The Best Outdoor Cat Enclosures
As much as you may want to keep your cat indoors, they have it in them to run outside and enjoy the fresh air. However, if you live in an area where there are busy roads, predators, or you’re just concerned whether your cat can handle the outdoors, we have a solution: an outdoor cat enclosure. This provides your cat with a way to enjoy the outdoors while staying safe. To find the best cat enclosures, we asked three questions: How easy is it to assemble? How big is it? Is it durable? Our favorite outdoor cat enclosure was the Fooubaby, which is easy to set up and take down. However, if you need extra space, we recommend the option from Outback Jack, which is over 30 square feet in size. Read below to learn more about all of the outdoor cat enclosures that made our top list.
Fooubaby Cat Pop-Up Tent
Up in moments
Fooubaby’s cat enclosure is a simple way to give your pet the option of being outdoors. Unlike others that can be quite complex to assemble, this pop-up tent takes minimal time to get up and running. When your cat’s outdoor playtime is over, it’s easy to fold up and put away. The bottom is a tarp material, which means all you need is a quick wipe with a wet rag to clean it up. And when the temperatures drop, add a blanket on the bottom to keep your cat warm.
Pros:
- If you have two small cats, they should both fit. Otherwise, this is best for one cat.
- Though intended for outdoor use, this enclosure is also a safe way to introduce new pets to your current pets.
- This can also double as a place for your cat to sleep at night (indoors).
Cons:
- The mesh is not as durable as we’d like; your cat may tear through it.
Kittywalk Outdoor Net Cat Enclosure
Backyard balcony
Just because you don’t have a yard doesn’t mean your cat shouldn’t enjoy the outdoors. If you live somewhere where the only “outdoor” option you have is a balcony, then this cat enclosure is for you. It features two doors, one on each end, that completely encloses your cat. The open-net construction ensures your cat acquires all the ventilation it needs as well as the ability to clearly see its surroundings. Setup is a piece of cake, and the industrial-strength fishnet provides extra durability.
Pros:
- This can also be used as a tunnel to connect other enclosures for your cat to enjoy even more space outdoors.
- The construction of this enclosure requires no tools and can also be taken down very easily.
- As long as you’re comfortable keeping your door open, this can also be used to allow your cat to safely go inside and outside to its heart’s content.
Cons:
- You must be careful when opening and closing the ends, as the attachment may fall off and can get lost.
Outback Jack Outdoor Cat Enclosure
Minimal scrubbing, maximum return
A new toy for your pet sounds fun until it comes time to clean it. Thankfully, this outdoor cat enclosure is easy to clean and won’t make you dread pulling it out for your cat to enjoy. This enclosure provides over 30 square feet of space for your cat to run around in a safe environment. Plus, it features both a tunnel and a tent with a zippered door at each end. The mesh fabric keeps out pests and other animals and ensures your cat is safe while having fun.
Pros:
- If you foster cats, this enclosure provides the ideal space to quarantine new fosters and get them acquainted with other cats.
- This works if you like to travel with your cats so that they have a safe, designated place to play.
- The size is big enough to fit all sorts of accessories inside.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, the zipper is not as strong as we’d like.
PawHut Large Wooden Outdoor Catio Enclosure
If you are open to the idea of a more permanent outdoor cat enclosure, then we suggest this “catio” from PawHut. It is constructed of solid fir wood, a waterproof asphalt roof, and a durable wire enclosure to keep your cats safe and happy. The roof allows the cats to still enjoy the outdoors when the weather isn’t ideal (we all know how cats feel about getting wet). It features six large platforms that give your cat(s) places to jump and climb or relax if that’s more their speed.
Pros:
- You can either enjoy the enclosure as-is, or you can easily modify it to fit your needs better.
- You can put it together with just two people in minimal time.
- Though it feels more permanent than other cat enclosures, it is surprisingly easy to disassemble if you decide to move it elsewhere.
Cons:
- While it’s easy to disassemble, it’s harder to put together. We wish it came with assembly instructions.
Prevue Pet Cat Home
With this enclosure from Prevue Pet, you can let your cat enjoy their playtime inside and then bring it into your yard for some fresh air and sunshine. This enclosure is called a “home,” and rightfully so. It has lock-in platforms and extra-large hammocks for your cats to play around and relax in. Though sturdy, this is lightweight, which is excellent for when you decide to switch up the location and take your cat outdoors.
Pros:
- This works great for introducing one cat to another, especially when you’ve got a territorial cat on your hands.
- You can throw a towel over it to give the cat some added privacy if they need it.
- The assembly can be done with just one person in around 30 minutes.
Cons:
- The wheels are not great for mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats like to be outdoors?
This depends largely on the cat and the way that it was raised. If the cat spent a lot of time outdoors growing up, chances are good it enjoys being outdoors as an adult. However, if the cat only knows indoors, then he or she may struggle with being outside, which is where these enclosures come in handy.
How big should an outdoor cat enclosure be?
To provide your cat with enough space to be comfortable outdoors, you want to find an enclosure that provides at least 7 square feet of space per cat.
What can I put in the enclosure?
Your cat may enjoy having items in the enclosure such as a food and water bowl, a scratching post, dangling toys, places to perch or lay, and other toys. The longer you keep your cat in the enclosure, the more you want to have inside of it to keep them occupied.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.