Ultimate Guide: Choosing the 5 Best Cat Cages

Ever felt like your furry friend needs a safe, cozy spot of their own? Maybe you’re preparing for a move, a vet visit, or just want a dedicated safe haven for your cat. Choosing the right cat cage can feel like a puzzle. You worry about size, comfort, and safety. Will your cat feel trapped? Is it easy to clean? These questions can make the decision tough.

Don’t let cage confusion stress you out! This post dives deep into everything you need to know about cat cages. We will explore different types, highlight key features to look for, and share tips to make the space welcoming for your feline friend. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking the perfect cage.

Top Cat Cage Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1
Amazon Basics Large 3-Tier Cat Durable,Pliable Cage Playpen Box Crate Kennel - 35.8"L x 22.4"W x 50.6"H, Black
  • Tall 3-tier indoor cat cage playpen provides cats or kittens with a safe place to rest or play
  • Durable rust-resistant steel wire construction with secure-locking door latches and 1.36 inch bar spacing for safety
  • Sets up quickly; 4 locking wheels for smooth maneuvering and secure placement; folds down flat for easy carrying and compact storage
  • 2 swing-open doors for easy upper and lower interior access; 3 interior shelves offer vertical space for perching or napping; Removable leak-proof plastic floor pan for easy cleaning
  • Product Dimensions: 35.8 x 22.4 x 50.6 inches (LxWxH)
SaleBestseller No. 2
VISCOO Cat Cage, 3-Tier DIY Catio Cat Enclosures, 24" x 16" x 36" Cat Playpen Indoor & Outdoor with Hammock, Detachable Metal Wire Kennel Cats Crate, 2x1x3 Exercise Place for 1-2 Cats/Kitten
  • 【Indoor/Outdoor Cat Enclosure】Measuring 24" L x 16" W x 36" H, the catio outdoor cat enclosure is ideal for 1-3 cats indoor. The spacious cat cage is also suitable for other small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchilla, ferret, squirrel, etc. We provide free hammock, you could purchase other cat supplies to decorate the metal wire cat enclosure, making a spacious and comfy room for your cats indoor or outdoor. Please check the dimensions before purchasing
  • 【Multi-door Design】Our cat playpen provide 3 doors. You can assemble the doors at different places of this cat crate, which would be super convenient to interact with your pet, feed, clean the cat cages indoor and easy access for the small animals
  • 【Safe Platform & Ramp】The platforms connected by ramps allowing your small pets to climb and explore safely. This 3-tier cat playpen for indoor cats enclosed provides cats or kittens a secure and stimulating environment to play and rest
  • 【Easy To Assemble】Customize Your Perfect Cat Kennel! You can DIY assemble this cat cage with the accessories included in the this jaula para gatos. You can tailor the size and layout to match your style and your cat’s needs. ATTENTION: To ensure its stability: ①The connectors need to be fully tightened. ②Use the wooden hammer to reinforce the connectors. ③Tie the panels with zip ties to further reinforce the entire product. ④Read the manual carefully
  • 【Sturdy and Durable】With unique anti-tipping design, secure the indoor cat enclosure to the wall with expansion screws and fixed straps. Crafted from durable rust-resistant steel wire, the cat cages comes with door locks and upgraded connectors, while included zip-ties increase the stability and durability of the kitten cage
Bestseller No. 3
Oneluck 3-Tier Cat Cages Indoor Enclosure DIY Cat Playpen Catio Detachable Metal Wire Kennels Cats Crate Large Extra Exercise Place Ideal for 1 Cat,35.4 Inches
  • 【Product dimensions】 35.4 x31.5x 35.4 inches (LxWxH);The distance between the wire is only 1" and would not harm pets.
  • 【Spacious and Comfy】 This catio renders ample space to house 1 cats for play and rest; Features 2 doors and top skylight for cleaning, entering, feeding and convenient interactions.
  • 【Sturdy & Safe】Sturdy and strong metal wire featuring a black E-coat finish to prevent rust,The 150 ZIP-TIES provided can effectively maintain the stability of the cage,
  • 【Sub-area Design 】 Upgrading the oversized two-level platform will not hurt the cat's paws,You can put pet supplies in different areas
  • 【Easy To Assemble】 Only one people, clear instructions with no added tools, can be easily assembled in 30 minutes.
Bestseller No. 4
Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Pet Crate with Tray, Portable and Sturdy for Travel, Single Door, Divider Panel, Perfect Size for Small Dogs, 22 x 13 x 16 in, Black
  • 22-inch dog crate for pets under 18 x 11.5 inches (LxH), like a Toy Poodle or Yorkshire Terrier
  • Durable metal wire construction with manual door locking mechanism for secure containment
  • Sets up quickly and folds down flat for easy transport or compact storage; top handle for comfortable carrying
  • 1 door and a divider for adjusting the internal space
  • Removable plastic base tray for easy cleaning
SaleBestseller No. 5
PAWING Cat Enclosure Indoor with Litter Box, 3-Tier Metal Wire Cat Cage, DIY Detachable Design for Cats, Kittens & Small Animals, Multi-Level Kennel
  • [Spacious 3-Tier Design] Give your cat room to climb, play, and relax in this multi-level enclosure. Ideal for 1-2 cats or small pets (23.6"L x 15.7"W x 35.4"H), with durable metal wire and waterproof panels for long-lasting use
  • [Built-In Litter Box Area] Features a partitioned litter tray area to minimise mess and provide privacy. Removable tray makes cleaning easy and keeps floors clean
  • [Sturdy & Pet-Safe Construction] Made with reinforced metal frames and scratch-resistant plastic platforms (supports up to 30 lbs). Smooth edges and secure latches ensure safety for paws and curious kittens
  • [Quick Tool-Free Assembly] Easy to set up with included instructions and video guide. Panels easily detach for storage or reconfiguration to fit your space
  • [Customisable DIY Cage] Flexibly assemble this cat enclosure with the many panels supplied; customise your own cat condo to suit your aesthetic, shape or size requirements. Create different functional areas for your pet to play, rest, enjoy fresh air and sunshine
SaleBestseller No. 6
VISCOO Cat Cage, 3-Tier DIY Cat Enclosures Catio, Cat Playpen Indoor & Outdoor with Hammock, Detachable Metal Wire Kennel Cats Crate, 2x3x3 Exercise Place for 1-3 Cats/Kitten
  • 【Indoor/Outdoor Cat Enclosure】Measuring 36 x 24 x 36 inches, the cat cage is ideal for 1-3 cats indoor & outdoor. The spacious catio cat enclosure is also suitable for other small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchilla, ferret, squirrel, etc. We provide free hammock, you could purchase other cat supplies to decorate the metal wire cat enclosure, making a spacious and comfy room for your cats indoor or outdoor.
  • 【Multi-door Design】Our cat playpen provide 5 doors. You can assemble the doors at different places of this cat crate, which would be super convenient to interact with your pet, feed, clean the cat cages indoor and easy access for the small animals.
  • 【Safe Platform & Ramp】The platforms connected by ramps allowing your small pets to climb and explore safely. The smooth platform can profect the cat's paws from being hurt. This 3-tier cat playpen for indoor cats enclosed provides cats or kittens a secure and stimulating environment to play and rest.
  • 【Easy To Assemble】Customize Your Perfect Cat Kennel! You can DIY assemble this cat cage with the accessories included in the this jaula para gatos. You can tailor the size and layout to match your style and your cat’s needs.
  • 【Sturdy and Durable】With unique anti-tipping design, secure the indoor cat enclosure to the wall with expansion screws and fixed straps. Crafted from durable rust-resistant steel wire, the cat cages comes with door locks and upgraded connectors, while included zip-ties increase the stability and durability of the kitten cage.
Bestseller No. 7
4 Tiers Outdoor Cat Enclosure on Wheels, 68'' Catio with Window Access, Weatherproof Roof Cats House with Scratch Post, Platforms and Resting Box Grey
  • Portable Cat Enclosure for Indoor and Outdoor: The catio is equipped with 4 casters that can rotate 360°, and the lockable wheels with brakes enhance stability, making it convenient for you to move it around the space and fix it in place, and reposition it as needed.
  • Spacious Interior Design: This cat house is designed according to the nature of cats, with 3 jumping platforms, a sisal scratching post, a nap house, removable floors and double lockable doors, so that your cat can play and enjoy the natural scenery.
  • Sturdy Solid Wood Structure: The outside patio cat playpen is made of solid fir wood and bite-proof galvanized wire mesh, and supported by a sturdy triangular bracket. The sloped asphalt waterproof roof helps keep your furry friend dry.
  • Cat Enclosure with Window Access: The small sliding door of this cat enclosure can face the indoor window or cat hole (the front and back panels of the lower half of the cat cage can be reversed), allowing your cat to enter and exit freely, which is more convenient.
  • Connectable Cat Tunnel: The small sliding door at the bottom can be connected to the cat tunnel, providing more fun for pets. You can play with your cats in the living room or yard. We provide numbered product installation instructions to help you assemble quickly.
SaleBestseller No. 8
Siedihit Dog Cat Playpen, Puppy Pet Playpen Indoor for Small Dog Crate Tent Cage Outdoor, Portable Pop Up Dogs Enclosure Kennel with Carrying Case for Dogs/Cats/Rabbits(Grey, Small
  • 【Safe quality material】The pet playpen is made of high-grade thick mesh and 600D polyester Oxford cloth, made of durable waterproof material. Seams and corners are reinforced, not easily damaged by pets. Consists of 8 mesh side panels and a half mesh top, well ventilated. You can have a 360-degree view of your pet's condition, and you can also give your pet a panoramic view of its surroundings.
  • 【Easy to use】The pet playpen on the side of this pet pen can be easily rolled up and pasted, making it easy for your pet to get in and out of the pet pen. Close the door and keep your pet safely inside. The detachable semi-mesh zipper top can be easily removed for indoor use and closed for outdoor use to provide shade. Make sure your pet is comfortable in any environment.
  • 【No Assembly required】Opening the dog pen takes only a few seconds, is lightweight, strong, and does not require assembly. When not in use, it can be folded into the tote bag provided by us, which takes up minimal space and is easy to carry and store. Spacious interior Spaces allow your pet to play, sleep, hide or isolate. Perfect for indoors, lawns, beaches, parks, Tours, camping and more!
  • 【Wide applicability】 This pet crate is suitable for cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, chickens, pregnant pets, and pets in recovery. It also provides a safe and secure temporary isolation area, comprehensively meeting your pet's needs throughout different life stages.
  • 【The dog pen tent is easy to clean】 simply wipe off any dirt or wash it with water, then let it air dry and continue to use. You can also put a blanket under the fence and wash it if it gets dirty.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Cat Cage

Bringing a new cat home or needing a safe, temporary space for your feline friend requires the right equipment. A cat cage, sometimes called a crate or carrier system, offers security and peace of mind. This guide helps you select the best option for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for a cat cage, several features make a big difference in safety and usability.

  • Size and Space: The cage must be large enough for your cat to stand up fully, turn around easily, and stretch out. For multi-cat households or long-term housing, bigger is always better.
  • Door Security: Look for strong latches. Cats are clever escape artists! Double-locking mechanisms prevent accidental openings.
  • Ease of Cleaning: Choose cages with removable, easy-to-wipe trays or floors. Hygiene is crucial for your cat’s health.
  • Portability (If Needed): If you move the cage often, check if it folds down flat for storage or transport.
  • Multiple Access Points: Cages with doors on the top and side allow you to comfort your cat or remove them gently, which is less stressful than forcing them through one opening.

Important Materials

The material determines durability, weight, and safety.

Metal Wire Cages

These are very common. Heavy-gauge steel or powder-coated wire offers excellent strength. Powder coating prevents rust and keeps the metal smooth.

Plastic Carriers/Cages

These are lightweight and easy to clean. They are great for short trips but might not offer the same ventilation or long-term space as large wire enclosures.

Fabric/Soft-Sided Options

These are best for temporary containment or travel, not long-term caging. Ensure the fabric is tear-resistant and machine washable.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

The quality of the construction directly impacts how long the cage lasts and how safe your cat feels inside.

What Improves Quality:
  • Heavy Gauge Metal: Thicker wires resist bending if your cat pushes against them.
  • Smooth Welds: Check that all edges are smooth. Sharp points can injure your cat.
  • Sturdy Base: A solid base prevents the cage from wobbling, which can frighten a cat.
What Reduces Quality:
  • Flimsy Plastic Connectors: If plastic parts hold the metal frame together, they often break first.
  • Small Bar Spacing: If the gaps between the wires are too wide, a small or thin cat could squeeze through.
  • Rust Spots: Any sign of rust indicates lower-quality metal or poor finishing.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about *why* you need the cage. This dictates the best style.

Post-Surgery Recovery

For medical recovery, you need a cage that is quiet, easy to clean, and large enough for a litter box and a small bed. Plastic or smooth metal crates work well here.

Introducing a New Cat (The “Safe Room”)

When introducing a new cat to resident pets, a large, multi-level wire enclosure is perfect. It allows the new cat to observe the home safely. You can add toys, hiding spots, and food bowls inside.

Temporary Containment

If you have repair workers or need to keep your cat away from a specific area briefly, a secure, easy-to-set-up cage is essential. User experience focuses on quick setup and secure latching.


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cat Cages

Q: How big should a cat cage be?

A: It should allow your cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. For an average adult cat, look for at least 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 24 inches high, though taller is usually better.

Q: Is it cruel to keep a cat in a cage?

A: Cages are safe tools, not permanent homes. They are necessary for vet visits, travel, and short-term isolation. They should never replace regular floor time and interaction.

Q: What should I put inside the cage?

A: Include a soft, washable bed or blanket, a small shallow water bowl, and a small litter box placed far away from the food area.

Q: Are metal cages too noisy?

A: They can be if the cat scratches the metal floor. Placing a rubber mat or thick towel on the bottom helps absorb noise and makes the surface more comfortable.

Q: Can I use a dog crate for my cat?

A: Yes, if the wire spacing is narrow enough that your cat cannot slip out. Dog crates are often sturdier than small cat carriers.

Q: How often should I clean the cage?

A: If the cat is housed in it for more than a few hours, clean the litter box daily. Fully disinfect the entire cage area at least once a week.

Q: Should the cage have wheels?

A: Wheels are helpful if you need to move the cage frequently within a large house. Ensure the wheels have locks so the cage stays firmly in place when occupied.

Q: What is the best material for outdoor use?

A: Heavy-duty powder-coated metal is best for outdoor enclosures (like catios) because it resists weather damage better than plastic.

Q: How do I stop my cat from panicking in the cage?

A: Introduce the cage slowly while it is open. Feed treats near it, then inside it. Never use the cage as punishment, or the cat will associate it with fear.

Q: Do I need a top-opening door?

A: While not required, a top-opening door is highly recommended. It lets you lift your cat out gently, which is much less scary for them than being pulled out through a front door.