The 10 Best Cat Cages

Updated September 25, 2020 by Tina Morna Freitas

This wiki has been updated 17 times since it was first published in May of 2018. Many house cats would love the chance to roam free, but if you're worried about predators and other dangers, a cat cage is a great way to let them enjoy a little fresh air and bird watching safely. Large models can also be used indoors to temporarily separate cats or, if left open, provide them with a hangout of their own, and the smaller choices can make travel a little easier. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. If you'd like to contribute your own research to Ezvid Wiki, please get started by reviewing this introductory video.

1. Prevue Pet Products Premium

2. Paw Hut Catio

3. Outback Jack Kitty Compound

4. Pet Fit For Life

5. A4 Pet Portable

6. Iris Playpen

7. Sport Pet Designs Car Crate

8. Yaheetech 4-Tier

9. Wildwhiskers Feline Funhouse

10. Homey Pet Open Top

Special Honors

Archie & Oscar Slide Aside If you plan on leaving your cat's cage in your living room and don't want it to be an eyesore, this stylish enclosure can double as an end table and comes in black or white, so you can match it to your other decor. It has a wooden housing with stainless steel bars and hardware, and the door can slide flat against the side and out of the way when you want to leave it open. wayfair.com

Richell Expandable Pet Crate The Richell Expandable Pet Crate can be adjusted to 11 different widths ranging from 35.4 to 60.6 inches and has a small side door that allows you to access food and water bowls without giving your cat a chance to escape. Note, though, that it doesn't have a ceiling and you'll have to purchase the wire top separately. richellusa.com

KindTail PAWD This modern-looking crate was designed to avoid the jail-cell look of traditional cages, with smooth, rounded corners and geometric cutouts rather than bars. It's lightweight at just 6 pounds and collapses to the size of a briefcase when not in use, with a built-in handle for easy carrying. kindtail.com

Editor's Notes

September 22, 2020:

While a cage or other enclosure, (aside from a carrier for vet visits) is not part of the standard equipment most cat lovers will need, they're an essential tool for families who foster other cats, as it's important to give the new residents time to acclimate to their surroundings and other animals in the home. Our top choice, the Prevue Pet Products Premium, is a comfortable, safe way for animals to take a few days to get to know one another. There's plenty of space for everyone to play if you're taking in multiple kittens, and the higher perches allow the fosters to get away from the other pets in the house if they are hanging around the cage too much.

Cat parents who live in urban or suburban areas are less likely to let their pets to roam free, if it's even allowed, but most cats love fresh air, sunbathing, and viewing the backyard wildlife up close. Unless you keep it in a garage or shed, it's likely to be unwieldy dragging the heavier metal cages to the back yard. So for this update we added the Paw Hut Catio for outdoorsy cats who aren't allowed to roam. The metal mesh can't be clawed through like fabric choices, so you don't have to worry about even determined escape artists getting out, or predators getting in.

There are plenty of less permanent, portable enclosures on the market that make it possible for felines to safely enjoy the outdoors for a few hours with supervision. Some of these budget-friendly, portable options make it possible to bring your kitty on a trip and not be cramped in a small carrier the whole time. The A4 Pet Portable folds flat to fit in a suitcase or your trunk, but it's made of much sturdier mesh than many pop-up type enclosures. It's large enough to comfortably isolate your pet for a few days in a new environment, and mesh all the way around will let in outdoor breezes.

October 04, 2019:

Cat cages are available in a wide variety of sizes and materials, ranging from collapsible models for occasional use to heavy-duty metal ones suitable for long-term use. We made sure to provide a range of styles, so whether you just want something for trips to the vet, or you need to keep your cat penned up every time you leave the house, there's something on our list to meet your needs.

For home use, a large, tiered model will provide plenty of space for cats to move and play, which is a must if they're going to be caged for more than just an hour or two at a time. Most of them are available in multiple sizes ranging from two to four tiers and can accommodate several cats at once, assuming they get along well. The Prevue Pet Products Deluxe is specifically designed to prevent cats from getting their paws stuck or pinched, and both of its doors measure approximately 18" by 18", making it easier for you to reach in and feed or pick them up. Both the YesHom 2 Door and Yaheetech Kitten Crate have ramps between the levels, which is good for kittens and older cats who can't jump high enough to reach the upper tiers.

If you only need to use it occasionally, a collapsible cage is a good option, as they take up almost no storage space when folded flat. The Necoichi Portable features roll-up mesh panels, so you can leave it open for cats to crawl in and out of, or closed to keep them from escaping. The Pet Fit For Life has a similar design and is available in two sizes. The large model comes with a collapsible bowl and litter box, a feather wand toy, and four stakes you can use to secure it to the ground for outdoor use. It also has integrated seatbelt straps to hold it in place during trips in the car. While both of these models have handles on top, they're not the best for transporting animals as they do not have rigid bottoms, which makes them tough to carry with a cat inside.

If you need something to keep your pet safe when traveling, you'll want a carrier with a sturdy base. The Frieq Travel can hold up to 26 pounds, so it's perfect for large cats, and it opens from the top and the front for multiple points of entry and exit. The AmazonBasics Soft Crate has mesh panels on all four sides for good ventilation and comes with detachable pockets for treats, toys, and other supplies. Both of these carriers also fold up for compact storage.

Last updated on September 25, 2020 by Tina Morna Freitas

Tina Morna Freitas is a writer who lives in Chicago with her family and three cats. She has a B.A. in anthropology with a minor in English, and has built a freelance career over the years in writing and digital marketing. Her passions for cooking, decorating and home improvement contribute to her extensive knowledge of all things kitchen and home goods. In addition, her 20 years as a parent inform her expertise in the endless stream of toys and equipment that inevitably takes over the homes of most parents. She also enjoys gardening, making and sipping margaritas, and aspires to be a crazy cat lady once all the children are grown.


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