Catio vs Porch ??? (heat, smell, condo, glass)

[Happy retiree 16]

Hi all. Last year I purchased my hopeful forever home which was an older style ranch and was not in the best shape ; however it had a lot of characteristic value I desired so my first year in I have been doing the cosmetic and necessary repairs and this summer I missed having an inside/outside area for my senior kitties which keeps them safe; but allows them to smell the outside world and see the animal activity and drool. Anyway, I had built a porch at my former residence which was a condo (no more condo life, rules, fees, meetings, and people - yeah) over 15 years ago.

The new house is mine and all the decisions are mine as I no longer need permission. I love the freedom of making my own decisions ; however, with all the improvements and corrections made to the forever retirement home I now find myself missing a porch.

The estimated price of the porch is very near double what I paid previously and it is a bit smaller according to the contractor. I had two contractors come out and one said they couldn't build it due to the location of my backyard setting (I was going to have a 3 or 4 season porch). 2nd contractor said they could build the porch but have difficulty getting supplies needed and it is practically double the price I paid previously for less square footage I think. They came up with the catio option which is smaller but can fit a seating area for 2 adults and the cat area. It would have a cat door so kitties can enter at will and an outside door leading to the back yard.

My question out there is for those people who have a catio. Do you wish you had a full enclosed porch? Are you happy with the catio? Are your cats happy with it? Can you use it like a porch for yourself also? Are you happy with the way the catio looks?

I am seeking advise so I can make a more informed decision. I understand it is my choice; but never had a catio so I am looking for advice on the benefits and disadvantages and how people feel about either option. Thanks all.

[Yippeekayay]

Porch

[Parnassia]

There's a cat subforum under Pets. Why don't you ask cat experts who participate which they'd choose and why?

[Happy retiree 16]

Thank you for the responses. Going with the porch I think. I will check out the cat forum though. Have a great evening all.

[duster1979]

When I think of a catio I think of a small cage attached to a basement window, or maybe on a platform outside an upper window. What you're describing sounds like a small porch that happens to have a pet door leading to it.

[tnff]

As painful as it is, I'd get the porch. It will hurt up front, but you'll get more enjoyment over the long run. You'll only cry once.

[Bungalove]

Originally Posted by tnff

As painful as it is, I'd get the porch. It will hurt up front, but you'll get more enjoyment over the long run. You'll only cry once.

I agree. I have a glass and screen enclosed front porch and I leave the storm and front doors a little ajar to it so the cats can have access to it as they please. However, when the weather is too hot or cold I simply **** the other doors and they just have to complain. I'm not wasting A/C or heat on the porch! My Russian Blue will sit at the inner door and maow pitifully for up to an hour if she can't get on the porch. You'd think the house was a prison.