Best cat cages and cat playpens for indoor and outdoor use

By their very nature, cats are inquisitive creatures who love the freedom to explore their surroundings. However, if you live in a small apartment, or have a handful of boisterous kittens or are just looking for a temporary containment enclosure for your kitty, then getting a cat cage or playpen which your pet (or pets) can call home is not a bad idea. These cat cages provide a safe environment to the felines and help in housebreaking or addressing behavioral problems. And they also work well for foster parents, rescue groups, and animal shelters.

But which are the best cat cages and cat playpens for indoor or outdoor use?

In this article, we will look at answering exactly the same question and share some of the best cat cages and cat playpens available in the market. We will see how these cat cages can be helpful for your beloved felines and also list the factors to consider before picking the best cat cage for your household. Our primary focus will be on wire cat crates and condos that do not take a lot of space and are suitable for daily indoor use.

And if you are looking for a similar confinement solution for canines, check out our popular article on the best wire dog crates.

Best cat cage and cat playpen list

Picture	Product	Size
	Prevue Pet Products Premium/Deluxe Cat Cage	Deluxe: 43.2" x 25.2" x 44.9" 3-Tier; 2 Doors Premium: 43.2" x 25.2" x 65.7" 4-Tier; 2 Doors	Check Price Chewy Price
	Midwest Cat Cage and Playpen	36" x 23.5" x 50.5" 3-Tier; 2 Doors	Check Price Chewy Price
	IRIS Wire Cat Cage/Cat Playpen	2T: 36.6" x 24.8” x 47.6"; 2 Doors 3T: 36.6" x 24.8” x 70.1”; 3 Doors	Check Price Chewy Price
	ProSelect Foldable Cat Cage	35.5” x 24” x 48” 3-Tier; 2 Doors	Check Price
	SONGMICS Multi-Tier Cat Playpen and Cage	42.5" x 28.7" x 48" 3-Tier; 2 Doors	Check Price
	AmazonBasics 3-Tier Cat Cage and Playpen	35.8" x 22.4" x 50.6" 3-Tier; 2 Doors	Check Price
	Frisco Collapsible Cat Playpen	35.2" x 23.4" x 48.0" 3-Tier; 2 Doors	Chewy Price
	PawHut Steel Wire Vertical Cat Cage	2T: 36" x 24.2" x 47.5"; 2 Doors 3T: 36" x 24.2" x 70"; 3 Doors	Check Price
	IRIS Multi-Level Cat Condo/Cage	2T: 32.5" x 22.2" x 46.8"; 2 Doors 3T: 32.5" x 22.2" x 69"; 3 Doors	Check Price Chewy Price
	Yaheetech 4-Tier Cat Cage	31.5" x 21.7" x 47.2" 4-Tier; 2 Doors	Check Price

** The size mentioned above are based on exterior dimensions. Interior dimensions would be about 1-2 inches less. Check the product details for exact interior dimensions. The size of the wheels is NOT included while computing the height of the cages.

What is a cat cage/playpen and how can it be useful?

Before we look at the cat cages as a confinement mechanism for felines, it is important to reiterate that cats are inquisitive pets who love their freedom to explore the surroundings. So, any sort of restriction on their independence to roam around is not a natural solution and should only be used as a last resort and if there is an explicit need for such an arrangement.

Cat cages or cat indoor playpens are multi-level cat crates for temporary containment of one or more adult cats or kittens. The cat cages are generally made of metallic or plastic wires/slats with multiple doors and one or more platform or perches. The presence of doors with latches to restrict the movement of cats in and out of the cage is what differentiates cat cages from something like a cat tree.

Cat cages are available in a variety of sizes and designs and they are not much different from crates used for small animals such as guinea pigs, hamsters, and other ferrets. Cat cages can be collapsible/foldable or permanent/un-collapsible. One key benefit of the foldable cat cages is that you can easily collapse them down for storage and transportation whenever desired. Most cat cages can also be converted into an open playpen by removing the doors.

Cat cages and playpens can be useful in a bunch of situations. Some scenarios in which cat cages can be useful are:

• As a permanent indoor home for felines in apartments or houses with limited space.
• As a temporary cat home after relocating to a new house or apartment.
• As a mechanism to quarantine a sick or unruly cat or multiple kittens from other pets in the home. For example, to separate a pregnant cat from other pets in the house.
• For litter and potty training a pet in a multi-pet home. Cat cages are especially useful if the kitty tends to regress on the litter training.
• For introducing a new cat to the pet family or for giving an older kitty a safe haven away from other pets.
• As temporary cat homes for foster parents, rescue groups, and animal shelters. Metal cat cages and playpens can also be used outdoors to give indoor-only cats a little taste of the outdoor environment.

To summarize, cat cages and playpens serve a distinctive purpose and can be useful in house-breaking, quarantining and handling some behavioral issues such as aggression in felines.

In the next sections, we will look at some of the best cat cages available in the market and buying advice on how to pick the best cat cage for your furr-ball.

Which are the best cat cages and playpens for indoor and outdoor use?

Prevue Pet Products Premium/Deluxe Cat Cage – Best cat cage and playpen

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Material: Lightweight aluminum channel frame with additional weather and rust protection coating.
Design:

• Two-sizes: 2 or 3 tiers with two platforms + 1 perch or two platforms + 2 perches respectively.
• Two or three swing-open doors with two-finger plastic latch locks.
• Two plastic trays with tray pads and one or two polyester hammocks.
• 4 rubberized metal locking caster wheels for easy movement within the house.
• Non-Folding and does not collapse without disassembly.

Size:

• Deluxe (3-Tier): 43.2″ x 25.2″ x 44.9″, 37 lbs.
• Premium (4-Tier): 43.2″ x 25.2″ x 65.7″, 45 lbs.

Price: $$ to $$$ depending upon the size.
Features:

• Best-selling cat cage with a lightweight yet durable aluminum frame having a weather-proof paint coating. Made in China under Chicago, US-based company’s quality control measures.
• Available in 3 or 4-Tier design with two 26” x 14” lock-in plastic platforms for supporting the cat. The platforms have removable machine-washable pads for comfort. Other tiers have polyester hammocks for lounging.
• Features two 18.2” x 17.6” wide front access doors on both the top and bottom of the cage with secure plastic door locking latches for safe containment. The crate works best for 1-2 adult cats or kittens weighing less than 25 lbs. each.
• Features a 1.0 – 1.25 inch of space between wire tubes with rounded corners and surfaces to prevent any pet injury or stuck claws.
• 4 rubberized locking caster wheels provide easy movement around the house. The wheels are removable.
• Comes with two plastic platforms with machine-washable felt platform pads and one or two extra-large 26” x 14”, machine-washable polyester hammocks. Also includes a removable plastic tray for the base for easy cleaning and maintenance.
• Backed by a 90-day manufacturer warranty and after-sales support service after that.

Detail Review:

Prevue Pet Products is an established brand for pet crates and playpens and the Prevue Pet Products Premium or Deluxe Cat Cages are one of their best-selling models and there is a good reason for that.

The best-selling Prevue Pet Products Premium/Deluxe Cat Cages are made of lightweight yet durable aluminum frame with a thin weather-resistant paint coating. The use of aluminum ensures that the cage is rust-proof and lightweight, with the same durability as other steel cat cages. Like other Prevue Pet Products, the cat cages are made in China under strict quality control restrictions by the manufacturer.

The Prevue Deluxe cat cage is the 3-Tier Model and the Premium is the 4-Tier Model. Both models feature two full-sized front access doors each with a secure plastic door latch that supports two-finger locking mechanism. While not totally escape-proof, the lock would be reasonably difficult for a feline to open. The crate also has two extra-large 26″x14″ perching platforms with durable plastic trays and tray pads. And that is not all! Depending upon the model, you also get one or two machine-washable polyester hammocks suitable for cats weighing up to 20-25 lbs.

The wider base of the crate means that it not only provides ample playground to the kitty, it also ensures superior stability. A large removable plastic crate tray is also available for easy cleaning and maintenance. The crate also includes 4-locking caster wheels for movement around the household.

The Prevue cat cages are designed keeping the comfort and safety of kittens and cats in mind. The cage wires are arranged closely and have a 1-inch of spacing in front and back and 1.25-inches of spacing on the corners. This design ensures that there are no gaps between the crossover points for accidentally catching the claws and paws of the cat.

The installation is super-easy and essentially involves fitting the three pieces together and then tidying up the arrangement. No special tools are required. The only limitation is that the crate is non-collapsible, and you would have to disassemble it to store or transport.

Prevue Pet Products Premium/Deluxe Cat Cages are backed by a 90-day manufacturer warranty against defects. If you face any problem beyond that time-frame, you can always reach out the customer support service.

Midwest Cat Cage and Playpen – Value Pick for the best cat cage and playpen

Buy It on Chewy

Material: Stainless steel wire frame with a rust-resistant, durable satin-black electro-coat finish.
Design:

• 3-Tier, 3-platforms – each with a removable plastic shelf.
• Two large cabinet style front doors (top & bottom) w/ secure door latches
• 4 locking caster wheels for movement within the house.
• 1 self-attaching fleece cat bed.
• Foldable to a small carrying size for storage and transportation

Size: 36″ x 23.5″ x 50.5″, 40 lbs.
Price: $$.
Features:

• Best value-for-money cat cage with a heavy-gauge stainless steel wire frame having a durable satin-black electro-coat finish. Made in China under MidWest Pets quality control restrictions.
• Features two wide front access doors on both the top and bottom of the cage with secure side latches for safe containment. The doors can be left open or uninstalled without affecting the balance of the crate.
• Has three 21” x 10.5” plastic platforms – one at each tier for supporting the cat. The platforms can be removed for cleaning. One cat bed is also included with the crate. The crate works best for 1-2 adult cats or 3 kittens weighing less than 25 lbs. each.
• Features an approximately 1.25-inch of space between wire bars with rounded corners and surfaces to prevent any pet injury.
• 4 locking caster wheels provide easy movement around the house. The crate weighs about 40 lbs.
• Foldable and collapses to a 5-inch high folding size for transportation or storage. Provides easy installation and disassembly.
• Comes with a free fleece cat platform bed. Also includes 3 plastic platform trays and a removable plastic tray for the base. Other accessories can be purchased separately.
• Backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty. The manufacturer also offers an award-winning customer support service.

Detail Review:

If you are looking for a budget cat cage for your household use with 1-3 cats or kittens and do not want to spend a fortune, then the Midwest Cat Cage and Playpen is the best model to consider. Priced a tad over 100 bucks, it may not be the cheapest option, but this metal cat cage offers an excellent return on investment.

The popular Midwest Cat Cage and Playpen features a stainless steel frame with 3mm., 5mm. and 12mm. hollow steel tubes coated with a durable satin-black electro-coat finish. The coating is fully scratch-proof and rust-resistant. Like the other MidWest crates, the cat cage is made in China under strict quality control measures. All the materials used in manufacturing are non-toxic and environment-friendly. It is fully collapsible to a 5-inch high carrying size, so you slide it under the bed or put it in the basement while it is not in use. The crate is not the easiest to assemble and would require some effort and some additional zip ties to put everything in place perfectly.

The Midwest Cat Cage features two wide front access doors on both the top and bottom of the cage. These swing open doors have secure metallic locking latches for safe containment. The doors can be left open or even uninstalled without affecting the balance of the cage. The cage body an approximately 1.25-inches of space between wire tubes with rounded corners that greatly reduce possible sharp-points.

In terms of overall weight, the cage is pretty lightweight for its size and weighs around 40 lbs. For an overall size of 36″ x 23.5″ x 50.5″, this is pretty reasonable considering the heavy-duty metal construction of the cage. 4 locking caster wheels are also included for easy movement around the house. These wheels are removable, and the crate can be balanced on its base for maximum stability.

The 3-tier crate has three 21” x 10.5” plastic platforms – one at each tier. The perches or platforms are totally adjustable and can be installed at a specific level as per your preference. The platforms can also be removed for cleaning. To sweeten the deal, the manufacturer includes a fleece self-attaching cat bed, though you would have to purchase other beds or cat hammocks separately.

The Midwest Cat Cage comes with a durable plastic cage tray to attach to the base. The plastic cage tray is leak-proof to prevent any accidents from soiling the surface below and is easy to clean.

The Midwest Cat Cage is available in a single black-satin color finish. And like other Midwest crates, the manufacturer also offers all the accessories and replacement parts, well supported by a one-year warranty and an award-winning customer support service.

IRIS Wire Cat Cage/Cat Playpen

Material: Powder-coated stainless-steel wire frame with a rust-resistant electro-paint coating.
Design:

• 2 or 3-Tier, 1 or 2-platforms – each with a removable plastic shelf.
• Two swing-open doors with secure pin-lock door latches.
• 6 caster wheels and two stoppers for movement within the house.
• Does not collapse without disassembly.

Size:

• 2-Tier: 36.6″ x 24.8” x 47.6″, 41.8 lbs.; 2 Doors.
• 3-Tier: 36.6″ x 24.8” x 70.1”, 52.0 lbs.; 3 Doors.

Price: $ to $$ depending upon the size.
Features:

• Smartly-designed, multi-tier cat cage with a heavy-gauge powder coated stainless steel wire construction. Made in China and imported from Japan for the US-based company.
• Available in 2 or 3-Tier designs with two swing-open doors. The doors are equipped with secure pin-lock door latches for safe containment.
• The crate has one or two 20″ x 17″ perches with plastic platforms. The crate works best for 2 adult cats or kittens weighing less than 17 lbs. each. Also works for birds and other small animals.
• Features an approximately 1.7-inch of space between wire bars with rounded corners and surfaces to prevent any pet injury. A removable plastic crate pan is also included with the cage.
• Equipped with six caster wheels that are supported by two stoppers for easy movement around the house. But the crate does not fold down without disassembly.
• Available in two sizes, two colors – Beige and Yellow and backed by a 30-day hassle-free return commitment and three years of after-sales support post that.

ProSelect Foldable Cat Cage

Material: Powder-coated steel wire frame with durable, rust-resistant spray paint coating.
Design:

• 3-Tier design with adjustable plastic pet perches.
• Two large arched doors with spring-loaded latches.
• 4 locking caster wheels for movement within the house.
• Foldable and collapses to a 6-inch high storage/transportation size.

Size: 35.5” x 24” x 48”, 41 lbs.
Price: $$$.
Features:

• High-quality, interactive cat cage and playpen featuring a durable, 8 and 12 gauge powder-coated steel wire construction. Made in Taiwan for US-based popular pet containment product brand.
• Features three 22” x 9” color-coordinated plastic platforms that can be positioned at different heights, making it a configurable cat condo. The cage also has a removable plastic pan on the bottom.
• Equipped with two large arched front doors (top and bottom) with secure, spring-loaded side-locking latches for safe, secure containment. The doors are easily removable if desired.
• Features an approximately 1.25-inches of space between wire bars with rounded corners and surfaces to prevent any pet injury.
• Provides easy, tool-free assembly and collapses to a 6-inch high carrying size for easy storage and transportation. Four 2.5-inch locking caster wheels provide easy movement around the house.
• The crate works best for 3 adult cats or kittens weighing less than 25 lbs. each.
• Available in three vibrant color combinations – black, purple, and ivory and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty. Costlier than most other wire cat cages.

SONGMICS Multi-Tier Cat Playpen and Cage

Material: Steel wire frame with a rust-resistant black electro-coat finish.
Design:

• 3-Tier with ladders connecting the platforms. 1 or 2 hammocks.
• Two large cabinet style doors.
• Configurable with optional doors, balconies and bottom wire mesh. No wheels.
• Hammer included for assembling/disassembling the cage.

Size: 42.5″ x 28.7″ x 48″
Price: $.
Features:

• Highly configurable cat condo with steel mesh having rust-resistant black paint coating. Made in China.
• Features two large platforms connected by a ramp. 2 PV fleece hammocks with a capacity of 22 lbs. each are also included for perching.
• Spacious, semi-open design that is suitable for two large cats or four small cats/kittens. The cage has open balconies adjacent to the platform for optimal comfort.
• Features two cabinet-style doors which can be removed if desired. The cage comes with 150 plastic corner ties and protectors for safe installation. The wires have a spacing of 0.5″.
• The cage has a wire mesh base and platform. Trays/beds for base and platform have to be purchased separately. The cage does not come with caster wheels and instead is supported by plastic floor protectors.
• Backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment by the manufacturer. Competitively priced at under 100 dollars for the large cage/playpen.

AmazonBasics 3-Tier Cat Cage and Playpen

Material: Stainless steel wire frame with rust-resistant, electro-coat paint.
Design:

• 3-Tier, 3-platforms – each with a removable plastic shelf.
• Two swing-open doors with secure-locking latches.
• 4 locking caster wheels for movement within the house.
• Foldable and collapses to a 5-inch high storage/transportation size.

Size: 31.5″ x 21.7″ x 47.2″, 37.4 lbs.
Price: $.
Features:

• Value-for-money, decent quality metal cat cage and playpen with stainless steel wire frame having a rust-resistant paint. Made in China under AmazonBasics quality control measures.
• Includes two large swing-open front doors (top and bottom) with secure locking latches for safe, secure containment. The doors are hinged at multiple places for stability and easily removable if desired.
• Has three 21.5” x 12.5” plastic trays – one at each tier for supporting the cat. The trays can be removed for cleaning. No beds or hammocks are included and have to be purchased separately.
• Features an approximately 1.75-inch of space between wire bars with rounded corners and surfaces to prevent any pet injury.
• 4 locking caster wheels provide easy movement around the house. The crate weighs about 40 lbs.
• The crate works best for 2 adult cats or 3 kittens weighing less than 25 lbs. each. Also works well for ferrets and small pets.
• Foldable and collapses to a 5-inch high folding size for transportation or storage. Provides easy installation and disassembly.
• Backed by a one-year AmazonBasics warranty. Competitively priced at under 85 dollars.

Frisco Collapsible Cat Playpen

Material: Powder-coated steel wire frame with a rust-resistant e-paint.
Design:

• Collapsible, 3-Tier, 3-platforms – each with a removable plastic shelf and mat.
• Two swing-open doors with secure-locking latches.
• 4 caster wheels – 2 locking and rest standard, for movement within the house.

Size: 35.2″ x 23.4″ x 48.0″, 2.42 lbs.
Price: $$.
Features:

• Collapsible metal cat cage and playpen with powder-coated steel wire frame having a rust-resistant paint. Made in China under the US-based Chewy’s quality control measures.
• Available in a standard 3-Tier design with two swing-open doors. The doors are equipped with two plastic door latches for security.
• Comes with three 20” x 17” plastic platforms and a bottom plastic tray. The can be placed at any level for all the perching possibilities and can be removed for cleaning.
• Three machine-washable cat mat beds are also included for maximum comfort while perching.
• Features an approximately 1.3-inch of space between wire bars with plastic protectors in each corner for increased safety.
• Has 4 removable caster wheels – 2 locking and rest standard provide easy movement around the house. Easy to assemble with a Philips Screwdriver and pliers.
• Available in standard black-grey metal color and backed by the hassle-free one-year warranty against all defects.

PawHut Steel Wire Vertical Cat Cage

Material: Powder-coated steel wire frame with a rust-resistant e-paint.
Design:

• 2 or 3-Tier, 1 or 2-platforms – each with a removable plastic shelf.
• Two or three swing-open doors with secure-locking latches.
• 7 caster wheels – 2 locking and rest standard, for movement within the house.

Size:

• 2-Tier: 36″ x 24.2″ x 47.5″, 0 lbs.; 2 Doors.
• 3-Tier: 24.8″ x 36.6″ x 70.1”, 46.0 lbs.; 3 Doors.

Price: $ to $$ depending upon the size.
Features:

• Mid-range metal cat cage and playpen with powder-coated steel wire frame having a rust-resistant paint. Made in China under the US-based company’s quality control measures.
• Available in 2 or 3-Tier designs with individual entrance doors for each level. The doors are equipped with plastic door latches for security.
• Comes with one or two 20.5” x 17.75” plastic platforms and a bottom plastic tray. The trays can be removed for cleaning.
• Features an approximately 1.3-inch of space between wire bars with plastic protectors in each corner for increased safety.
• Has 7 caster wheels – 2 locking and rest standard provide easy movement around the house.
• Available in two sizes and backed by a 90-day manufacturer warranty.

IRIS Multi-Level Cat Condo/Cage

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Material: BPA-free, ABS plastic cage with propylene plastic base and middle shelves.
Design:

• Two-sizes: 2 or 3 tiers with one or two plastic platforms respectively.
• Two or three swing-open doors with easy twist open door latches. The top of the cage is also removable.
• 4 locking caster wheels for movement within the house.
• Easy assembly with Philips Screwdriver. But does not fold down.

Size:

• 2-Tier: 32.5″ x 22.2″ x 46.8″, 35.3 lbs.; 2 Doors.
• 3-Tier: 32.5″ x 22.2″ x 69″, 49.0 lbs.; 3 Doors.

Price: $$ to $$$ depending upon the size.
Features:

• High-end, space-saving cat cage/condo with an all-plastic construction. Made in China and imported from Japan for the US-based company.
• Available in 2 or 3-Tier designs with individual entrance doors for each level. The doors are equipped with easy twist open door latches.
• The cage-top is designed to open for easy access into the cage.
• The middle shelf (or shelves) has a capacity of 66 lbs. and the top shelf has a capacity of 33 lbs. The crate works best for 2 adult cats/kittens weighing less than 20 lbs. each. Also works for birds and other small animals.
• 4 locking caster wheels provide easy movement around the house. But the crate does not fold down.
• Available in two sizes, two colors – Beige and Yellow and backed by a 30-day hassle-free return commitment and three years of after-sales support post that.

Yaheetech 4-Tier Cat Cage

Material: Powder-coated steel wire frame with a rust-resistant, durable satin-black electro-coat finish.
Design:

• 4-Tier, 3-platforms connected with ladders. 1 hammock.
• Two large cabinet style doors.
• 4 locking caster wheels for movement within the house.

Size: 31.5″ x 21.7″ x 47.2″, 32 lbs.
Price: $.
Features:

• Budget multi-tier cat cage with stainless steel wire frame having black rust-resistant electro-coating. Made in China. Can be reconfigured as per requirements.
• Unique design with 3 platforms connected with ladders. 4 locking caster wheels provide easy movement around the house. The crate weighs about 32 lbs.
• Features two 15.6” x 7.1’’ cabinet-style doors with secure latches. The doors are removable.
• Comes with a free flannelette hammock and mat and one platform bed. A removable plastic tray for the base is also included. Other accessories can be purchased separately.
• The platform has a capacity of 33 lbs. and hammock works for 11 lbs. pets. The crate works best for 2 adult cats or 3 kittens weighing less than 20 lbs. each. Also works well for ferrets and small pets.
• Easy to assemble and disassemble without tools. Collapsible to a 4-6-inch high collapsible carrying size.
• Backed by a 90-day manufacturer warranty. Contact the manufacturer for any installation and after-sales support.

Best Outdoor Catios and Cat Cages

Most of the options we listed, especially the wire cat cages and playpens are also suitable for outdoor use, but if you are looking for large pre-built catios and cat cages for your kitties, you can check out the following best-selling options:

• PawHut Wooden Outdoor Cat Enclosure/Catio Cage: Best-selling wooden cat enclosure featuringsolid fir frame that is sealed with animal safe, non-toxic sealant and enclosed with strong metal wire. The flat roof is covered with asphalt for enhanced weather protection against both sun and rain. Features a large entrance door and six oversized platforms.
• Aivituvin Wooden Catio/Cat Cage: 3-tier wooden cat playpen with 3 platform and a small resting house. Made of reinforced ply-wooden planks with weatherproof paint. Features 2 big front doors and 2 small pulled up access doors for 3-4 cats.
• Cove Products Outdoor Catio Enclosure: Premium outdoor, 5-platform 48″ X 48″ X 72″ Outdoor Catio Enclosure with a solid powder-coated steel frame with steel-wire meshing. Considerably costlier than other catios but built to last for years.

Alternatively, if you are only looking for a temporary outdoor enclosure or playpen for your cat, then you can check out the following options:

• Outback Jack Outdoor Cat Enclosures For Indoor Cats: Premium mesh fabric tent and tunnel combo that provides about 30 square feet of activity space to cats and other small pets. Comes with a carry bag for easy transportation.
• Fooubaby Cat Tent Pop Up Cat House: Budget, popup mesh tent and playpen, purr-fect for camping, beach, hiking, travel, parks and backyards. Available in three colors.

How to pick the best cat cage or playpen for indoor and outdoor use?

For indoor or outdoor use, you need a cat cage or playpen that is durable, reliable and comfortable to the pet. But with so many different options available in the market, including different models from the same manufacturer, picking the best cat cage or playpen can often be a challenge. Worry not! This section is exactly for the purpose of helping you in picking the right cat cage for your needs.

Once you have decided upon the broad budget that you have, you need to look at the following major factors before picking the best cat cage or playpen for temporary or everyday use:

• Construction material
• Cage design features
• Tiers and size of the cage
• Ease of cleaning and maintenance
• Additional factors and considerations

Construction material

You should also look at the manufacturing material of the cat cage to ascertain its build quality and durability. After all, you must be looking for a cage or playpen that is durable and portable and not a single-use wonder.

The cat cages are generally made of powder-coated hollow stainless steel tubes that are anywhere from 1.0” to 1.75” apart, with additional welding at stress points and rounded corners. The steel tubes or slats are coated with a rust-resistant paint. The best cat cages have multiple layers of rust-resistant electro-pain coating, making them more durable and weather-proof. Some crates even offer plastic protectors on the corners for extra injury protection to the pet. Metal construction means that these cat cages can also be used outdoors whenever required.

Among portable cat cages or playpens, our top pick – the Prevue Pet Products Premium/Deluxe Cat Cage is probably the best built. This cage and most other options are also collapsible and fold to a small size for easy storage and transportation.

The only exception to the metal construction in our list is the IRIS Multi-Level Cat Condo/Cage, which is made of ABS plastic and hence is suitable for indoor use only.

In addition to the cage body, the cat crates have multiple platforms or perches on different tiers for the feline to rest on. The platform base is made of plastic and is adjustable in most crates. The capacity of these platforms varies from 15-30 lbs.

Because cat cages are heavy (in excess of 30 lbs.), most of them come with rotating caster wheels to move them around the house if desired. These wheels are removable and lockable – the best cages have all wheels lockable, while others only have two wheels lockable. The only exception is the IRIS Wire Cat Cage/Cat Playpen, which has standard wheels and instead comes with two wheel-stoppers. From our side, we recommend picking a cat cage which has lockable wheels because they provide maximum stability to the crate.

Check the construction material of the crate frame, perches, door latches and other additional parts before picking the best cat cage or playpen for your pet.

Cage design features

In addition to a sturdy build and proper size, there are quite a few design features that can make a specific cat cage a better choice over other models. Specific design features can make a crate more versatile and comfortable for the pet (or pets) to use.

The design features to look at include the number and design of pet shelves or platforms, the number and design of doors and door latches and design of other auxiliary parts such as crate pans, wheels etc.

As discussed above, cat cages are open from all sides. So, you would also need to ensure that the bars or tubes are rounded off and the distance between the wires is not big enough for the pet to hurt its snout by scratching it against the openings.

Depending upon the number of tiers, the cage would have multiple perches and platforms, some even have hammocks for lounging. Most cat cages offer configurable arrangements and you can adjust the height of each perch. This is especially advantageous if you have an over-sized feline.

The number of cage doors and locking features are also something to look for. The more the number of doors easier it will be to access the cage for you and your pet. Most models support the removal of doors to convert the cages into full-fledged playpens if desired. Most of the options that we listed have door latches to confine the pet in the cage. Just remember, side latches are always better than horizontal latches if you have a Houdini cat. Don’t trust us? Check the following hilarious compilation video:

Finally, if you are going to use a cat cage for temporary confinement or travel, you would need a model that is collapsible and easy to assemble and disassemble without using tools. We found our top pick – the Midwest Cat Cage and Playpen as having the best collapsing design – it is extremely easy to fold and expand.

Keep these design features in mind before picking the best cat cage or playpen for your pets. And if you are in doubt, pick one of our top picks. You will get the best design features in those recommended options.

Tiers and size of the cage

Picking the right size of cat cage according to the size and number of pets is extremely important. As stated earlier, cats are not fond of close confinement, so you would need a cage that is big enough for the cat to loiter around.

Cat cages are available in multiple tiers and based on the size of the platforms, can support multiple pets. The more the number of tiers, the more pets a cage can hold. The general rule of thumb is to pick a cage which has Number of pets minus one Tiers. For kittens or small cats, you can have same number of tiers as the number of pets. So, if you are looking for a cat cage for 2 adult cats, you should pick a cage that has at least 3 Tiers.

In addition to the number of tiers, you need to pick a cage with the right size of the platform. For this, you would need to measure the pet’s weight along with its overall size (length, breadth and height). The general rule of thumb is to choose a cage that has a platform size and weight capacity that is 1.5 times the size and weight of the kitty.

It is also important to remember that the interior dimensions of the cage platform would be at least a couple of inches less than the advertised exterior dimensions, so make sure you account for that as well.

To summarize pick a cat cage which has enough levels/tiers with big-enough resting platforms or hammocks. When in doubt, pick a cage that is one size up.

Ease of cleaning and maintenance

To prevent any soiling or odor build-up due to an “accident”, you would need to clean the cat cage from time to time. While you can spray clean any crate and clean the removable plastic crate pan, for thorough cleaning, you would need to disassemble the cage. Therefore, it is important to pick an option that is easy to disassemble, clean and put together, especially if you are going to have the cat cage for everyday use.

While almost all the options we listed are easy to assemble and disassemble with a little skill, some models do offer tool-free assembly. And they have a removable plastic crate pan at the base/lowest tier. (the only exception is the SONGMICS Multi-Tier Cat Playpen and Cage, which has a wire mesh on the bottom). Our top picks – the Prevue Pet Products Premium/Deluxe Cat Cage and Midwest Cat Cage and Playpen are two of the most maintenance-friendly cat cages.

Based on your preferences, pick a cat cage that is easy to assemble/disassemble, clean and maintain and has a removable plastic tray or pan at the base that can be taken out and washed down separately.

Additional factors and miscellaneous considerations

In addition to the major factors discussed above, there are some other miscellaneous considerations that can make a particular cat cage or playpen a better choice over other products.

One such consideration is the accessories, if any, that come with the cage. This includes crate platforms or shelves, base pans, hammocks and platform beds. While it should not be a deal-breaker, check out the additional accessories included with the cage before picking the best cat cage or playpen for your household.

Closely related to the included accessories is the availability of replacement parts. Since cat cages tend to have a long lifetime (unless you have a tiger for a pet!), availability of replacement plastic trays, hammocks and beds etc. is an important factor to look out for before picking the best option.

Another additional factor is the color combination in which the cage is available.  While it does not affect the usability in any way, some of the options that we listed are available in multiple color combinations, so you can pick one as per your preference.  Among the options that we listed, IRIS Wire Cat Cage/Cat Playpen and ProSelect Foldable Cat Cage are two options that are available in multiple colors with color-coordinated interiors, so you can pick one which suits your interior décor.

Finally, one of the most important additional consideration is the warranty and post-purchase customer service support offered on the crate by the manufacturer.  While there is nothing like an indestructible cat cage, the longer the warranty period, the more durable the crate would be.  Most of the options that we listed are backed by excellent post-purchase support and warranties ranging from 90-days to one-year, so you can use such products for a long time without worrying about their durability. Just make sure you make your purchase only from authorized re-sellers and register your product after purchasing if required.

You can look at all these additional factors before finalizing the best cat cage or playpen for your needs.

Accessories for cat cages and playpens

Cat beds and hammocks, replacement and pet bowls are generally the most common accessories you would need with cat cages and playpens. Most manufacturers offer their own cat cage trays and replacement parts, so you are better off picking those instead of picking other options from the open market.

If you are looking for budget cat cage hammocks and perches, you can consider the following best-selling options:

• Prevue Cat Cage Hammock: A 20″ x 15″ super soft plush hammock that provides a cozy and warm resting place. Four metal clips enable different configurations for your cat and cage needs.
• Rolybag Cat Cage Hammock: Another soft cotton hammock with dimensions of 17.7″ x 17.7″. Available in blue and pink color and over 5 designs.
• CUSFULL Cat Hammock Bed: A 22” x 17” waterproof nylon hammock bed with super soft velvet resting surface. Available in three vibrant color combinations.

In addition to the cat cage hammocks and beds, you might have to put a cat litter box and a litter mat on the lowest tier. You can check our article on the best portable cat litter boxes for some temporary cat litter pan options. For litter mats, you are better off using disposable cat litter pads, as they are thin, absorbent and can be easily disposed of.

Things to remember while using cat cages and playpens

As discussed above, cat crates are a useful pet containment product that can be useful in housebreaking a kitty or re-homing feral cats or handling unwanted aggressive behavior. However, unlike dogs, cats are not very “crate-trainable”. Improving your chances of success with metal cat crates is something that would require some tact and effort.

While covering all the information and advice on cage training is beyond the scope of this article, there are a few tips you can follow. For some more detailed information and tips and tricks, you can check out some additional resources in our article on the best cat training guides. You would find Think Like a Cat by Pam Johnson-Bennett especially useful in understanding the behavioral traits of these furry animals.

• Cats love the freedom to explore around. Only consider a cat cage if you have the specific needs discussed above or if you are hard-pressed for space in your apartment or condo.
• Irrespective of the type of cage or playpen you opt for, the size of the cage is extremely important. Always measure your cat and pick a crate that gives ample space for the pet to move around the cage. The general rule of thumb is to opt for a cage which has a platform having a capacity of 1.5 times the weight of the kitty. When in doubt size up.
• If you plan to have multiple pets in the cage, supervise them carefully and ensure that each feline has ample wriggle room to hang around. The general rule of thumb is to have same tiers as the number of cats plus one (for kittens it can be same as number of pets). For example, if you want to keep two adult cats, pick a cage with three or more tiers.
• Be patient with training your kitty to use the cage. Let the feline get comfortable with the caged environment. You can even convert your cat cage into a condo by removing the doors and giving it free access to enter and leave.
• You should never leave your cat in the cage unattended for long hours. Cats are active animals who need regular exercise and interaction. The general rule of thumb is to keep a cat no more than 2-3 hours at one time during the day. Keeping the cat any longer in the cage can make it depressed, inactive and be counter-productive. For night time, leaving the feline in the cage is ok if your pet is comfortable with it.
• Make sure that you have enough food and water in the cage. Additional hammocks, cat toys and cat litter boxes are also necessary. Clean the crate regularly with running water or wipe it with a wet cloth to avoid odor build-up– at least once every 4 weeks or so. You can also remove the cage tray and platforms and wash them separately.
• If the feline shows aggression or is continuously whining in the cage, then consult your vet. A cage or playpen may not be the best option for it.

Following these major tips and tricks would help in ensuring that your cat is comfortable in its confined environment and feels safe and secure in it.

Final thoughts on the best cat cage and playpen for indoor and outdoor use

Cats are one of the most independent pets which do not like any form of confinement. However, there are situations such as foster care, litter training and rehabilitation wherein you may be forced to confine your pet to an enclosure. In such situations, using a cat cage or playpen is the best option.

In this article, we looked at some of the best cat cages and playpens available in the market. The options that we listed work well for both single as well as multi-pet homes. We also shared some factors to consider before picking the best cat crates and also shared our top picks. We also recommended some accessories which would go well with such enclosures.

We hope that you found this article useful and it would help you in picking the best cat cage or playpen for your beloved pets. Please provide your feedback by commenting below or contacting us from the About page. Until next time, Happy Catification!

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