https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/Cat enclosures and catios across the UK: made-to-measure timber and mesh catios, cat-proof garden fencing and window boxes that let cats outside safely.en-gbhttps://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/catio-rented-home-landlord-permission/https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/catio-rented-home-landlord-permission/Yes, but you need your landlord's written consent for anything fixed to the building, fences or ground, because a catio is an alteration rather than just a pet. Since 1 May 2026 tenants in England can formally request a pet and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse, but that right covers the cat, not the structure. Freestanding, no-drill and removable enclosures are the easiest to get approved.HomeownersFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/cat-safe-plants-for-catios-uk/https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/cat-safe-plants-for-catios-uk/Good choices for a UK catio include cat grass, catnip, valerian, silver vine, spider plants and many common herbs such as thyme and lemon balm. The plants to keep well away are lilies of any kind, which can cause fatal kidney failure, plus foxgloves, lily of the valley, daffodils, tulips, yew, ivy and rhododendrons. If you are unsure about a plant, leave it out and check with your vet.AdviceFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/best-time-of-year-to-build-a-catio/https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/best-time-of-year-to-build-a-catio/For most UK homes the best time to plan a catio is late winter, with installation in early to mid spring. That gets the enclosure ready before cats want to spend long days outside, and before installers' diaries fill up for the summer. A catio can be built at any time of year, but very wet weeks make ground work slower and paint or stain harder to apply.SeasonalFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/catios-for-indoor-cats-benefits/https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/catios-for-indoor-cats-benefits/Indoor cats do not strictly need a catio, but safe outdoor access is one of the best ways to meet their need for stimulation, exercise and fresh air. A catio gives an indoor cat sights, sounds and smells it cannot get through a window, without the risks of traffic, fights or getting lost. It is especially useful for cats that cannot roam safely because of where you live or their health.AdviceFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/catio-ideas-small-gardens-terraced-houses/https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/catio-ideas-small-gardens-terraced-houses/In a small UK garden the best catio is usually a narrow lean-to along the back wall or side return, or a tall cabinet-style enclosure built up rather than out. Even a space about 1 metre deep and 2 metres long can give a cat a good outdoor area if it uses shelves at several heights. Access is often through a cat flap in a back door, a window box link or a short mesh tunnel.HomeownersFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/cat-enclosures-flats-balconies-leasehold/https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/cat-enclosures-flats-balconies-leasehold/Before fitting a cat enclosure on a flat balcony, check your lease and ask the freeholder or managing agent, because many leases ban alterations to balconies and exterior walls. Some buildings also restrict combustible materials on balconies for fire safety. Mesh, metal-framed or tension-fitted systems that do not drill into the structure are usually the easiest to get approved.RegulationsFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/catios-and-wildlife-protecting-garden-birds/https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/catios-and-wildlife-protecting-garden-birds/Yes. A secure catio or cat-proofed garden stops a cat hunting birds, small mammals and reptiles beyond your boundary, which collars and bells only partly achieve. UK cats are estimated to catch tens of millions of prey items each year, although bird charities say there is no clear evidence that cats are driving national declines of most garden birds. Enclosure is the only method that prevents hunting almost entirely.AdviceFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/common-catio-mistakes-to-avoid/https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/common-catio-mistakes-to-avoid/The most common catio mistakes are using flimsy mesh such as chicken wire, leaving small gaps at the base or roof edges, forgetting shade and shelter, and giving the cat nothing to do inside. Others include no double-door entry, climbable structures near the edges, unsafe wood treatments and access that only works when you are home. Most are easy to avoid at the design stage.AdviceFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/catio-design-senior-multiple-disabled-cats/https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/catio-design-senior-multiple-disabled-cats/For older or disabled cats, design the catio around low, wide shelves, gentle ramps, non-slip surfaces and easy access back indoors. For several cats, provide more resting spots, water bowls and routes than you have cats, so no single cat can block the way. Height still matters, but it should be reachable in small, easy steps.AdviceFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/cat-proof-fencing-neighbours-boundaries/https://catenclosures.org.uk/blog/cat-proof-fencing-neighbours-boundaries/You can fit cat-proof toppers or rollers to a fence you own, but you need the neighbour's agreement before fixing anything to their fence or a shared one. Cats are generally treated as free to roam under UK law, so neighbours cannot usually make you contain your cat, but you are responsible for anything you attach to the boundary. A quick conversation and a written note avoid most disputes.RegulationsFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000