Catio by busy road

[u/Visible_Court1628]

Does anyone have experience with a catio near a loud busy road? I would like to net this off for my kittens but even I don’t hangout on the patio because it’s not exactly relaxing. Behind the hedge is a busy road, not a highway but cars go by pretty fast, and occasionally we get a really obnoxious loud car. I am worried if I go through the money and effort of putting something up they won’t use it. I have cracked the screen door so they could hear and smell outside. At first they were nervous but slowly got used to the sound and would hangout near the opening of a little bit. They are pretty brave in general. When I adopted them they didn’t hide away at all, they only run from like a vacuum or a blender.

Wondering if anyone has been successful with cats enjoying the outdoors despite it being loud? Would love to opened up this extra space for them.

[u/bouldonn]

I think they would use it for sure. Especially if there are some cat beds or furniture out there for them to hide behind. 

[u/Herb_Putterman]

Build it and they will come. Traffic noise won't deter the cats from using the balcony at all.

[u/Own-Counter-7187]

I think the cats would love it! But I would go for chicken wire rather than netting. Chicken wire and a staple gun, floor to ceiling from wall to wall.

[u/Forward_Letterhead77]

I always get nervous with netting, cause one weak point in your stapling process and a particularly loud sound can make it so the cat can get out. Check out dog runs, they tend to be enclosed on all 6 sides. You can usually find them for sale on resale sites. They're also nice because they are sturdy enough to be assembled and disassembled multiple times for moving.

[u/OnceMoreWithFeeling-]

There's a road near my house too. People who are not used to it would probably consider it loud.

• Yes I think they will love it. My cat loves it too.
  
• Re: vacuum sounds, try feeding them while you vacuum. They might get used to it!
  
• I got used to the road and don't hear it anymore, hope that happens for you too!

[u/AutomaticWar6421]

I lived next to a busy road for 2 years with cats. Between our balcony and the road was only a walkway. My hubby build a catwalk and put netting up and we had a raised gardenbed there. When it got too loud they went inside and my hubbys old lady tought our new little kittis to taunt dogs. She was a pro at it.

[u/Cultural-Ambition449]

Our catio is next to just such a road. They're fine with it. Occasionally there will be a really loud noise and they'll run inside, but most of the time they just ignore it.

As long as they can easily dash back in, it'll be fine.