Today’s post digs into the best outdoor cat enclosures. You might be wondering why your cat is fascinated with the outdoors and why she stares out of the window in a patch of sunlight for a long time.
The answer to this is cats still have some of the wild instincts that make them desire to roam freely around and satisfy their intrinsic desires of hunting and exploring.
Cats should be allowed to enjoy the outdoors to stimulate their mental and physical health. Outdoor cat enclosures are the answer to allowing cats to enjoy the outdoors.
However, being outdoors means that cats are exposed to various dangers such as accidents, animal attacks, parasites and diseases, and poisons. To help your feline friends enjoy outdoor spaces without the risk of harm, consider including an outdoor car enclosure in your outdoor space.
The best outdoor cat enclosures will keep your cats stimulated outside your house. Moreover, these enclosures allow cats to enjoy fresh air and sunlight while entertaining themselves by gazing and hearing the outside sounds. They are also referred to as Catios and come in various sizes, and budgets to suit you and your cat’s needs.
Benefits of Outdoor Cat Enclosures
- Peace of Mind-They eliminate the risk of injuries, accidents and keep away birds and bugs thus providing peace of mind to the owner knowing that their kitty is safe
- Equipped With Toys and Multiple Features-This keeps your furry friend busy and active while allowing her to play, jump, run, climb and explore thus satisfying their natural desire for a little adventure
- Enrich the Cat-These enclosures offer environmental enrichment that is essential for the mental and physical health of cats. This contributes to their overall health and happiness
- Keeps Cats Safe-They provide an opportunity for cats to experience nature in an environment that is safe and protected from predators
- Reduces Vet Bills and Stress-Since the cat is safe and secure, she is less likely to suffer from injuries that may arise due to a dangerous situation or accident. Such situations may lead to stress hence having an enclosure reduces that and the expenses incurred from visits to the vet due to injuries.
6 Best Outdoor Cat Enclosures
If you are searching for a Catio, here are some of the best outdoor cat enclosures worth your consideration:
#1) Outback Jack Outdoor Cat Enclosures
Giving your furry friend a few hours in the sun does them a lot of good. While doing so, it is important to make sure that the cat is safe and happy throughout. This cat enclosure does exactly that.
Outback Jack Outdoor Cat Enclosure tops our list of the best outdoor cat enclosures. The playhouse is specially designed with your kitty’s mind. It is made to give your pets a safe playing environment to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
One positive attribute of this outdoor cat enclosure is ample storage. This tent provides plenty of room for your beloved cat as it has over 30 feet of space. The space is beneficial for the cat as it allows her to release some energy as she plays and jumps around.
Your cat will certainly have fun using it as the end of the supplied has tunnel zips where your cat can run down while having fun. A polyester mesh material surrounds it and has small gaps that prevent bugs from getting in.
The mesh is also lightweight and allows plenty of sunshine and breeze while letting the kitty see everything around her. Additionally, the enclosure is pretty easy to assemble as you just have to undo the ties and the tunnel pops out. When done with that, all you have to do is zip into the tent.
The pet enclosure is not only an effective one but is also characterized by affordability and portability thus making it worth your investment. Besides that, the enclosure comes with a carrying bag making it convenient to bring along your furry friend as you travel.
Lastly, the versatility of the cat playhouse augments its position among the best outdoor cat enclosures. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, this playhouse ensures unlimited play. To maximize playtime, the enclosure has plenty of space for keeping toys and other pet supplies that spice up the playtime.
Features
- Easy to assemble
- Portable
- Fits a balcony or a small garden
- Surrounded by a polyester mesh material to keep bugs away
- Has plenty of room
- Budget-friendly
- Sturdy construction
#2) Fooubaby Cat Tent Pop Up Cat House Outside Pet Enclosure
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Give your pet a full view of the outside with this incredible cat enclosure. The Fooubaby cat tent makes its way to our list of the best outdoor cat enclosures because of its multifunction design. The pet enclosure gives your kitty a safe outdoor time by keeping predators and pests at bay.
This is a simple and budget-friendly cat enclosure that lets your cat have some fun outside and enjoy the sun. The enclosure possesses many positive attributes making it one of the best outdoor cat enclosures.
Firstly, the enclosure is constructed with a lightweight mesh that allows plenty of fresh air and sunlight to reach your kitty. The mesh is extremely tough hence withstands normal wear. In case an accident happens, the mesh can easily be replaced.
Another attribute that makes this enclosure a great choice is the ample room for the cat to play with toys or simply flop around. Besides that, setting up the enclosure is very easy as no assembly is required.
The enclosure pops up and is ready to go in a matter of seconds. It is nonetheless lightweight hence portable making it one of the best cat enclosure options that you can find. The cute look of the enclosure is also a plus.
Features
- Very easy to set up
- Budget-friendly
- Cute look
- Made with a lightweight mesh to allow fresh air and sunlight
- Extremely tough mesh that withstands normal wear
- Lightweight hence portable
- Plenty of room for the cat to move and play around
#3) Furhaven Pet Playpen
This is the perfect solution to ensure that your four-legged friend is not exposed to any dangers while lurking in the outside world. It ensures that your kitty stays safe as she enjoys a little sunlight and breeze.
The enclosure encompasses notable features making it a really good choice for you. First, the enclosure ensures that your cat has an unobstructed view as it is equipped with open-air mesh screened large windows. The windows ensure that fresh air and sunlight get inside.
The enclosure is stable as it includes ground stakes so that when placed outside, it doesn’t fall or wobble making sure that your kitty enjoys it fully. Entering and exiting is pretty simple as the encounter has a large size panel entrance that is zippered and has a fabric tie-up.
Another feature that makes it one of the best outdoor cat enclosures is the fact that it is easy to clean as you simply use a cloth and mild detergent to spot-wash it then you use a towel or air dry it.
Last but not least, the playpen comes in various sizes to suit various cat sizes. It nonetheless folds back into the included carry bag easily. This feature also makes it convenient when you need to travel and need to bring it along.
Features
- Lightweight hence portable
- Easy to set up
- Ground stakes for ultimate stability
- Open-air mesh windows allow an unobstructed view
- Fully zippered and removable top
- Easy to clean
- Entry and exit is pretty easy
- Comes in various sizes
#4) ITENT Outdoor Cat Enclosure
Every cat owner deserves the best cat enclosure that guarantees the safety of their beloved cat when outdoors. Alongside ensuring the safety of your cat, this enclosure provides plenty of space for your cat to run around and have fun.
As one of the best outdoor cat enclosures, the ITENT cat enclosure is the perfect choice for multiple cats as it has over 32 square feet of activity space. It also has ample extra space for toys, a litter box, and a bed thus maximizing playtime and making sure that your cat is truly happy.
The enclosure is surrounded by a breathable mesh that ensures that your cat has plenty of fresh air and sunlight. This mesh is easy to clean up thus hassle-free. Another advantage of the enclosure is that setting it up is extremely easy and fast thus saving your time and effort as well.
It stands out from ordinary cat enclosures as it includes a cat tent, cat tunnel, and a ball. The cat tent has zipper doors that are large and both ends of the cat tunnel have a zippered door. Together with the ball, these features ensure that your cat has a great playtime.
Lastly, the enclosure has a lightweight design meaning that it is portable. It can be brought along during travel as it comes with a shoulder bag. It fits perfectly in the backyard, balcony, or deck.
Features
- Simple to set up and take down as well
- Lightweight and portable design
- Plenty of room for your cat to play
- Surrounded by a breathable mesh that allows fresh air and sunlight to reach the cat
- Easy to clean mesh
- Ground stakes for stability
#5) MSR Outdoor Steel Spring Frame Cat Tunnel
If you are a cat owner who wants to be worry-free when your cat is outside enjoying a bit of the sun and breeze, the MSR Outdoor Steel Spring Frame Cat Tunnel is what you need. This cat tunnel ensures that your cat remains healthy and safe while in the outdoors.
The tunnel provides more than 5 feet of space for your kitty so that she does all that she loves, from enjoying the views and sounds outside, to running around as she plays. The steel spring frame of the enclosure sets up seamlessly in a matter of seconds thus saving you time and effort.
Furthermore, this enclosure is convenient when it comes to traveling with it as it includes storage and carries a case. For stability when setting up, it comes with ground stakes.
The tunnel also collapses easily for effortless transport and storage. Another incredible thing about these cat tunnels is their multifunctionality. The tunnel is suitable for playtime both indoors and outdoors.
Features
- Easy to set up
- Provides more than 5 feet of space for your cat to run around and play
- Easily collapses when taken down
- Convenient to carry as it includes storage and carries a case
- Ground stakes for stability
- Can be used at home or when traveling
- Enclosed by a see-through nylon mesh
#6) OUTING MAN Mini Cat Tent Outdoor Playpen
Our list of the best outdoor cat enclosures concludes with the OUTING MAN Mini Cat Outdoor Playpen. The playpen provides a safe space for your kitty to enjoy the outdoors and have a glimpse of fresh air and sunlight.
The playpen has 360 degrees view so that your beloved feline companion enjoys all the views outside. The playhouse is roomy enough for multiple cats s it has more than 15 square feet of activity space.
It has ample space so that your cat plays with toys and treats. Space is also enough to place a litter box or mat. Another positive attribute of this playpen is that it is constructed with durable mesh and of high quality. The mesh is nonetheless breathable and lets in the fresh air.
Besides that, the playpen is easy and fast to set up as you will be done in a matter of seconds. It comes with 4 tent pegs for staking it down thus ensuring more stability. Also, it is lightweight and portable hence easy to transport. It has a compact design that collapses easily into a carry bag making travel and storage convenient.
Features
- Easy and fast to set up
- Easy to transport and store as it is lightweight and portable
- Made of mesh that is of high quality
- Provides more than 15 square feet of activity space
- Collapses easily for travel and storage
- Easy to clean up
- Provides a 360-degree view for cats to enjoy
- Opening with the zipper is 17.7-inch diameter making entrance easy
Best Outdoor Cat Enclosures Buying Guide & FAQs
Considerations for Buying Best Outdoor Cat Enclosures
Materials
This is a very important consideration to put in mind. Outdoor cat enclosures can be constructed of metal, wood, mesh, plastic, or cloth. Mesh and cloth are the best materials for an outdoor cat enclosure as they are lightweight, portable, and very cost-effective.
Safety and Security
A cat enclosure serves its purpose only if it prevents the cat from injuries and keeps it safe. This includes preventing injuries that arise from the actual enclosure. For that reason, it is advisable to avoid enclosures with an open top. Having such an enclosure provides a clear escape path for the cat making her focus on how to escape rather than enjoying her time in the enclosure.
Flooring Type
Cat enclosures come in various flooring options such as grass, wood, and paving slabs. You can incorporate a few different types of flooring if you intend to have a large outdoor enclosure. This ensures that your furry friend enjoys different textures.
Type and Size
In many cases, cat owners usually have a particular or limited space available thus lack the liberty to choose the type and size of the enclosure. However, a lot of cat owners can decide on what kind of enclosure they want.
Such cat owners must put in kind their cat’s personalities and the activities that they enjoy most so that the cat loves the enclosure. Another thing to decide is whether you want the cat enclosure to be free-standing or it will be attached to the house through a door, window, or tunnel.
Location
Another extremely important consideration is where the cat enclosure will be installed. The location of the enclosure largely depends on the space available and the choice of the cat owner.
As much as that is true, it is important to ensure that the enclosure is located in a place where the kitty enjoys the wind, fresh air, sunlight, views, and stimulating activities that keep her busy and entertained. After all, this is the primary purpose of owning a cat enclosure.
Related Post: Best Indoor Cat Cages
Safety Tips for Your Cat in Cat Enclosures
- Keep an Eye on the Cat
As much as the cat enclosures are escape-proof to the cat, other animals can make their way into them. Predators like dogs and coyotes may make their way into them and may attack your feline. It is thus important to keep an eye on her when she is in the enclosure.
- Ensure That the Cat is Vaccinated
Keeping your cat in an enclosure outdoor doesn’t mean that she is safe from parasites such as ticks and fleas that may be thriving outside. For this reason, it is important to vaccinate your furry friend and ensure that she lies in a trimmed spot of healthy grass as long grass may be a thriving spot for these parasites.
Read: Best Cat Playhouses
Dangers That Cats Are Exposed to When Outdoors
- Animal Attacks
This may be from predators such as dogs, raccoons, and coyotes. It may also be from other cats. Having an outdoor cat enclosure keeps your kitty away from such attacks as it doesn’t always end well especially for small cats.
- Diseases and Parasites
A cat that is outside is a magnet for parasites such as fleas and mites. She is exposed and may catch diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus that spreads through scratches and bites.
- Poison
Cats are curious and may be tempted to eat some of the unusual objects that they come across whether it is edible or not. This may lead to severe results. Eating grass and plants may lead to them eating the toxic ones thus leading to serious issues. To prevent this, an enclosed cat enclosure is the solution
- Theft
It is not surprising that other humans may want to have your kitty and take your spot. Keeping the cat inside an enclosure keeps her out of a stranger’s hand.
Related Post: Best Cat Flea Collars
FAQs About Best Outdoor Cat Enclosures
Q: What Can I Put in An Outdoor Cat Enclosure?
You can put various items such as a scratching post, toys such as pop-up tunnels, a dangling toy to hang from the mesh, a litter box, and a bed. The toys help to keep your cat active and entertained while the scratching post satisfies their scratching desires. Water dishes can also be put in the cat enclosure. However, it is important to avoid putting food as it attracts insects.
Q: Can a Cat Live in a Cat Enclosure?
Life outside is potentially dangerous for cats. Limited outside access is however what cats should be provided with. This can be done by putting the cat in a cat enclosure.
This is enclosed that is escape-proof and that your cat can access from inside the house. These enclosures can be used for city cats, and suburban and rural cats also.
Conclusion
As cat parents, the greatest gift we can give them is a long, healthy, and happy life in the security of our homes. One way that indoor cats can be enriched is by providing them with safe experiences outside and allowing them to enjoy the views and sounds outside and having them play, climb, jump and run all over.
To do this, a cat enclosure is needed to ensure that the cats stay safe and free from attacks, accidents and diseases, and parasites. The outdoor cat enclosures have impressive features and we hope that they impress you too.