Last month, The New York Times wrote an excellent article about ‘Catios’, which are enclosed spaces that cat owners are building for their cats on their terrace, balcony, or deck in New York City. These owners typically used PVC piping, chicken wire, deer fencing, or heavy mesh nets in creating these spaces. A new portable Catio is now available at KritterKommunity.com for people that live in apartments but cannot make alterations to their balcony.

“The pet owners who can’t build a Catio because of city code restrictions don’t love their pets any less,” said Lisa Illman, President of Kritter Kommunity. “It just means we needed to develop more creative solutions to the problem.” Lisa Illman invented Kritter Kondo, a catio that requires no building. The Kritter Kondo, outdoor pet enclosure is a one piece portable structure that is easy to set up and take down on your balcony. It is aesthetically pleasing, collapsible, and portable.

“If you can’t make a big commitment to your home because you are planning on relocating or regulations prevent you from building on your balcony, the Kritter Kondo becomes an excellent alternative,” added Illman. “Ironically enough, after designing the purrrrfect portable Catio, I found out they make great playpens for pups too, and that traveling cats use them as well. We’ve even had some requests to create add-on Kondos for a longer Deluxe version. These ‘Konnectors’ will be available for purchase later this year, and they will integrate seamlessly with our existing Kritter Kondo Deluxe.”

For more information about the Kritter Kondo Deluxe, or to purchase one for your pet, visit http://www.KritterKommunity.com.

The Kritter Kondo Deluxe also makes a great gift for rescues and friends with pets.

There are a variety of outdoor pet enclosures on the market and each has it’s own appeal.  Before tackling the enclosures, we must first identify the pet that the enclosure is going to accommodate.  Since every animals species has it’s own needs and characteristics, this article is divided by animal.

CAT ENCLOSURES

Among some of the most popular cat enclosures is the outdoor cat condo called the Kritter Kondo, by the Kritter Kommunity, LLC.

The Kritter Kondo

Some characteristics that make this cat enclosure a popular choice include:

• one piece structure (no building or stakes, a few clicks and it is ready to use)
• water resistant
• aesthetically pleasing (often referred to as a playpen giving it a child like appeal)
• easy to set-up and take down
• lightweight
• sturdy
• collapsible and portable
  
• carrying case included
• plenty of space for up to 3 cats
• can be a great Kondo for small dogs too

The Kritter Kondo measures approximately 2.5′W x 5.5′L x 2′H and is approximately 19lbs

The Kritter Kommunity, LLC promotes the NEW KRITTER KONDO DELUXE coming this Fall!

SRP Kritter Kondo Deluxe = $159.99 (+shipping)

FERRET ENCLOSURE

The Ferret Fun Run is a durable mesh tunnel that can hold up to 4 ferrets comfortably.

So, what is a cat owner to do? That’s easy! Invest in an outdoor cat enclosure that will protect your pet from outdoor dangers while still allowing him or her to experience outdoor living and behave like the animal nature intended him or her to be. The extent of your expense depends on the size of the enclosure and on the features it is equipped with.

Needless to say, the variety of cat play areas ranges from those that are rather small and merely provide screened protective walls and are, of course, the least expensive. On the opposite side of the spectrum and among the most expensive outdoor cat enclosures are those that are huge in size and come equipped with air conditioned cat trees and nature surround sounds. And then there are many different types of mid-range outdoor enclosures which carry a medium price tag. Furthermore, some outdoor play areas start out small but are expandable over time and my personal favorite styles are those that provide cats outdoor fun in natural settings while also providing direct indoor access.

But whichever outdoor cat enclosure you select, it will give your pet kitty the opportunity to breath fresh outdoor air, to hear the sounds of nature, to watch birds fly overhead, to catch a few insects and to idle in the sun. And what about the dangers? Well, those remain far, far away from your purrying pussy cat!  Enjoying the greenery and sunshine is a dream come true for a cat.

And the truth is that outdoor cat play areas are also tremendously beneficial to cat owners as they get the pets out of the way while cleaning the house and especially which using noisy appliances such as vacuum cleaners, food blenders, hair dryers and so on, or at time when the cat needs to burn off some excess energy.

So, if you are ready to go shopping for outdoor play areas , I would advise that you begin with the following cat product retailers:

• Amazon.com
• Kritter Kommunity
  
• Cat Toys
• Licks and Giggles

What should you consider when shopping for a dog containment system for your canine companion? There are many things to consider and each can be as important as the next.  Take your individual situation into consideration and then prioritize based on your situation.  For example, living in a geographic area that experiences changes of seasons, one might want to consider a dog enclosure that can offer a cool place in the summer and a warmer environment during the colder months.  Convenient to clean and easy to move around are also top priorities of most dog owners.  Having an enclosure that is aesthetically pleasing can also be a top priority especially in neighborhoods with restrictions and ’style’ codes.

Priorities vary but the top characteristics of a good outdoor dog enclosure tend to be the same:

• easy to maintain (easy to clean)
• lightweight
• aesthetically pleasing
• weather resistant
• reasonable price
• accommodate small, medium and large dogs

Meeting all of these requirements is the Igloo Dog House which has become a popular choice among many dog owners over the past few years.  The Igloo Dog House has managed to rate high in the above criteria while still maintaining a very economical price.   Since it is made of plastic, the Igloo Dog House can be easily washed off with a garden hose and still maintains it’s durability making it low maintenance.  It’s lightweight appeal makes it easy to move around the yard and easy to store when not in use.  Different sizes are available that will accommodate your specific dog.

Options Available
Size: Medium, Large, Extra Large

What We Like About the Pet Mate Indigo Dog House

MOST DURABLE for your dog to enjoy greenery, sunshine and fresh air!!!! The Pet Mate Indigo Dog House offers a fun design that gives your pet real protection from the elements. An extended doorway and adjustable rooftop ventilation work to keep the interior dry and comfortable. Structural foam construction will keep your dog cool in the summer and warm in winter.  These dog containment systems can do well in a yard, balcony or patio.
This product carries a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Due to the size and/or weight of the Extra Large option, and to ensure a safe and timely arrival, this item requires delivery via freight carrier. The freight carrier will work directly with you to arrange for specific delivery instructions.
SIZE DIMENSIONS

• Medium House Dimensions
  - External: 37.5L x 30.5W x 22.8H inches
• Large House Dimensions
  - External: 43.8L x 34W x 25.8H inches
• Extra Large House Dimensions
  - External: 51.5L x 39.3W x 30H inches

The Igloo Dog House; a outdoor dog containment system, has become increasingly popular, and by all accounts has earned it’s reputation and good fortune.

Two paws up!

The Kritter Kondo, an outdoor pet enclosure ideal for dogs under 35 lbs!

No holding a leash!

Ideal for the park because it collapses flat!

The Kritter Kondo sells for $124.99 +shipping.  This price includes a Carrying Case that has a shoulder strap and handle.

The Carrying Case has three interior pouches and a zipper pocket for toys, food, blanket and/or bed.

Mobile and easy to transport!