Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1370788
M arissa Lajeunesse, be er known as the Winnipeg Cat Carpenter, explains that a catio is simply a patio for your cats. Typically, catios are outdoor struc- tures made from wood, wire and screening to keep cats safe while ex- ercising or lounging outside. This se- cure outdoor enclosure provides the purrrfect place for ki ies to play while enjoying fresh air. A Red Seal carpenter by trade, Lajeunesse discovered a niche when she merged together her woodwork- ing skills with her lifelong affinity for cats. She's been a residential carpen- ter for about 10 years, and is now go- ing into her second year as the Win- nipeg Cat Carpenter. "I knew I wanted to build a catio for my own two cats after moving into a place without a balcony about two years ago. My cats could not wait to get into their very own catio as I built it. They watched patiently from the window. I had a feeling I was not the only pet owner that would love to be able to give their cats this sort of experience," she said. "So I turned to social media to see what kind of interest there was here in Winnipeg and the response was un- believable. I had dozens of inquiries within hours of posting it online. With combining my passion in carpentry and love for cats, the Winnipeg Cat Carpenter was born." For the upcoming season, Lajeu- nesse will offer different sizes of free- Catios Your feline friends will think you're the cat's meow if you install a custom-built "catio" just for them. Creative Catios BY JENNIFER MCFEE 20 | S P A C E S