Best Outdoor Cat Enclosures

Although cats are generally indoor animals, some of them also love to explore the outdoors. This is where outdoor cat enclosures come in. Outdoor cat enclosures, also called cat patios or catio, are designed to protect your cats while they play outdoors. It is created with this thought to ensure that your cat is protected and safe at all times.

You see, the outdoors is a perilous place for cats. There might be predators that would chase them, or their curiosity would lead them to roam farther than they had to. But you can prevent these all with the right outdoor cat enclosure.

The 6 Best Outdoor Cat Enclosures

We find that outdoor cat enclosures are essential items to have if you have a large backyard. We have done extensive research to find the best six outdoor cat enclosures on the market today.

 

Best Overall: EliteField 2-Door Soft Pet Playpen

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The EliteField 2-Door Soft Pet Playpen is one of the best-selling playpens on the market today. It may look the same as other ordinary playpens, but what is lovable about the EliteField is that it comes in different sizes. Because of this, your cat won’t feel imprisoned as you can choose the right size that she can be comfortable with.

As the name implies, this playpen also features two doors that can be locked with zippers. It also comes with two accessory pockets and a water bottle pocket and holder. We also love that it’s surrounded by mesh windows that provide excellent air circulation.

The top cover and floor mat are both removable and washable, making the whole playpen very easy to clean. It’s also nice that it’s easy to set up and stow away with no tools required. There’s also a carrying bag that comes with it and four ground stakes, so it’s easy to carry and won’t be toppled over by strong winds.

Product Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 30 x 30 x 20 inches (smallest); 62 x 62 x 36 inches (largest)
• Colors: Beige & Green, Beige & Navy Blue, Black & Beige, Brown & Beige, Maroon & Beige, Navy Blue &
• Beige, Purple & Beige, Royal Blue & Beige
• Weight: 4.0 pounds
• Material: Nylon, Mesh
• No Assembly Needed

Best Outdoor Cat Tent: Outback Jack Outdoor Cat Enclosure

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Next on our list is the Outback Jack Outdoor Cat Enclosure, which is said to be the best outdoor cat tent. It comes in two parts – a cat tent and a cat tunnel. The whole tent material is made of mesh, which gives your cat 360-degree access to the sun and the view around her.

There are over 30 square feet of activity space inside, which is enough for your cat to roam around inside. It’s also enough to place extra toys they would enjoy. You have the option to use the cat tent only or the cat tunnel only, but you can also combine them to provide a more fun environment.

The product is lightweight and comes in a portable design so you can take it when you go out somewhere with your cat. At the same time, we love how easy it is to set-up.

Product Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 74 x 63 x 36 inches
• Color: Black
• Weight: 7 pounds
• Material: Polyester, Mesh
• No Assembly Needed

Runner Up Outdoor Cat Tent: Hi Suyi Cat Tent

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Another outdoor cat tent on our list is the Hi Suyi Cat Tent. This is a large enclosure with over 32 square feet of activity space inside. It’s perfect if you have multiple cats, and you can even add extra toys for them to play with.

The whole tent is made with high-quality mesh on all sides. It allows excellent air circulation and 360-degree access to the sun. Plus, you get to see your cat inside clearly. It also comes with four ground stakes or pegs to hold the tent down, so it doesn’t topple over.

This cat tent comes with a pull-string pop-up system so that it’s easy to set-up and to take down. We also love that it’s lightweight and portable, so you can carry it wherever you want with your cat. It even comes with a carrying case.

Product Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 74 x 63 x 36 inches
• Color: Black and Green
• Weight: 3.75 pounds
• Material: Mesh
• No Assembly Needed

Runner Up: Zampa Pet Playpen

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The next playpen on our list is the Zampa Pet Playpen. Another octagon playpen that comes with a spacious interior giving your cat enough play space. It comes with a removable roof that you can attach if you have climbing cats who want to escape.

The playpen comes in four sizes, which allows you to choose the best size appropriate for your cat and won’t make her feel imprisoned. We also love that it is foldable and just pops up when you need to use it; no tools required at all.

It comes with a carrying case so you can carry it easily outdoors and four metal spikes to make sure that the playpen doesn’t topple over by strong winds. And in case you’re not satisfied with this, they also offer a 100% money-back guarantee.

Product Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 29 x 29 x 17 inches (smallest); 61 x 61 x 30 inches (largest)
• Colors: Blue, Brown, Pink, Red
• Weight: 6.0 pounds
• Material: Polyester, Mesh
• No Assembly Needed

Most Stylish: PawHut Wooden Outdoor Catio Cage

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If you want to go with something stylish and elegant, the PawHut Wooden Outdoor Catio Cage might be what you’re looking for. As the name implies, the whole enclosure is made from a combination of wood and non-toxic wires. It is ensured to be durable and can withstand any weather condition.

The enclosure comes with an oversized door for easy access when putting your cat inside and getting her out. It also comes with safety latches, so it doesn’t open up accidentally. We also love the multi-tiered main house with features your cat would love – paneled window, sliding door, small hinged door, and a ramp.

The whole enclosure provides ample space for multiple cats to play around and for air to circulate. However, bear in mind that installation is required on this one, and you would probably need lots of patience, too.

Product Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 77 x 38 x 69 inches
• Color: Natural Wood
• Weight: 100.5 pounds
• Material: Fir Wood, Wire Mesh
• Assembly Required

Best Value: Best Pet Outdoor Cat Cage

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For those who are more on a budget, you can go for the outdoor cat cage by Best Pet. The space inside is enough for up to 3 energetic cats. Since the cage has big openings, the air can circulate well inside.

The whole cage is made of sturdy and strong metal wire to ensure durability. Then, it’s painted using black, non-toxic paint to ensure that your cat remains safe. I also love that the crate is rust-proof and rot-proof, which ensures that it lasts longer.

We love the accessories that come with the cage that your cats would definitely enjoy. There is a hanging hammock, two cat beds, and two metal ladders.

There are also three oversized doors for easy access in case you would need to clean it. The base plate easily slides off, so you can clean it well. The doors come with heavy-duty slide bolts, so the doors don’t open and let your cat escape.

Although there’s installation required, manufacturers promise easy assembly that would only take 30 minutes. Instructions come, and it’s very simple and easy to understand.

Product Specifications:

• Product dimensions: 35 x 23 x 67 inches
• Color: Black
• Weight: 40 pounds
• Material: Metal Wire
• Assembly Required

Why Should You Buy Your Cat an Outdoor Enclosure

Whether you have a kitten or an old cat, they would all definitely love having an enclosure. It creates boundaries to ensure that they don’t stray away. Plus, they would appreciate their own private space. If you’re still wondering why you should buy an outdoor enclosure, check out these fantastic benefits it can offer for your cat:

1. It keeps your cats safe.

One of the most significant benefits of getting an outdoor cat enclosure is that it keeps your cats safe while they’re outdoors. We all know how cats are curious animals, which can get them in danger, especially while they’re outside.

They might get run into traffic, chased by predators, can acquire sickness, might be poisoned on anything they might find on the ground, and might get stolen. Many things can happen that even their nine lives won’t be able to protect them from.

However, with an outdoor cat enclosure, you might be able to ensure this as they get to stay in one area. Added to that, you can watch them silently while on your patio, too.

2. It gives them free space to play.

As you know, cats have these natural instincts to climb and play, and they would definitely love it if they have a space of their own to enjoy that. With an outdoor cat enclosure, you’ll be able to give them that. Inside it, you can always provide them with lots of toys to play with. Plus, you get to ensure their safety.

3. It keeps your cats healthy.

Cats love the indoors, but they also do need some form of activity to keep them healthy. With an outdoor cat enclosure, you’re giving your cat ample space to run around and play, which is an excellent form of exercise for them. At the same time, since they’re outdoors, they get full access to the sun, which, as we all know, they definitely love.

Things To Consider When Buying An Outdoor Cat Enclosure

We have presented the six best outdoor cat enclosures above. However, you can’t just simply pick what you think looks good or what you think is the most affordable. There are still a few things you would have to consider to choose the perfect one for your cat:

Budget

The first thing you should consider when buying an outdoor cat enclosure is how much you’re willing to spend. Outdoor cat enclosures come in different sizes and designs, and depending on that, the prices vary.

You would expect that wooden enclosures that require assembly will be much more expensive than the pop-up mesh tents. Even playpens cost a lot depending on the brand.

Try to set your budget and think about the best outdoor cat enclosure you can get with the budget you have.

Your Space

Next, you would also have to consider how much space you have for your enclosure. If you have a big space, then why not go for a bigger one, right? This way, you’re giving your cat more room to enjoy.

However, if you live in an apartment and just take your cat out every day in a common yard, then a pop-up tent or foldable playpens might be the best way to go.

Portability

Portability is another thing to consider especially if you’re often traveling with your cat. You would definitely want one that is easy to set up and lightweight, so you won’t get tired bringing it along. One that comes with a carrying bag is also a great enclosure to have.

The Design

There are different outdoor cat enclosures out there, which means you have many types to choose from. You can depend on your choice in your aesthetic preference, your cat’s comfortability, or what is suitable for your home.

There are cat tents, playpens, cat tunnels, cat cages, and wooden cat enclosures, and you would have to decide which of these your cats would love or would suit well in your lifestyle or yard.

If you’re a traveler, you might prefer the cat tent or cat tunnels. When you want something that you can also use indoors and outdoors, you can go for playpens. If you want something permanent, you can go with the wooden ones because these are heavy to move around.

If you prefer something elegant and modern, cat cages would be a great way to go.

Materials

You should also look at the materials of the outdoor cat enclosure. The more high-quality the materials, the better the outdoor cat enclosure is. It also ensures that it will last longer and thus will save you a lot of money long term.

Set-Up Process

Try to think about how much effort you want to put up in assembling the outdoor cat enclosure. If you wish that the effort you would have to put up is close to none, then go for one that comes with a pop-up system or pull string system that won’t allow you to use tools.

However, if you think you can dedicate more time for a much larger enclosure, you can go for those requiring assembly.

The Number of Cats You Have

The number of cats you have would also affect the cat enclosure you choose, as this determines the proper size you should buy. It’s not wise to buy a small outdoor cat enclosure if you have lots of cats running around. You want them to have plenty of rooms inside, so really reap the benefits of that outdoor cat enclosure.

In other words, you need to assess what features you want to have in an outdoor cat enclosure before deciding on what you should buy. Try to think about the things above as this will help you make the best decisions.
What Can I Put Inside My Cat’s Outdoor Enclosure?
Outdoor cat enclosures are great play areas for your cat, and they would appreciate it if you add some more things inside that they can use.

• Scratching posts would be a great addition, so they won’t get tempted to scratch the enclosure itself.
• A fake field mouse is a great toy to keep your cat entertained and get them indulged with their instincts.
• Cardboard boxes are things that cats love though we don’t understand why it’s great to put it there.
• Pop-up tunnels are also great to add to allow them to enjoy curling up in tight spaces.
• Dangling toys will peak their curiosities and great entertainment for your cat.
• Litter boxes are also things most cat owners add so that the cats would still have that safe space in case they needed to do their business.

Basically, you can add anything to your outdoor cat enclosure. By doing this, you’re making this space much more enjoyable for your cat, and she would definitely love this space more.

Conclusion

Cats are curious creatures, and we can’t take that away from them anymore. And the best way we can protect them is through outdoor cat enclosures. It makes sure your cats remain safe as they play outdoors.

If you still can’t decide which outdoor enclosure to get, try to review the buying guide above to see which would be the best choice for your cat. You can also choose from our top 6 picks. And if you’re still in doubt, you can also opt to make your cat their very own outdoor enclosure.