The Oregon Zoo has introduced a new exhibit featuring house cats alongside its larger feline residents. On Tuesday morning, zoo staff officially opened the "catio," an indoor/outdoor enclosure designed to enhance the lives of adoptable cats while allowing visitor interaction.
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Dr. Jessica Thompson from Banfield Pet Hospital, which sponsors the catio, emphasized the importance of enrichment for house cats, similar to the enrichment provided to tigers and lions. "Just like with the tigers and lions here, they get enrichment, so we want to do that with our household cats to prevent behavioral problems," Dr. Thompson stated.
Among the resident felines is Buddy, an orange tabby who will permanently reside in the catio. The enclosure, made possible through a partnership with the Pixie Project, also provides a space where adoptable cats can reside while seeking a permanent home. Visitors can view the catio in the family farm exhibit.