Safety Outdoors – Cat Enclosures & Cages

Last Updated on February 27, 2021

All cats love being outdoors, it is, after all, their natural habitat. Most owners choose to keep their cats as “indoor only” for safety reasons, I myself am one of those owners. So aside from training your cat to walk on a harness, what else can you do to allow them to be outdoors but safe at the same time? Have you considered an outdoor cat enclosure?

What Is An Outdoor Enclosure?

An outdoor cat enclosure is a fully enclosed area that can be attached to your home providing access for your cat to the outdoor space, or it can be a stand alone enclosure set up in your yard. It works the same way the enclosures do at the zoo. It will keep your cat safe, offer security, and you won’t have to worry about them escaping.

Benefits Of Having An Outdoor Enclosure For Your Cat

Cats enjoy exploring and seeing the world around them. When they are trapped indoors, this can limit them to only window-access and not many homes are set up in a way to allow a cat to have a good view of the outdoors. If you live in an area that experiences four seasons, you are less likely to have your windows open year round. Having an outdoor enclosure allows your cat to have safe access outside any time of the year which will not only keep your cat happy but greatly enrich their life. It will provide a safe and private area free from other animals like other cats, raccoons, skunks, and squirrels. You will also be able to ensure your cat has no access to pesticides, poisons, harmful insects or parasites.

Types Of Outdoor Enclosures

Now, these enclosures can range from a few hundred bucks to thousands of dollars, so you want to build one based on your income. If you don’t have any handyman skills, there are companies like Suncatcher Enclosers who make enclosures that can be easily set up out of the box. Some options even include window access entryways for your kitties. If you don’t have space or the income, you can always opt for the cheapest option which is a tented enclosure but keep in mind, these are the least safe. Let’s explore different kinds of cat enclosures.

Attached Enclosures

A cat enclosure is best attached to your house with access to it from a window typically in a room you don’t use much so it can stay open. These enclosures will offer 24/7 outdoor access for your cat and they will love it! Here are some examples of attached cat enclosures.

Detached Enclosures

If, for whatever reason, attaching an enclosure to your house is not possible, you can opt for a detached enclosure instead! They can be as big as you like, depending on the size of your yard. The only downside is that you’ll have to carry your cat to it. Here are some examples of detached cat enclosures.

Safety Tent Enclosures

If you don’t have the money or the space, a safety tent enclosure might be a good option for you and your cat. These will require supervision when in use as they are not particularly sturdy. If your cat has a habit of clawing through things, these can be torn open with enough force which is one of the biggest downsides. Here are a few different designs of safety tent enclosures.

Is An Outdoor Enclosure Right For Your Cat?

Not all cats will enjoy being outdoors. Some are downright terrified of it because too much can be going on. If you live in a very loud and busy area with active streets, loud neighbors, or frequent storms then a cat enclosure might not be a good option for your cat. While most will enjoy the space, this is very dependent on your cat’s personality and what location you live in.

Other Options

Whether you can’t get an outdoor enclosure because of cost or space, you have a few other options that will allow your cat to enjoy the great outdoors. You can opt to buy a large dog kennel that can be kept on your front or back porch. You will want to be outside while your cat is in the cage to ensure safety. Another option can be to leash train your cat instead. This can take time but the payoff will be worth it. For more information on training your cat to walk on a leash, read our guide: How to Leash Train a Cat


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