Busselton cat owners putting their pets first with new Catio workshop

Cat lovers are putting their best feet forward for their furry friends, learning how to keep them safe in a new community workshop.

Busselton pet owners gathered at Busselton Bunnings last weekend to take part in the GeoCatch Catio and Gardening for Wildlife Workshop.

An increasing number of local cat owners are opting to keep their cats contained in catios, a fully enclosed outdoor space connected to your home that allows your cat to spend time outside while keeping wildlife safe.

The workshop was designed to demonstrate how these safe havens can be built on a budget, using recycled materials around the home, and was led by Forever Project sustainability expert Chris Ferreira and eco-builder Matty Noakes.

Dr Heather Crawford, a cat behaviourist from Murdoch University, also showed cat owners how keeping them content in an enclosed space could be beneficial to the animals.

“Cats can live happy, healthy lives in catios provided its design provides mental and physical enrichment,” she said.

Catios also play a part in creating peace of mind for owners, who can ensure their pets are safe when their owners are not home, with GeoCatch project officer Nicole Lincoln calling it a “win-win”.

Local cat owners thinking of building a catio or engaging a contractor are encouraged to use the $200 catio rebate available in the Geographe Bay Catchment.

For further information on the catio rebate, visit geocatch.asn.au.