Q: I want to build a catio for my two cats. Do you have any design tips?

Congrats to your cats for having such a great owner! They'll enjoy their outdoor space. Here's some advice on what to think about.

Give your cats as much vertical and horizontal space as possible to allow for climbing, sniffing and lounging. At a minimum, the catio should be 6 feet by 6 feet. Add a cat tree or incorporate a real tree into the plan − as long as your cats can't get to the top − plus perches or walkways at various heights around the perimeter. Walkways, about 6 inches wide, should also cross the space diagonally.

Enclose the catio with screening tough enough that it can't be clawed through by a determined predator − or your cat. And it should have actual flooring, not just dirt, so that other animals can't dig beneath it to get inside. If possible, lay a sealed concrete floor. It's not just strong; it can also be hosed down as needed. If you're going all out, have the floor slope to a drain for easy cleanup.

Prevent altercations with stray cats by building a solid base wall about 3 feet high so there's no hissing, yowling and spitting at ground level. The screening can go up from that.

Add a cover for protection from the elements. Design it so the catio has both shaded and sunny areas.

Planters filled with cat-safe plants provide nibbling and sniffing enjoyment, as well as a pop of color. Options include African violets, Boston ferns and, of course, catnip. Consider a small fountain or other water feature if your cat enjoys dabbling in the wet stuff.

Remember your own comfort. Make sure you have easy access for plant and litter box care. Here are more tips: bit.ly/3PTAtpB.

 Keep cookouts safe for dogs

It's cookout season, and it culminates on Labor Day next month. Dogs are notorious for stealing items off the grill − or at least begging for a taste − but make sure you know what's safe before handing out treats or laughing off a canine food theft. Say yes with a smile to a bite of skinless, boneless lean meat, such as chicken, as long as it's not slathered in barbecue sauce or anything spicy. Grilled veggies such as broccoli and carrots are OK, too. Avoid ribs and pork chops; the small or oddly shaped bones can cause choking or obstructions. Same for corn on the cob. And anything on skewers is a serious hazard. Keep trash out of dog reach, and alert guests not to give Baxter anything he shouldn't have.

Have you met the Bombay? The black cats with copper eyes, sometimes nicknamed "parlor panthers," are smart and affable, enjoying their owners' company as well as putting out the welcome sign for visitors. Bombays often enjoy walking on a leash or playing fetch with small balls. They love attention and are frequently found adorning a lap.

Don't keep goldfish in bowls

Goldfish are popular "starter pets" for kids, but they need more and better care than they're typically given. First rule of fin club: Don't keep goldfish in bowls. They need a good-size aquarium that holds 75 to 100 gallons. Surprised? Goldfish can grow to be well over a foot in length, and it's a myth that goldfish kept in small bowls or tanks will stay small. So give them space! They also need a good water filtration system and frequent partial water changes to keep their aquatic environment clean. Finally, don't overfeed them. Give only the amount they can finish eating in a couple of minutes, once or twice a day.

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker. Pet Connection is produced by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, journalist Kim Campbell Thornton, and dog trainer/behavior consultant Mikkel Becker.

s produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

             (EDITORS: For editorial questions, contact Elizabeth Kelly, ekelly@amuniversal.com.)

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