In this time of quarantining and distancing, some people are finding a minute to tackle ideas long on the mind, but not done because time was always short.
The practices and projects folks have taken up cover so many fields, from improving cooking to learning a new language, or taking up exercise to slowing down to meditate. Truly, it’s a great time to discover so many new things or explore old ideas.
And one cat lover used her time to build a long dreamt about catio.
A Cat Oasis Waiting
For the past couple of years, Holli Bennett had thoughts of building her indoor cats an outdoor oasis. But with running a business and raising kids, the time just never hit right. Suddenly, like many of us, Holli found herself with oodles of time thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’ve always wanted to do a cat patio since I started keeping cats two years ago,” said Holli. “I would love it if they could go and roam the streets, but they could get stolen or hit by a car or be attacked by a coyote or hawk.”
But thinking about her 3 rescue cats cooped up inside their whole lives, Holli didn’t like the idea. “It seemed sad for them to spend 20 years of their lives inside and not experience the natural elements.”
“I just wanted them to feel like they were outside in the woods but safe.”
The safety of an outdoor enclosure would be perfect for Cheeto, Nacho, and Queso. So, with her kids grown, the weather warm, and the excess of time, Holli and her husband Roger set to work.
An Indoor Cat’s Dream True
Crafted from wooden posts set in concrete, a roof of plastic sheeting, and some chicken wire, the catio came to life. When it came to the décor, Holli shared, “I wanted it to be jungle-like, and I wanted them to feel that they were really outside.”
@everydayisaholliday/Instagram
And indeed, the catio looks like a little jungle with ferns and green grass. The kitties have ladders to climb and toys to play with. Plus, Holli said, “I put the hammock in there because I want to read with them there and I want to meditate with them there too.”
@everydayisaholliday/Instagram
@everydayisaholliday/Instagram
At night, the cats can enjoy the evening air beneath the glow of lights shining like stars…
The catio costs came in at a little under $200. Much of the décor was repurposed material Holli already had.
With imagination, love, and a little sweat, Holli and Roger have given their trio of house tigers “fresh air and sunshine without the danger” in their own private jungle oasis.
H/T: www.tyla.com
Feature Images: Holli Tracy Bennett/Facebook