Does your indoor cat watch the birds flutter outside with a longing look? Many cat owners wish their feline friends could safely enjoy fresh air and sunshine without the dangers of roaming free. Letting a cat outside unsupervised risks accidents, fights with other animals, or getting lost. It’s a constant worry for loving pet parents.
Choosing the perfect outdoor cat enclosure, often called a “catio,” can feel overwhelming. You want something sturdy, safe, and big enough for your cat to truly enjoy, but the market is flooded with different sizes, materials, and features. How do you know which one is right for your space and your budget?
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down everything you need to know about selecting the best outdoor cat enclosure. By the end, you will feel confident choosing a safe haven that brings joy to both you and your adventurous kitty.
Top Outdoor Cat Enclosures Recommendations
Bestseller No. 1
FunXplore Large Catio Outdoor Cat Enclosure Window 73" H Walk-in Cat House Kitty Cage for Multiple Indoor Outdoor Cats Outside Patio with 5 Access Doors Waterproof Roof
- Spacious Large Catio: Large catio comfortably fits up to 6 cats, providing 4 spacious platforms, a scratching post, 2 hideouts, and a climbing bridge for playtime, napping, lounging, or sunbathing without feeling cramped
- 5-Door Window Catio: Connect this catio for cats directly to your home! With 5 access doors, simply remove panels to attach it to windows or pet flaps, creating a purr-fect pathway for safe indoor-outdoor adventures
- Walk-In Outdoor Cat Enclosure: Step inside effortlessly with a full-height 69.3" front door without bending down. This outdoor catio enclosure lets you play, groom, or bond face-to-face with your cat
- Elevated Shelf Design: The elevated shelf design on this large catio easily fit taller litter boxes, feeders, and other cat's essentials. Even if you go away on a trip for two weeks, your cat won’t go hungry
- Outdoor Cat House Weatherproof: The catio is reinforced with sturdy wooden bars on each corner, built to last and keep your cats safe during use. The waterproof PVC tarp on the roof blocks rain yet lets sunlight through
Bestseller No. 2
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)
Bestseller No. 3
Outdoor Cat Enclosure - Portable Catio Playground for Cat Run, Kitty and Small Animals - Tent & Tunnels for Outside and Indoor Play
- YOUR FURRY FRIENDS' HAVEN FOR RELAXATION & PLAY! This innovative Cat Enclosure Kitty Tunnel combines an Outdoor Cat Enclosure Playpen with a cat tent tunnel, offering versatility for standalone use or seamless zipping to create a complete cat playhouse set. Let your pet enjoy the sunny outdoors in this versatile cat outdoor playpen, ensuring their playtime is both joyful and safe.
- SUPERIOR VENTILATED QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: The cat tent tunnel enclosures are expertly crafted using premium materials such as breathable mesh and Oxford fabric. This ensures durability and comfort for your cats indoor and outdoors. This innovative design keeps your pets close to nature providing a breath of fresh air while granting you easy visibility into their daily activities within the cat tent tunnel enclosures.
- SPACIOUS AND LUXURIOUS PET ENCLOSURES: Offering ample room for your furry companions, these deluxe pet enclosures boast full expansion sizes of 47*47*18 inches, while the tunnel dimensions measure 12*124 inches. With over 15 square feet of activity space, this outdoor Pet Mansion accommodates multiple cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and other small animals. Enjoy plenty of extra space for toys, treats.
- CONVENIENT SETUP: Experience the ease of setting up your pet's playground in just 1 minute with these Pop up Cat Tent Enclosures. Not only are they a breeze to assemble, but they also ensure hassle-free maintenance. Plus, rest assured that any quality concerns will be promptly addressed for your satisfaction, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted playtime with your furry friend.
- EASY STORAGE AND PORTABILITY: The cat tunnel tube and outdoor cat enclosure effortlessly fold down to a compact size, ensuring convenient storage when not in use. Complete with a carry bag, you can effortlessly bring the cat playpen along for picnics or camping trips. Its transportable design allows you to take it anywhere, ensuring your pet is always entertained, whether at home or on the go!
Bestseller No. 4
Kitty City Outdoor Catio Furniture and Play Kits for Cats, Outdoor Mega Kit
- FRESH AIR FUN: Fully-enclosed playset is made of a nylon mesh – let’s in fresh air and gives you a good view of your pets at play whether it’s indoors or out And the mesh is durable too, enough to withstand energetic play and the occasional claw climb.
- SPOTS TO HIDE AND SNOOZE: Included cubby cubes are rearrangeable inside the structure, giving you plenty of ways to keep your cats engaged by mixing it up over time. Each is a perfect spot to curl up and get away from the action.
- GREAT FOR MULTI-CAT HOMES: Have more than one cat at home. No problem at all Kitty City mesh playsets offer plenty of room for several pets to run, hide and chase. It’s a relatively small footprint in your home for all the energy it will help them burn.
- EASY ENTRANCE: A zip door in the side makes it easy for you to get into the Mega Kit – handy if you have a cat who’s curled up and just can’t be bothered to come out for dinner.
- ENDLESSLY EXPANDABLE: Want to create a complete cat fortress? Use tunnels to zip this piece together with other Kitty City mesh playsets to make an endless number of ways to keep playtime fresh for your cat.
Bestseller No. 5
DWVO Extra Large Catio Outdoor Cat Enclosure, 110 inch Outside Cattery with Weatherproof Roof, Cat Scratcher Ramp, Cat Space Capsule Bed, 2 Bridges, 2 Resting Houses, 7 Platforms
- Extra Large Cat House: The 56.36ft² extra spacious outdoor cat enclosures provide a large and safe outdoor space for cats to jump and play freely, ideal for indoor cats and multiple cats.
- All-in-1 Funny Cat Playpen Patio: DWVO cat outdoor enclosure additionally provides 1 long cat scratcher ramp and cat space capsule bed for cat naps, as well as 2 bridges, 7 platforms, and 2 resting houses for your cat to climb, jump, or relax outdoors.
- Walk in Cat Outdoor Enclosure: The 61" taller door with 2 safety locks allows you to easily walk into the catio and interact with your cat, and the spaciousness of the cat catio makes it easier for you to play with your cat and easier to clean.
- Window Cat Patio: 2 small lift doors can be attached to a cat tunnel or cat door, and the outdoor catio can be attached to a window allowing the cat to come and go freely inside and outside without worrying about them getting lost.
- Waterproof Cover: The large cat cage with thickened Oxford cloth protects against rain and sun so that your pets can stay comfortable inside the catio, and the makes attaching and removing the waterproof cover easy and elegant.
Bestseller No. 6
Outdoor Cat Enclosures, Cat Playground Portable Mesh Tent, Outside Circle Playpen Tunnel for Kitty, Rabbit, Puppy and Small Animals
- 2-IN-1 Design: Outdoor cat enclosures includes of cat playground, surround tunnel.The cat outdoor playpen enclosed allow your pets to safely enjoy a day in the sun.
- Breathable & Durable Mesh Materials: The mesh is breathable and give your indoor cats a breath of fresh air without worry getting hurt or running away.
- Instant pop-up design: Easy open sprung Steel framing ensures durability while the solid oxford fabric base can prevent pet claws from getting stuck while running around and durable enough to withstand vigorous gaming.
- Outdoor Use: It is a safe cat outdoor play area for small pets. Outdoor camping, picnics, or on the beach, without fear of your pet getting lost or having an accident, play safely with your own pet whenever and wherever!
- Detachable Design: The cat tent with two big zipper doors, the cat tunnel can link to cat tent by zipper for cats to play. Cat tent and cat tunnel can be used together or separately.The compact design can be easily folded into a convenient carrying bag for storage.
Bestseller No. 7
Aivituvin Large Cat Catio 4 Tiers Cat Enclosures House for Outdoor Indoor Cats with Weatherproof Roof, 3 Resting Rooms, 3 Platforms, 5 Windows 70" H 77" L
- Well-Designed Cat House: Outdoor cat enclosure includes 4 tier loft, 3 resting rooms, 5 windows (4 acrylic windows, 1 sliding window), 3 platforms. Spacious living area is the perfect solution to keep your cats, raccoons, squirrels, lizards, birds, pigeons safe and enjoy nature within a catio space
- Window Catio: Remove the upper back door (height from bottom to door:35.6") or remove some wire mesh, and you can connect the catio to your house so your pets can enter and exit freely. The inner hole on the 3rd layer allowing cats to jump up and down freely
- UPGRADED 1 - Taller entry door: Are you worried about bending down into the cat kennel and cleaning it? Our catio with the TALLER ENTRY DOOR would be nice for you. It will be easier to interact and clean. Oversized convenient front door at 65.8" with 2 safe latches allow adult people and chubby cats to access the cat enclosure
- UPGRADED 2 - Platforms: Our cat house ditch the ramp that is too steep and dangerous for your lazy cats to use. 2 large platforms and 1 small platform are safer and stronger for cats of all body shapes
- UPGRADED 3 - Safer Latches: Our cat cage can offer them a protected space to enjoy fresh air while exercising, watching birds and other wildlife, and lounging. Front, back door and small door with upgraded safer latch to keep the predators out
Bestseller No. 8
Portable Cat Playpen with Surround Tunnel, 2-Linked-Enclosed Areas, Ideal Cat Tent Outdoor or Cat Playpen for Indoor Cats Enclosed.Breathable Mesh Design for Indoor & Outdoor Use(Grey)
- Spacious & Fun Design: This cat tent features a unique ring tunnel, adding excitement and extra activity space for your pet. With 2-linked-enclosed areas, one can be used for play while the other serves as a cozy resting spot or a space for a litter box, ensuring comfort and convenience
- Breathable & Durable Construction: Made from high-quality Oxford fabric and mesh, this outdoor cat tent ensures excellent ventilation and visibility for both pets and owners. The sturdy materials provide long-lasting durability, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Versatile & Multi-Purpose: Measuring 45"*25"*24", this kitten playpen is perfect for rabbits, lizards, hamsters, and other small animals. Its versatile design makes it an ideal solution for pet owners with multiple animals or those looking for a flexible enclosure
- Portable & Easy to Store: Designed with convenience in mind, this dog playpen is foldable and lightweight, making it easy to carry and store. Whether you're traveling, camping, or simply rearranging your home, this portable playpen ensures your pet’s comfort anywhere
- Convenient & Portable: Featuring two storage options, this cat playpen is easy to fold and carry, offering flexibility in storage and transportation to suit your needs
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Building Your Cat’s Outdoor Haven
Want to give your indoor cat safe access to fresh air and sunshine? An outdoor cat enclosure, often called a “catio,” is the perfect solution. This guide helps you choose the best one for your feline friend.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important parts. These features make the enclosure safe, fun, and long-lasting.
Size and Space
- Room to Roam: Make sure the enclosure is big enough for your cat to stretch, walk, and play. A small kennel isn’t enough for active cats.
- Vertical Space: Cats love to climb! Look for designs with shelves, ramps, or perches built inside.
Security and Access
- Secure Latches: Latches must be strong. Choose double-locking mechanisms so clever cats cannot push them open.
- Door Placement: Think about how you will enter. Do you need a large human-sized door for cleaning, or just a small cat door?
Enrichment Elements
- Hiding Spots: Cats feel safest when they can hide. Built-in boxes or covered areas are a big plus.
- Viewing Areas: Shelves near the top allow your cat to survey their kingdom.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used determine how long your catio lasts and how safe it is.
Framing Materials
- Aluminum: This is lightweight and resists rust well. It is a great choice for long-term outdoor use.
- Wood (Treated or Cedar): Wood looks nice and blends into the garden. Ensure any treated wood is safe for pets, or choose naturally rot-resistant wood like cedar.
Enclosure Material (The Walls)
- Hardware Cloth (Welded Wire): This is the best material for walls. It is very strong, preventing predators from getting in and cats from chewing through.
- Chicken Wire: Avoid this material. Chicken wire is thin. Raccoons or determined cats can easily bend or chew through it.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is often seen in the details. Small things make a big difference in the catio’s lifespan and your cat’s enjoyment.
Quality Boosters:
- Solid Roofing: A roof that keeps rain and harsh sun out is essential. Look for solid panels or sturdy mesh that covers the top completely.
- Powder Coating: Metal frames with a powder coating resist chipping and rust better than plain metal.
Quality Reducers:
- Gaps and Openings: Inspect every corner. If you see gaps larger than a quarter, a determined cat can escape or a predator can stick a paw in. Poor construction leads to safety risks.
- Thin Mesh: If the wire is thin or easily bent by hand pressure, it is not strong enough for outdoor security.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you plan to use the enclosure.
Use Cases:
- Standalone Catios: These are large, often custom-built structures placed in the yard. They offer the most space for active cats.
- Window Boxes: These attach directly to a window opening. They are perfect for apartment dwellers who want a small, secure outdoor viewing spot.
- Patio/Porch Cages: These use existing structures (like a screened-in porch) and add secure caging walls to keep the cat contained.
User Experience Tips:
Ease of cleaning affects how often you use the space. Choose designs where you can easily hose down the interior. Also, consider accessibility. If you have mobility issues, a tall structure with many high shelves might be hard for you to maintain.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Outdoor Cat Enclosures
Q: Are outdoor cat enclosures safe from predators?
A: Yes, if built correctly. You must use heavy-duty hardware cloth on all sides and the top. Thin fencing is not enough to stop raccoons or coyotes.
Q: Do I need a permit to build a catio?
A: This depends on where you live. Small, temporary window boxes usually do not require a permit. Large, permanent structures might need checking with your local homeowner’s association or city zoning office.
Q: Can I leave my cat outside in the enclosure overnight?
A: It is safer to bring your cat inside, especially if you live in an area with active wildlife or extreme weather. Ensure the enclosure has adequate shelter from rain and wind if you must leave them out for an extended time.
Q: How do I keep my cat entertained in the enclosure?
A: Add things like climbing shelves, dangling toys attached to the ceiling, and a shallow dish of water for drinking. Rotate toys weekly to keep things interesting.
Q: What is the difference between hardware cloth and chicken wire?
A: Hardware cloth is much stronger, usually made of thick, welded steel wire. Chicken wire is thin, weak, and easily cut, making it unsafe for cat enclosures.
Q: How much space does one cat need?
A: While a small box might contain one cat for a moment, a good rule is to aim for at least 6 square feet of floor space per cat, plus vertical climbing room.
Q: Will my cat try to chew through the enclosure?
A: Some cats do chew. If your cat is a chewer, use metal framing and hardware cloth. Avoid plastic parts or thin wooden trim near their reach.
Q: What is the best flooring for a catio?
A: Many people use the natural ground (grass or dirt). If you want easy cleaning, use outdoor carpet tiles or paving stones. Never use indoor carpet, as it holds moisture and dirt.
Q: Can I attach the enclosure to my house?
A: Yes, attaching it to a window or sliding door is very common. This allows you to install a cat flap so your pet can go in and out freely.
Q: How long do quality outdoor cat enclosures last?
A: If built with rust-proof aluminum or treated wood and strong hardware cloth, a quality enclosure can easily last 10 to 15 years or more.