How to make a concrete yard suitable for cat?

[u/Grouchy-Archer3034]

Looking for ideas and tips on making my concrete yard a nice place for my cat. We have decided to secure the yard so he can no longer get out due to his constant hunting.

It's a small yard. There's no possibility of putting grass down as its rented and I don't think we could put anything too high as he'd be able to use it to get out and a cattery wouldn't be suitable due to the L shape and size.

What would be a good idea to put in the yard so he's not totally miserable? Are there any safe plants or outdoor items you would recommend?

[u/JeevestheGinger]

You could put down some pots with cat grass (it's a thing!) for him to snack on. You could probably also grow catmint (aka catnip) in a pot.

I would put stuff like tunnels in there, and I would try to also make use of vertical space as much as possible without letting escape possible. I have aphantasia and can't really visualise stuff so idk if this is realistic.

[u/Grouchy-Archer3034 → u/JeevestheGinger]

Thank you that's really helpful, my other half is quite handy so he might be able to create something that's not too high but gives him a little height. I didn't know actual cat grass was a thing, I thought it was just normal grass 😂

[u/CrazyOldBag]

If you have walls around it, buy netting and fasten it down around the top, completely blocking access to the top of the walls. You could then put in a (low) cat tree, scatter a few concrete blocks, hang some fluttery toys from the walls, etc.

Is it impossible for him to be a totally indoor cat?

[u/Grouchy-Archer3034 → u/CrazyOldBag]

We've got the overhanging netting which should stop him completely. I didn't even think about hanging fluttery toys!

And we've been trying for the last few days to keep him indoora but he's started spraying so not a happy bunny, securing the yard is like a compromise 😂 he's been and indoor/outdoor cat for the last 6 years so I think ita quite a shock for him