Now that new dog park is a reality at Burnt Store Marina and Country Club, cat owners are asking, “What about our beloved feline companions?” Well, several of our residents have given some thought to creating a group playroom onsite for their pets, and are inviting others to participate in construction plans.
The Start of an Idea
The idea began in the creative minds of two of our snowbird cat owner residents who spend summers in Nevada. There they both have working career experience in somewhat allied professions in the hospitality and entertainment industry. Now retired, Geraldine (“Giggles”) Gumberton and Barbara (“Bouncy”) Branson have worked in, and managed cat houses that are legal in 10 of Nevada’s 17 counties. They know how to delight customers, and provide unexpected diversions. These gals have an equal fondness for their feline friends. Wintering in Florida, their focus is on enjoying their cats, and making sure that their cats are happy and get the proper amount of exercise to stay healthy. Unlike dogs, which can be walked on leash and under control, we all know that cats are more free-spirited and resist leash training. This makes outdoor exercise impossible for most cats since letting them out for the night unattended is a high-risk decision in view of their vulnerability to predation by coyotes and alligators.
Plans For A “Catio” Screened Enclosure
The Nevada gals have hit upon a novel idea: a “catio” enclosure similar to the screened pool cages so prevalent in our community. But this will not be an ordinary enclosure. This one will have all the features needed to bring cats together in a controlled environment where they can exercise and socialize. Residents can bring their cats to the catio for group and individual activities, with full confidence that the screening will contain the cats and prevent escape on the sides as well as overhead. The enclosure will feature a novel “Catfe” (cat café) for cats with dispensing machines for catnip and cat treats. Also featured will be a large group scratch box. Nail trimming, cat-sitting, grooming and agility training can be offered for a fee once staffing has been planned and volunteers recruited.
Agility Course and Feline Fun Games
The Nevada gals intend to bring their years of work experience to bear in devising interesting and physically demanding activities for clients. You can expect pleasant surprises and novel exercises…ones not usually found at home! In the words of Bouncy Branson, “Take it from us, cat houses are NOT all the same!” A planned agility track will test your cat’s creative instincts as it cavorts through a challenging, partially enclosed obstacle course that snakes through the structure. Cats will play “Catch That Mouse,” “Get That Spider” and “Where’s That Lizard?” using simulated targets to test their hunting instincts and tracking skills.
Regular Weekly Events
Once membership arrangements have been established, there will be regular weekly events to display feline antics and acquired skills. Weekly prizes will be made available for owners presenting the largest, and most colorful and interesting hairballs produced each week by their cats. And for owners who like to dress up their cats in whimsical cat costumes, a weekly “Catwalk” will parade cats dressed by their owners in the latest cat fashions, with designs left to the creativity of owners. So much more endearing than a mere Barking Lot where dogs are limited to sniffing, peeing, and playing fetch! Consideration is also being given to a weekly “Catch That Squirrel” event featuring live local squirrels released to climb the screens to evade pursuit by cats. Of course, this will be subject to approval and monitoring by our local Humane Society. Recovery of individual cats will be the owners’ responsibility. Ladders for owners to retrieve cats and unharmed squirrels from overhead screening will be provided.
Where To Locate?
A possible location for the new catio enclosure might be right before our eyes! Could the new catio be installed as an enhancement to the existing Burnt Store Barking Lot? With your support, this can become a popular diversity, and inclusion initiative for the local pet world! Volunteers to move forward with making these plans a reality are urged to contact Giggles Gumberton or Bouncy Branson. These gals know how to show volunteers their appreciation. With a little planning and member participation the Burnt Store catio could be ready to open next year for a Foolish Fun Day on, say, April 1!
Ted Morand is a long-time Commodore Club Resident and occasional contributor of foolish ideas to The Beacon.
