Busselton Vet Hospital is setting a new standard for responsible pet ownership by installing the region’s first-ever onsite catio —an enclosed outdoor space designed to keep cats safe while allowing them to enjoy the outdoors. This innovative addition aims to educate cat owners on the benefits of catios for feline wellbeing and local wildlife protection.
Drop by Busselton Vet Hospital to explore the new catio and get inspired for your own backyard catio build. Cat owners can see first-hand what a well-designed and constructed catio looks like, including all the essential features required to ensure cats are safe and comfortable in their catios.
Catios are quickly becoming the norm among conscientious cat owners who recognise the importance of keeping cats contained at all times while still providing their pets with the best of backyard living.
As interest in cat welfare and wildlife conservation grows, the new catio offers a model for how communities can coexist with the natural world more harmoniously, says Dr Richard Lucas, owner of Busselton Vet Hospital.
Busselton Vet Hospital has been providing the very best care in the South West for animals large and small, and they have seen more than their fair share of cats who have been injured as they wander about the neighbourhood. They have also had to deal with countless native birds and small animals that have been injured by roaming domestic cats.
Cats can be very content in an enclosed space if provided with the right stimulus and enrichment activities. “Cats can live happy, healthy lives in catios, provided its design provides mental and physical enrichment, such as climbing posts, plants and other activities within the enclosure,” says Dr Lucas.
GeoCatch is offering a $200 rebate for cat owners to install a new cat enclosure for their beloved feline. Eligible cat owners need to register for the rebate and have the enclosure installed by 30th November 2025.
This education catio creation is delivered by GeoCatch, in partnership with Busselton Vet Hospital, South West Cat Enclosures with funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program, and stay tuned – ‘cool cats’ by local artist Carol Mulhearn coming soon to add an extra touch of feline flair to the space!
The catio was designed and installed by local catio builder Jason Mansfield from South West Cat Enclosures and includes enrichment items that keep cats happy and entertained.
For more information on catio rebates, DIY ideas and resources visit geocatch.asn.au
Photo 1: Busselton Vet Hospital owner Dr Richard Lucas (right) and Jason Mansfield catio builder from South West Cat Enclosures.
