying.

 

I do know of lady in a rural area who has a cat boarding business with long runs, where there are coyotes, wolves, foxes, racoons, even a bear, but don't know how successful her business is. If I had a choice, just knowing what kind of critters are in the area, I would opt to use one that was raised off the ground. Not too much can deter a determined racoon to try and get at some cat food and they could damage an enclosure. Check out your area for what kind of critters there are..

 

Hello there,

I actually live in Ireland ! So, no critters except foxes which are not pests to us, in fact our cats used to sit on the bench and idly watch them ! I thought this forum was in the UK, I didn't realise it was in America ! Bloody ****, I'm glad we don't have bears to contend with ! I think a large enclosed balcony might be the way forward. It will be south facing so they can sun themselves when it actually is sunny, it rains mostly though ha ha so it would have a clear roof so they can sit in the fresh air watching the birds etc without getting soaked. Thanks for taking the time to reply..

 

Hi Carol,
Which ever you decide on will be welcome by your cats. The only limits are available space and budget.
The only requirement is cats do like heights so I wouldn't dedicate to much of the run at ground level.
When you mention balcony cattery/catios I believe you mean something like this

This is a small one that might work well for an apartment in the city. A design like this can
easily be expanded on

Some people prefer providing a series of trails or paths the cats can leverage to navigate to all corners of a garden

Others prefer what is essentially an enclosed patio, or catio as they are called here in the US

Others like to share the space with their pets like this

And some people create elaborate combinations of the two

It all comes down to the amount of space (and money) you want to dedicate to your cats.

 

Wow !!! I am super impressed ! Thank you very much for taking the time to send the pictures, it's kind of you and much appreciated ! You are right, it is down to budget but ultimately I want to build a boarding cattery that I am proud of and it is in the cat's best interest and welfare. I was spurred on to start my own cattery because I have seen what's on offer over here and frankly they are shocking ! In Ireland you don't need a licence to open a cattery which is terrible and the one's I have seen online are like prisons ! Small cages with nowhere to even stretch their legs so thank you again for giving me some visual ideas.
Kind regards Carol.