The 10 Best Cat Cages

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.