Life Difficulties and Re-homing Policy

 Cats are naturally curious creatures. They love watching birds, feeling the breeze through their whiskers, soaking up sunshine, and exploring their environment. As cat lovers, we understand the desire to give them these experiences. The question isn't whether cats enjoy the outdoors—it's how we can provide that experience safely.

Our favorite solution? A catio!

A catio, or "cat patio," is a secure outdoor enclosure designed specifically for cats. Catios range from simple window boxes to elaborate outdoor rooms complete with climbing shelves, perches, bridges, and lounging areas. They allow cats to safely enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of nature without the dangers associated with free roaming.

A catio provides all the enrichment cats crave while dramatically reducing the risks they face outdoors.

Your cat can:

• Feel the warmth of the sun
• Watch birds and wildlife
• Enjoy fresh air and changing seasons
• Exercise and explore
• Satisfy natural curiosity

All while remaining protected from:

• Traffic and vehicles
• Predators and loose dogs
• Disease exposure
• Parasites such as fleas and ticks
• Theft or getting lost
• Toxic substances and environmental hazards

Many people assume indoor cats miss out on life. In reality, a thoughtfully designed environment paired with safe outdoor access through a catio can provide exceptional enrichment.

Catios encourage:

• Physical activity
• Mental stimulation
• Reduced boredom
• Increased confidence
• Opportunities for natural feline behaviors

For many cats, a catio quickly becomes their favorite spot in the house.

While free-roaming cats may enjoy freedom, that freedom comes with significant risks. The average outdoor cat faces dangers every day that are impossible for even the most attentive owner to control.

A catio allows your cat to experience the outdoors while giving you peace of mind. Instead of worrying where your cat is or whether they will come home, you can watch them safely enjoy nature from the comfort of your own backyard.

At Folkvangr Cattery, we believe cats deserve both safety and enrichment. We strongly encourage families to consider catios, enclosed outdoor spaces, and supervised outdoor adventures as alternatives to free roaming.

Our goal is not simply to help our kittens live longer lives—it is to help them live fuller, happier lives.

Because every cat deserves sunshine on their face, fresh air in their lungs, and the safety of knowing they will come home at the end of the day.

 11 DIY Catio Plans You Can Build Today (With Pictures) | The Vet Desk 

The purchase price of your pet is typically the cheapest aspect of owning your pet.  Accidents happen and illnesses happen.  Having pet insurance can help you avoid having to make difficult decisions over health vs. cost.  When you begin the policy when you first bring your kitten home, the premiums are typically very low.   We encourage you to speak to your veterinarian and research the right pet insurance for you and your needs.  Getting pet insurance can be one of the most responsible and loving things to do for your new kitten.

While getting a kitten is not only the right thing to do :) Making sure your kitten is well taken care of both physically and mentally is the "must thing" to do!  Kittens have boundless energy and curiosity, which means they require a lot of your time and energy. If your kitten is going to be home alone for long periods of time, you will need to consider adopting more than one.  Beyond just socialization, kittens need to be played with to get their exercise. Not only does this help form a bond between the two of you, but it also helps get the blood flowing for her, which is vital to her healthy development. Set aside time each day to play with her, whether it's having her chase a mouse on a string or a light around the room, to ensure she gets her adequate daily exercise. This will also ensure that your kitten is tuckered out before bed time to help reduce those 3 a.m. zoomies!

The first thing you should do is kitten-proof your home by viewing each room from kitten level. Close or block off windows, vents, and any nooks and crannies she might be tempted to explore. Move electronics and power cords, window blind cords, and any other strings out of reach. Completely remove objects that might pose a choking hazard.

Kittens sleep a lot at a young age — like between 16-20 hours a day a lot. For this reason, it is important that she has a comfortable place to take a nap and sleep at night. 

Your kitten should be taken for a health check within a week of having the, home.  This is a good opportunity to establish your vet and to discuss future nec. vaccine schedules, pet insurance, and their future spay/neuter.