Outside enclosures for cats?

Question

We keep our cat inside for her safety as well as the birds outside. We want to get her a large enclosure that lets her run wild outside but safely. I've seen some that hook up to the house so that the cat can use a flap to get in and out but I don't like that idea for our house security.
What is your opinion on keeping a cat in a cage (albeit large)? And what material should it be made of?

Answer 1

I, myself, once considered buying a 'playpen' for my cats.

I first checked out the softer material pens because they're cheaper but realized with enough wear and play, a cat would rip through it or may not like how easily the pen jostles around.
Some even came with holes in the bottom so a cat could chew on grass -- A nice idea but after some thought I realized, cats being curious by nature, could easily crawl out. Especially if it is rambunctious enough to turn the pen on it's side.

I then looked at some metal and wood & metal ones. They ranged in price from $129.00 to $189.00.

But I decided against buying a 'playpen' altogether for a couple reasons...

1. I think it's a little cruel to show a cat everything it can't have. lol
"Look, George, birds! But you can't chase them!" "Look, Missy, butterflies! But you can't play with them." "Look, what pretty flowers! But you can't smell them."

The great outdoors is totally wasted on a pet in a cage, in my opinion. And it seems unfair. You heighten all their senses but that stimulation has no real outlet.

Kind of like someone you trust putting all your favorite things in front of your face when you're starving but you can't have any one it. lol *cries*

2. There's a possibility of other animals coming around your pet (cats, squirrels, racoons, dogs) that threaten your own animal, making it a totally UNpleasant experience for your pet.

3. FLEAS! TICKS! MITES! BUGS! EW!
A big reason I decided against it was because of the possibility that a cat would pick up bugs and even if your cat is on a flea/tick medication it's guaranteed a cat outdoors will pick up SOMEthing eventually. And I don't want that 'something' in my house. lol Even if just one flea is on a cat before I bring it inside, it can end up in my house and breed in my carpet! *Gross*

All in all, I believe a cat that has a whole house with furniture, places to climb, toys, food, water, plenty of cozy spots for a nap, and (perhaps open) windows to look out of is just as good or better than a playpen outdoors.

I hope my own experience and quest helps you make a decision. :)

Good luck!

Answer 2

Hi, whereabouts are you?
There are many places that make specially built cat enclosures. The cat flap can be in a window, with an enclosed walkway leading to the outdoor area. As for security, the cat flap is too small for anyone to fit into and the material used for the walkways and enclosures are very strong.
I know some people who have totally enclosed their back porch/deck with and extra play area for their cats.
The cats at the shelter have a huge concrete floored outdoor area. It is enclosed with ringlock fencing with roofing above the ringlock "ceiling". It has cat beds, chairs, a tree, (cat friendly) plants and toys in it. There is a cat flap in the cattery door that leads to it (if the door is shut).
Check out the brochures at your local petshop, etc for ideas.

Answer 3

There are plenty of places that will custom build an enclosure to suit. Have a look online, its the quickest way. Another option is Cat Flash-In. It is something that attaches to the top of the fence, and prevents the cats from being able to jump over the fence. If it was more about the birds, I would suggest a cat bib. It is a specially designed bib that you can attach to a cats collar. It allows them regular movement, but somehow stops them being able to catch the birds.
If you are from Victoria at all, go and check out the animal shelter in Coldstream... they have examples of enclosures, and the cat flash in, they also sell the bibs.

Answer 4

We installed a doggie door for your two Yorkies. We have a area under our deck and out into the yard fenced in using the rectangular green chicken wire type fencing. Our two tom cats spend more time in the yard than the dogs do. The cats both weigh around 20 lbs and have never even attempted to climb or jump the fence. It is over 4 ft high. I can step over it only if i roll it down.

We did have to make a change about our bird feeder though. We moved it outside the fence so we weren't supplying the cats with treats.

They sometime bring in shrews to the house, but they never eat them. It works well though because I have snakes who get to have them instead.

We haven't had any problems with fleas or ticks either

Answer 5

Well, a cat flap is too small to be a threat to security, as for the cage, how old is the cat? If she's older, I think she'd enjoy the outdoors, even in a cage. Perhaps one of the larger outdoor dog kennels... if the slats are too wide, line it with chicken wire.

Answer 6

Maybe a large bird avery, its fully wired, easy cleaned, put logs in there, your cat will have a ball outside and just bring your cat inside when you want to.

Answer 7

Screens like they use for the lanais in Florida is a perfect enclosure for cats.

Answer 8

if you make a cage for kitty, make certain that she cannot get out and that other animals cannot get inside of it to kill her. it will need to have a cover--either of the same material as the fence, ot something tightly applied so nothing can escape or enter. anything else would be kitty torture and free dinner for animals and birds who enjoy the flavor of kitty.
nothing worse than watching your pet get killed in front of you despite thinking he is safe.

Answer 9

I just made one for my Siberian male 10 foot by 8 foot . 2x4 and 1/2 inch wire netting covered by canvas. about $285.

Answer 10

There are some interesting ideas here:

http://www.catsofaustralia.com/cat-enclosures.htm