Get Your Catio Ready for Winter — Before It’s Too Late

North Texas winters are chaotic. One day it’s 75° and sunny, the next day there’s ice on your windshield and the wind in Denton feels like it’s personally attacking you.

Your cats feel that swing, too — especially if they spend time in an outdoor catio.

If you live anywhere in the DFW area or surrounding North Texas cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Grapevine, Southlake, Keller, Irving, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, Garland, Richardson, Carrollton, or Rockwall, getting your catio winter-ready isn’t optional. It’s part of being a responsible cat parent.

Let’s walk through how to prep your catio before that first hard freeze hits and your cats look at you like, “Seriously?”

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Why Winter-Ready Catios Matter in North Texas

Even though we’re not Minnesota-level dramatic, North Texas still gets:

• Sudden cold snaps and hard freezes

• Freezing rain and ice storms

• Strong north winds that cut right through exposed spaces

For cats, that can mean:

• Cold, stiff joints (especially seniors)

• Increased risk of respiratory issues

• Stress from being too cold or exposed

• Wet bedding or perches that never fully dry out

A well-designed, winter-prepped catio keeps your cats:

• Warm enough to be comfortable

• Dry and protected from wind and rain

• Mentally stimulated, for cats lounging in their catio

Apartment or Small Patio in DFW? You Still Have Options

If you’re in an apartment or townhouse in Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Richardson, or Addison, you can still winterize smaller catios or window enclosures:

• Add clear plastic or acrylic panels to block wind while keeping views

• Use enclosed shelves or boxes with fleece inside

• Make sure attachments to balconies or windows are solid — winter storms can be intense on higher floors

Small space doesn’t mean your cats can’t enjoy fresh air safely all year.

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When to Call in a Pro

If your catio:

• Wasn’t built with weather in mind

• Has structural issues

• Needs upgrades for multiple cats

• Or you want something custom for your space in the DFW / North Texas area

…it might be time to bring in a local catio builder specialist who knows:

• North Texas weather patterns

• HOA realities in suburbs like Frisco, McKinney, Allen, and Flower Mound

• What works long-term for outdoor cats and catios in this region

A solid, well-designed catio should work year-round, not just in spring and fall. 

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