Podcast Episode 4: Yas Nakchbendi – Catios & Gardening for Cats
While I am obviously a bit proponent of outdoor adventures with your cat, there are going to be times when you can’t get out with your cat for one reason or another. It’s during these times that indoor enrichment is so important. Creating a semi-outdoor space for your cat, such as a catio, is also an amazing way to safely let your cat experience the sights, smells, and sounds of the outdoor world.
In this episode of the KittyCatGO Adventure Podcast, I chat with Yas Nakchbendi, who is a cat-gardening expert and catio builder extraordinaire! She shares tips on creating an enriching and zen catio space for your cat, what types of cat-friendly plants you can grow, and ways to bring the outside in to your kitty.
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“There are actually quite a few easy growing plants that are cat-safe, that will provide that sense of not just catification, but it creates a vibe. You know, an ambience, for your catio. So the other thing that I like also is, what is the other element of zen, creating that zen space. It’s a water fountain.”
–Yas Nakchbendi
Overview of the Episode:
- Yas’s process of building her amazing catio
- Adding tunnels onto your catio
- Ways to spruce up a catio space, even if it’s small
- The floor of Yas’s catio
- Tips for creating a catio space on a rooftop terrace
- Growing cat grass
- Keeping bees and bugs out of your catio
- Tips for creating a catio space for your cat if you live in an apartment or don’t have much space
- Cat-friendly plants
- Creating cat puzzles with things you have at home
- Growing catnip
- Indoor enrichment ideas

Resources & Gear:
- Blog Post: How to make outdoor cat tunnels to increase your cat’s territory
- Blog Post: 9 Awesome ways to bring your catio to life with these catio accessories
- Blog Post: The ultimate guide to growing cat grass
- Pet-safe screen
- Protectapet
- Water beads
- Grow mats
- Robotic fish
- Blog Post: How to Engage your Cat’s Foraging Instincts With This Fun Cat Food Puzzle
- Blog Post: How to Make This Unique and Simple Cat Grass Pond Using Water Beads
Where to find Yas:
Website: www.chirpycats.com
Instagram: @chirpycats

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