An outdoor cat enclosure is a great way to give your outdoor cat all the benefits of being outside without the risks.
Cats who live primarily indoors are prone to becoming overweight and developing behavioural problems, but there is a solution: an outdoor cat enclosure!
This blog post will discuss what these enclosures are, why they make life better for both you and your cat, any disadvantages they may have, and share some tips on where you can find one.
Yes, most cats love catios! Though, of course, no two cats are ever the same. Almost all cats like to be outdoors in their natural territory, at least for some of the time. A catio is an outdoor enclosure that primarily keeps your cat safe while allowing them to enjoy being outside. Catios usually have a mesh-like material as walls that allow the sights, smells, sounds, and fresh air of outside in, while keeping dangers out and your cat in. There are many different types with fun features that cater to felines inside the catio. As well, catios offer creative solutions to many problems: they keep your cat safe while allowing them to be outside if there are dangers in the area such as wild animals, neighbourhood dogs, or constant heavy traffic. They also provide a solution for cats who are struggling to lose weight and need to be more active, for cats who are indoor but need some time outside, and for small houses, apartments, and city homes that don’t have a lot of land but do have space for a catio.
An outdoor cat enclosure is a structure that allows your cat to enjoy the great outdoors with you. It’s also called an “outdoor kitty condo” or a ‘catio.‘ Outdoor enclosures are perfect for cats who love hunting and being outside but can’t because of safety concerns or other factors.
If your kitty spends most of their time outside, then you may want to get this type of structure so they can go out and enjoy the sunshine while still being safe from any dangers lurking around.
People who may want a cat enclosure for their kitty are those who have an outdoor cat, a cat struggling with weight issues, an active cat, or those with a feline that doesn’t like to be inside.
Cat enclosures are also great for people who live in busy areas with lots of traffic, or even in rural areas where there are lots of wild animals who could prey on your cat during the day or night.
Outdoor cat enclosures look like outdoor buildings. The appearance can vary depending on the material used to build it, but most outdoor cat enclosures are made of wood or metal and look like an enclosed porch with a door at one end.
Outdoor enclosures come in all shapes and sizes! There is no right size for your cat enclosure because this will depend on the size of your outdoor space and the number of cats you want to be able to use it.
Your enclosure can have ‘see-through’ fencing, solid walls, or a combination.
Most outdoor cat enclosures have a roof, but some models also include an attached shed-style room that can provide extra shelter from rain or snow. They are often made with slanted roofs so they don’t collect water.
Outdoor cat enclosures have many features! The most common one is an attached shed-style room that will provide extra shelter from rain or snow. Other features include an outdoor feeding station, a water bowl, and/or waterer that is protected from rain or snow.
One of the most important features of an outdoor cat enclosure is insulation! Insulation will keep your kitty warm in winter and cool in summer.
Some also offer protection against predators such as coyotes, foxes, dogs, or other dangers.
The outdoor cat enclosure you choose will need to provide shelter from rain and should be elevated off of the ground so that it doesn’t get wet. You also want your outdoor cat enclosure to be escape-proof!
You can of course have a cat door that connects your enclosure to your house for easy access if that suits you.
Fun things can be added inside for your cats, like cat trees, catwalks, ramps to climb on, perches, foliage, and hiding spots. There is a lot of room here for creativity, and adding features that best suit your kitty-cat in every way.
An outdoor cat enclosure can have many benefits for your pet. For one thing, it will give them a place to retreat and hide from people who may not want to be near or interact with the animal. An outdoor cat enclosure also gives cats an area in which they can freely roam without being constrained by a leash or their owner’s property line.
For cats who are active, outdoor cat enclosures are the perfect outlet for their curiosity. They will be able to climb, hunt, and explore without any restrictions on where they can go or what they can do.
Outdoor cat enclosures also provide a good place to escape when your kitty needs some ‘me’ time.
For cats who have a wild side, outdoor cat enclosures are a perfect place for them to unleash their animal instincts.
However, almost all cats love to be outdoors and an outdoor cat enclosure is a perfect way to let your pet enjoy being outside without worry of any harm coming to it.
The safety of the enclosure will bring long life to your kitty, and peace of mind to you. It will also get your cat moving, giving your feline the healthy exercise it needs. Not to mention, the outdoor space is great for stimulating their kitty-cat brains and promoting emotional well-being!
Cat enclosures can also help cats who are struggling with obesity because they cannot be safely outdoors. In this case, your cat can be safe, outside, and lose those extra pounds.
Additionally, you can protect other birds and small animals from your cat with the enclosure if your cat is a hunter.
And let’s be honest… cat owners like to spoil their pets! The enclosure can be the perfect gift to brighten many days for your cat. They are great ways to ‘spoil’ your furball. Cats, like humans, like new gifts and having fun!
Besides the fact that an outdoor cat enclosure can be pricey, it is hard to think of disadvantages to this outdoor creation.
Disadvantages could include the cat having to deal with predators, being exposed to dangerous chemicals in the environment, or simply not getting enough exercise because the enclosure is not big enough or stimulating enough.
But, the outdoor enclosure offers great protection from harsh weather and sun exposure for your pet if built right. An enclosure can also contain all the risks that are associated with outdoor life, but only if it is not fortified against predators and escape.
If you don’t keep an eye on your cat, other disadvantages can include stress on the cats’ health due to change of environment, as well as possible stresses posed by other neighborhood animals like a barking dog next door.
While it is true that a well-built outdoor area can provide shelter and protection, it is important to note that these are some disadvantages if the enclosure is not built to include fortification from potential dangers.
How much does a typical outdoor cat enclosure cost?
$1500+
Can you buy one pre-built or do I have to build my own?
You can buy one pre-built, or you can build your own. If you don’t want to invest time and energy into building a cat enclosure yourself, there are many that are available for sale online.
Where is a good place to start looking for an outdoor cat enclosure?
There are many outdoor cat enclosures for sale online. If you’re able to find one that’s within your budget and meets all the specifications you need, then it should be easy to buy a pre-built enclosure from an online retailer like Amazon or eBay. Wayfair also has outdoor enclosures for cats.
An outdoor cat enclosure will give your pet a secure space to play and sunbathe outside, without being able to roam freely around the neighborhood or get into any danger. An enclosure is a great way to give your feline friend some time outside without the risk of escape. Outdoor enclosures can come in many shapes and sizes, with the most common types being either free-standing or attached to an existing structure such as a house. Some are made from materials that allow for easy setup while others require more assembly before they’re ready for use. Whether you choose something basic like wire mesh, plastic panels, aluminum frames, or wood pallets–or opt for something fancier like custom cedar fencing–you’ll want to think about what features matter most to you when deciding on one type over another (e.g., ease of access). As with any large purchase, it’s important to map out what is most important in an enclosure for you and your cat.
Do you have an outdoor cat enclosure already or experience with one? Tell us all about it below!
That’s so good and satisfactory to read. It makes us understand that we should all care about our pets and animals. It’s not always possible for cats to stay outside, but if you have a safe enclosure for your kitties it will make both of your lives easier.
One of the most useful things you can do for your cat is to build an outdoor cat enclosure in your backyard. Not only will this allow them to enjoy exercise and fresh air, but it also keeps them safe from their common enemies like dogs 😀
For sure! Enclosures come in handy when there is a neighborhood dog on the loose!
Hi there,
Excellent article; I found it very interesting.
I am always worried about my cat because the cars drive very fast in my street. She spends most of the time in our garden, but sometimes she crosses the road to go to the neighborhood. So I decided to use a cat enclosure. I really thank you for all the tips you’ve given in the article. It helped me choose the one I want for my cat. Unfortunately, I didn’t find any link that redirects to eBay or Amazon. So I couldn’t check the price and the different types of enclosures. Just a question, please. Where would it be better to buy it? In Amazon or eBay?
Thank you again!
Hi Daniella,
That is really great to hear! I’m glad that you found the article helpful 🙂 I personally prefer to buy on Amazon because they ship very quickly to my area, and they generally give free shipping over a certain amount. Wayfair is also a good place to look for cat enclosures. Glad that your ca is safe and enjoying your garden 🙂
All the best,
Beth.
