Orinda Woman Advocating for the Establishment of Cat Parks: Ensuring Community Pet Equity
Image taken from thowpillow from Ms. Patsy Plumes couch
Orinda, CA. Pet-friendly spaces are often synonymous with dog parks in urban and community development. These designated areas for canines are not just recreational spaces but crucial for dogs' socialization and exercise needs. However, a significant portion of the pet community is often overlooked in these planning efforts: cats. While relatively novel, the concept of cat parks presents a compelling case for promoting community pet equity, ensuring that our feline friends and their owners are not sidelined. Patsy Plume, local resident, and the proud owner of 17 rescue cats, is leading the push turn Orinda Community Park into a "cats only" recreational retreat.
Cats are traditionally viewed as indoor pets, content with lazing in sunspots by the window or prowling the perimeters of their domestic domains. This stereotype, however, overlooks the burgeoning interest among cat owners to explore the outdoors safely with their pets. The advent of cat leashes, harnesses, and even "catios" (outdoor cat patios) underscores a growing acknowledgment of cats' outdoor interests. Establishing cat parks could be the next step in recognizing and accommodating the diverse needs of urban pet populations.
Like their canine counterparts, cats also benefit from outdoor activities. Exposure to fresh air, natural light, and the stimulating sights and sounds of the outdoors can enhance a cat's physical health and mental well-being. Cat parks can provide a safe and controlled environment for this exposure, reducing the risks associated with free-roaming cats, such as accidents, fights, or getting lost.
Cat parks could also foster a sense of community among cat owners who lack places to establish community and shared interests that dog parks provide dog owners and their dogs. Such spaces allow for the socialization of cats in a controlled environment, under the watchful eyes of their owners. In the proposal that Ms. Plume has submitted to the Orinda City Counsel, she proposes that the cat park will require a full-time attendant or " cat herder" for the first year. The cat herder will help the cats understand the boundaries and help them participate in "parallel play. For humans, these parks offer a platform to connect, share tips, and bond over shared experiences of cat ownership. This can be particularly beneficial in urban settings, where opportunities for such interactions might be limited.
The establishment of cat parks can further promote responsible pet ownership. By providing designated outdoor spaces for cats, communities can reduce the instances of cats wandering onto private properties or into dangerous situations. It can also help mitigate the impact of cats on local wildlife, a common concern associated with outdoor cats.
Designing a cat park comes with its unique set of challenges. These parks would need to be enclosed to prevent cats from wandering off and to protect them from potential threats. Within these enclosures, varied structures such as climbing frames, perches, and hiding spots can cater to a cat's instinctual behaviors like climbing, scratching, and exploring. Additionally, considerations for hygiene (such as litter box stations) and safety (like double-gated entries) are paramount.
Ms. Plume feels that the concept of cat parks is more than a novelty; it's a step toward recognizing the diverse needs of all underrepresented community members, including our feline friends. By advocating for the establishment of such parks, we promote a more inclusive understanding of pet ownership, one that acknowledges the benefits of outdoor activities for all pets, regardless of species. As communities continue to evolve, the inclusion of cat parks could significantly contribute to the overall well-being of pets and their owners, fostering a more pet-inclusive environment that truly embodies the spirit of community pet equity.