How one local business is bridging the gap between pets and the wild outdoors
By Alana Livingston
Cover photo courtesy of L. Spitzer
You might not think conservation starts in a backyard, but Jonathan Bowser would beg to differ. As a conservation biologist, outdoorsman, and skilled carpenter, Bowser is the founder of “Catios and Coops,” a Spokane-based business crafting custom outdoor enclosures for cats, chickens, and other animals—each one custom-built with careful consideration.
“Conservation on even a small scale brings big results,” Bowser says. That belief is at the heart of everything he builds, from cozy catios to spacious coops. For him, conservation doesn’t have to mean sweeping legislation or remote wildlife preserves. It can begin at home, with intentional designs that protect both pets and wild creatures.
The concept behind Catios and Coops is simple: give animals the chance to safely experience the outdoors. Cats can climb, explore, and soak up the sun without harming local birds or squirrels. Chickens can scratch and peck in comfort, shielded from predators. These enclosures create a space where animals can engage all their senses—watching, sniffing, stretching, and lounging in the fresh air.
Bowser’s background in biology gives him a unique perspective on how animals interact with their environments. He’s not just building boxes—he’s designing spaces that support physical and mental well-being. “These enclosures allow animals to utilize all their senses and have all the benefits of being outdoors,” he explains. “It increases bonding with their owner, too.”
That idea hits home for anyone who spends time outside. Being in nature calms the nervous system, boosts our mood, and helps us feel more present. Animals experience similar benefits when given the chance to safely connect with the world beyond four walls.
It doesn’t take a major remodel to improve a pet’s environment. “Even something as simple as a shelf can greatly improve an animal’s quality of life,” Bowser says. A full-blown catio might be a long-term goal, but adding a climbing surface or shaded perch can make a noticeable difference. The builds are customized to suit each animal and space, using all-natural, pet-safe materials that reflect Bowser’s commitment to sustainability and comfort.
That care extends to the aesthetic, too. His work isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s thoughtful, creative, and always tailored to the client’s needs. A sleek, modern catio might blend seamlessly into a balcony, while a rustic chicken coop can nestle into a backyard garden looking like it has always belonged there.
In a time when many of us are looking for ways to live more intentionally, Catios and Coops offers a reminder that even small actions—like building a perch or enclosing a porch—can have a real impact. It’s about creating safer spaces for animals, protecting the wildlife around us, and finding more connection in the places we call home. To see examples of recent builds or learn more, visit Catiosandcoops.com.
Alana Livingston volunteers regularly with the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy and has a passion for conservation.
