When we lived in NC we had a big fenced in backyard, plenty of grass and room to run, lots of trees, a bog woodpile and a garden. Our dog was king of the backyard, and the cats had lots of things to climb, scratch nails on, chase animals and herbs to get high (Catnip).
When we moved to Boise, we moved into a house with no yard. We have a fenced patio with some gravel and a slab and all green areas are taken care of by maintenance. Its fine for the dog to go out, do his business and lay on the patio slab in the sun, but the cats are confused. Things could definitely be better for our fur babies, So I started thinking what could I do for my animals to create a pet friendly patio in limited space.
So I have gathered together some of the best ideas to make your small space, patio or backyard a pet friendly oasis.
Looks like I have some weekend warrior projects to get working on!!
RAISED GARDEN BEDS AND BOXES: I especially like those corner ones! Here are some great ideas to add plants and herbs to a small space. Your pets will thank you!
SHADE OPTIONS
Pets need a little shade, especially if you live in a hot climate. Back in NC we had a ton of trees and bushes , and a roof over the patio slab.. Here we dont have much. We do have a small wooden pergola type awning over the patio, so I am thinking a nice fabric cloth top draped through the wood slats. Here are a few other ideas to add shade to a back patio!
THINGS TO CLIMB/SLEEP IN/LAY ON
Cats love things to climb. Back in NC we had trees and wood piles, a huge wooden playset, A trampoline(they LOVED to lay on it), they were constantly go go go, and many aerial advantages. Here, not so much. But I am thinking of adding something they can have to give them that feeling of height and domination, and a comfy, cozy sleeping area! Some fun ideas for those looking to swankify their catio.
DOG DOODY AREA
So here in our new place there is not a nice grassy area to let Rico out to potty. It is a nice sized enclosed area with rocks and a patio slab. So he WILL go potty on the rocks, but looks at me like "This is not civilized". So we have thought about ways to make the rocky area in one of the corners more poop friendly when it is time to do his business.
DRINKING STATION
You should always have water available for cats and dogs year round. Indoor and outdoor. We live in the high desert, so it is dry dry dry and our babies get PARCHED. But if you are putting all the work into beautifying your dog areas and catios, you need a watering station to go with it!!
here are some cute and easy ideas I found online.
It's not impossible to have a pet friendly patio or fenced in porch! Just a few good ideas and implementations, and you can make your furry babies just as happy as can be!
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