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standing pen-style catios with a cov- ered roof, multiple perches and access door. As another option, she builds custom catios that can be affixed onto a house with cat access directly through a window. For cat owners who'd prefer to build their own catio, Lajeunesse en- courages them to start by selecting the right structure material — such as cedar, spruce, pine or PVC pipe —so that it's safe, sturdy and able to with- stand Manitoba weather. "My catio structures and perches are built out of 100 per cent cedar anywhere the cats come into contact with. Cedar is a great option because it is safe for the cats," she said. "It is very durable against our cli- mate and weather. It is naturally mould and insect-resistant, so there is no sealing or staining necessary. It also has a natural beauty to it." When building a catio, another im- portant consideration is choosing the right type of screening or wire. "The purpose of screening or wire is to keep the cats safely inside the catio while allowing them to be able to see and enjoy the outdoors — bird watch, feel the fresh air and sun on their fur," she said. "Choosing what best suits your need may also depend on the location of the catio." Some options include aluminum screening or wire mesh, known as chicken or hog wire. "For my catios, I primary use alu- minum screen. It is durable and tear- resistant. The aluminum screening also adds to the a ractive design while still keeping the cats safe," Lajeunesse said. "It is also great for controlling the types of insects the cats could come into contact with, such as bees, wasps or ticks." In addition, she suggests ensuring the space within the catio is comfort- able for your cats to move around free- ly. When installing perches, make sure they're an adequate size and height for your cat to safely enjoy. For a per- sonal touch, you could incorporate their favourite toy, scratching post and cat-safe plants. For all current and future catio owners, Lajeunesse shares a few pre- cautions. "It is very important, when allow- ing your cats to enjoy time within their catio, to have fresh water and shade readily available to them," she said. "Regularly inspect the catio screen, wiring and structure for defects or damage to ensure your cats' safety. Re- member to never leave food or treats in the catio for long periods of time or overnight as you may have unwanted guests enter or damage your catio." Especially now that spring is in the air, catios are proving to be a popular pick for both cats and their owners. "It is one of the most reward- ing feelings, watching the cat own- ers with huge smiles on their faces as they place their cats in their new catio for the first time. As for the cats, their first reactions are often filled with some caution and a lot of curios- ity," she said. "But without a doubt, each time before I have cleaned up my tools, the cats are right at home in their new catio, laying on the perches purring with u ermost joy. My ab- solute favourite clients now are the ones with four paws and are covered in fur." "WHEN INSTALLING PERCHES, MAKE SURE THEY'RE AN ADEQUATE SIZE AND HEIGHT FOR YOUR CAT TO SAFELY ENJOY." - Marissa Lajeunesse, Winnipeg Cat Carpenter artist @ art.of.callisto S P A C E S | 21

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