Cats love being outside and it can provide them with valuable enrichment, but being outdoors can also pose dangers to both cats and wildlife. That’s what makes outdoor cat enclosures so great: they allow cats to experience the outdoors, but without the risks. They come in tons of different sizes and layouts, so there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for your favorite feline.
We reviewed dozens of outdoor cat enclosures to identify the best of the best. We looked at a variety of outdoor cat enclosures of different sizes, layouts, and degrees of portability to narrow down your options. We also checked to make sure that each cat enclosure was safe and durable with excellent drainage and ventilation. Finally, we made sure that other real consumers had excellent experiences to make sure that we’re only recommending the best outdoor cat enclosures available.
Our top pick and the clear winner is the Nala and Company The Cat House Outdoor Pet Enclosure. The Cat House is a compact, portable outdoor cat enclosure that’s perfect for one cat.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Outdoor Cat Enclosures
Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
---|---|---|
Best Outdoor Cat Enclosure Overall | Nala and Company The Cat House Outdoor Pet Enclosure | 4.7 |
Best Portable Outdoor Cat Enclosure | ToysOpoly Premium Pet Playpen | 4.5 |
Best Budget Outdoor Cat Enclosure | Fooubaby Pop Up Outside Pet Enclosure | 4.4 |
Best Outdoor Cat Run | BestPet Pet Playpen with Roof | 4.3 |
Best Large Outdoor Cat Enclosure | Advantek Pet Gazebo with Reversible Cover | 4.3 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Outdoor Cat Enclosure Overall: Nala and Company The Cat House Outdoor Pet Enclosure
Our top pick is the
It fits a single adult cat with room for bedding, a small litter box, a toy or two, and a set of bowls, but it’s also a handy option for containing litters of kittens. The top and sides are constructed from mesh, giving your cat a 360-degree view, so it feels much larger than it actually is. That clear, open view also makes it a good option for introducing existing pets and new pets or for introducing your cat to a new space. When you don’t need to use it to contain your cat, you can leave this cat enclosure inside with the door open for your cat to use as a bed.
It has a pop-up design that makes it easy to set up and you simply fold it flat to collapse it again. It comes with a travel pouch for easy storage and movement. It’s also easy to clean, thanks to PVC mesh and a tarp bottom that can be wiped clean. Another advantage of that mesh is that it will keep all but the smallest bugs out. The door has a zipper closure with two pulls and a security clip to keep it closed. If you want to keep it open, you can use the Velcro tab to keep it that way.
Nala and Company The Cat House Outdoor Pet Enclosure Key Features:
- Compact size fits one adult cat
- 360-degree visibility
- Good for short term use
- Portable and collapsible
- Secure zipper closure
Best Portable Outdoor Cat Enclosure: ToysOpoly Premium Pet Playpen
In an attempt to make their portable cat enclosures lighter and easier to tote around, many portable outdoor cat enclosure manufacturers just make tiny, flimsy enclosures that don’t provide the space that cats and their things need to stay in the outdoor cat enclosure for more than an hour or two. The ToysOpoly Premium Pet Playpen makes no such compromises. Even if you don’t plan on needing to travel with it, this outdoor cat enclosure is still great if you want to be able to switch up the location of your outdoor cat enclosure, don’t want or have room for a permanent outdoor cat enclosure, or want to try out different spots to see how your cat likes them before installing something permanent.
This octagonal outdoor cat enclosure is spacious with a width of 45 inches and a height of 22 inches. That makes the footprint of the enclosure just under 10 feet, giving plenty of room for a litter box, bedding, and play space. It even has an external water feeder bottle holder so you don’t have to use up valuable space inside for a water bowl that can be accidentally overturned. Additional external pouches allow you to store additional items without taking up space inside.
The top and bottom are removable to make collapsing the enclosure easier, but you should definitely make sure that they’re zipped on before placing your cat inside to make sure your pet is securely contained. The bottom is water-resistant, so you can place the enclosure on damp ground without worry, and the top is partially is mesh for ventilation and partially solid fabric to provide shade from the sun. The two doors are completely made from mesh and each of the other six side panels has a mesh window for visibility and additional ventilation. The doors both also have securing zipper closures. The enclosure is very durable, with an internal steel frame, reinforced corners, and protected seams.
ToysOpoly Premium Pet Playpen Key Features:
- Easy to set up, collapse, carry, and clean
- Spacious
- Highly durable
- Comes with a travel bag and four anchors
- Available in blue, black, maroon, and pink
Best Budget Outdoor Cat Enclosure: Fooubaby Pop Up Outside Pet Enclosure
Looking for an outdoor cat enclosure but don’t have a ton of money to spare? Then the Fooubaby Pop Up Outside Pet Enclosure just might be perfect for you and your cat. It’s quite similar to top pick and actually a little bit larger, though the materials and construction aren’t at quite the same level, which explains the difference in price. Still, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly solution that won’t get used too frequently, then this is a great option.
It’s 47.25 inches wide, 24.8 inches deep, and 19.68 inches tall, giving enough room for an adult cat, plus bowls, bedding, a few toys, and a small litter box. Like our top pick, the sides and top of this outdoor cat enclosure are mesh, keeping bugs out and providing a 360-degree view that makes the enclosure feel larger than it is. It’s easy to set up and collapse, thanks to the pop-up design, and comes with a carrying bag. The tarp style bottom is easy to wipe clean. The zipper closure door can be held open with the built-in ties.
The compact size makes this outdoor cat enclosure good for many of the same things as our top pick, such as travel, introducing new pets or old pets to new places, and containing litters of kittens. It’s also great for testing the waters in terms of how much your cat likes the outdoors and where they might most enjoy an outdoor cat enclosure before you commit to a larger, more permanent (and more expensive) option.
Fooubaby Pop Up Outside Pet Enclosure Key Features:
- Compact size fits one adult cat
- 360-degree visibility
- Good for short term use
- Portable and collapsible
- Available in four mesh and edge color combinations
Best Outdoor Cat Run: BestPet Pet Playpen with Roof
The outdoor cat enclosures we’ve talked about so far are all great, but what if you want to give your active kitty more room to play? Then you need an outdoor cat run like the BestPet Pet Playpen with Roof. It was designed for dogs, especially large breeds, but it’s also completely safe for cats. Since it needs to be able to fit large breed dogs, it’s 3.75 feet wide and 7.5 feet deep for a total area of almost 30 feet. It’s also 5.8 feet tall. That’s plenty of space for all the things cats need, plus a cat house for naps and play structures like tunnels and climbers, with room to spare. And if you want to give your cat even more room, the panel construction of this pet playpen allows you to connect multiple enclosures together to make a larger space.
It’s also super durable thanks to its sturdy, heavy-duty construction. The enclosure is made from rust-resistant steel, including the high tensile-strength wire that fills in each panel. The steel is coated with epoxy to provide further protection against rust and corrosion. The enclosure as a sloped roof, so debris and water don’t build up. The roof has a waterproof cover to provide pets inside with some protection from the elements. The cover is also UV resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it cracking, peeling, or becoming otherwise damaged from regular sun exposure.
BestPet Pet Playpen with Roof Key Features:
- Spacious with room for climbing structures
- Can be attached to other BestPet Pet Playpens for even more room
- Waterproof, UV resistant sloped roof
- Full-length door in one panel
- Easy to assemble and clean
Best Large Outdoor Cat Enclosure: Advantek Pet Gazebo with Reversible Cover
Rounding out our top picks is the Advantek Pet Gazebo with Reversible Cover. With a width and height both of 7.5 feet (for reference, that’s about 10 inches longer than a standard door frame is tall), this outdoor cat enclosure is great for multiple cats, offers ample space to play, and is plenty tall enough to fit climbing structures. Furthermore, it has an octagonal shape and panel design, which makes it easy to set up without having to use any tools and allows you to connect multiple Pet Gazebos together for an even larger outdoor enclosure. Just disconnect one side of a single panel from each Pet Gazebo and reconnect it to the corresponding side of the opening on the other Pet Gazebo, forming a short walkway between the two. Then attach Advantek’s nylon corridor cover to provide shade in the walkway between the gazebos and prevent your cat from climbing out. You can attach as many Pet Gazebos as you’d like in virtually unlimited configurations.
The roof of the Pet Gazebo it’s self is a weather-resistant polyurethane reversible cover that’s brown on one side and white on the other, and easily attaches to the Pet Gazebo with ball ties. One panel on each Pet Gazebo has a full-length door and another has an access window that allows you to reach into the enclosure without opening the door completely and risking Kitty escaping. The access window securely latches shut but could also be left open to give your cat access to a window into your home or to additional outdoor spaces.
In addition, Advantek sells tons of accessories to go with the Pet Gazebo to make it as comfortable and secure for your cat as possible, like ground stakes, a sunshade that can be attached to the side of the Pet Gazebo, replacement covers in a variety of different colors, and even a water mister with automatic temperature control to help keep your cat cool. Advantek also makes the Pet Gazebo in three-foot, four-foot, and five-foot sizes.
Advantek Pet Gazebo with Reversible Cover Key Features:
- Massive 7.5-foot height and width
- Weather-resistant reversible polyurethane cover
- Can be attached to other Pet Gazebos
- Access window
- Tons of accessories
Who Should Buy an Outdoor Cat Enclosure
An outdoor cat enclosure can be a great buy for just about any cat owner since pretty much all cats will enjoy an outdoor cat enclosure, but there are a few situations in which an outdoor cat enclosure can be particularly handy. Just be sure to use an effective flea treatment whenever giving your cat access to the outdoors.
Cats that are troublemakers, constantly knocking things over, jumping and climbing places they know they’re not supposed to, trying to get out the door as people enter or leave, or meowing excessively are often just bored. Introduce them to an outdoor cat enclosure and give your cat access each day, and watch their behavior problems disappear. If your cat loves to look out the window or lay in the sun, imagine how much they’ll enjoy the view and napping potential of actually being outdoors.
Outdoor cat enclosures are also a great way to give cats in small or multi-cat homes more space and can be used to give cats breaks from one another. If you have a shy cat but like to entertain, outdoor cat enclosures can provide skittish cats with an escape from the crowd that’s more interesting and probably shields them from the noise better than just shutting them in a bedroom. Outdoor cat enclosures can be very useful in transitioning outdoor cats to an indoor lifestyle or for providing indoor cats that were formerly full or part-time outdoor cats access to the outdoors in a safe, controlled way. Finally, maybe you just want your cat to be able to safely hang out outside with you. Outdoor cat enclosures are the perfect way to do just that.
Important Features to Consider
An outdoor cat enclosure should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting an outdoor enclosure for your cat:
- Size and layout. You can get a basic starting point for size by considering how many cats need to fit in the enclosure and how much space you have to fit the enclosure itself. A taller cat shelter with climbing features and platforms allows you to get more square footage with a smaller footprint, making them great for small yards, patios, and balconies. Some cats also just enjoy climbing or hanging out in high places, and these types of outdoor cat enclosures are also great for helping young cats get lots of exercise. On the other hand, some cats prefer to prowl along the ground and older cats may not find enclosures that require lots of jumping or climbing easily navigable. In these cases, a longer, wider outdoor cat enclosure might suit them better. In addition, you’ll want to make sure there’s room for anything else you want to include in the outdoor cat enclosure, like water, toys, bedding, additional shelter, and a litter box.
- Placement. You’ll want to put it in a quiet place where your cat won’t be spooked, but beyond that, placement is largely dependent on your space and preferences. As we already discussed, taller, narrower outdoor cat enclosures are good for balconies, porches, patios, etc. and small yards because they don’t take up as much room. Longer, wider enclosures tend to be better suited for yards with more open space. Some outdoor cat enclosures can be placed against an open window to give your cat access in and out as they want, which can be a very handy feature to have if you have a conveniently located window. (If you do have to place the cat inside yourself, we recommend using a cat harness in between your home and the enclosure to keep Kitty secure on the way.)
- Portability. Portability isn’t essential for everyone, but it can be nice. It generally requires a trade-off though. Portable options that can be placed virtually wherever you’d like and even taken on the go, plus they’re generally compact enough that they can be used indoors as well if a cat needs to be contained for some reason, but they’re generally not as large as more permanent options and they’re not intended to be left up long term, so you’ll need to add the necessary toys and accessories every time you want to use the portable outdoor cat enclosure.
- Drainage and ventilation. Moisture shouldn’t pool at the bottom and there should be good airflow to keep the enclosure from getting too hot, as well as to provide constant fresh air (and smells) to your cat. These traits keep your cat safe and comfortable, but also make outdoor cat enclosures faster and easier to clean.
- Safety and durability. Any cat enclosure that you plan to use outdoors should be made for that purpose, as should everything that goes inside. Items made for indoor use generally won’t stand up to the moisture, UV rays, and wind that items for outdoor use have been designed to hold up against. That damage requires you to replace the items more frequently but also can pose a safety risk to your cat. In addition, make sure that the enclosure will actually completely contain your cat. It should be completely covered and have secure fastenings that your cat can’t manipulate. Your cat shouldn’t be able to chew or claw through any mesh or wire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats like outdoor enclosures?
Cats love being outside, so most also love outdoor enclosures, and you’ll love that an outdoor cat enclosure allows them to experience the outdoors safely. However, cats may need some time to get used to an outdoor enclosure, so don’t worry if your cat seems skittish at first. Placing the outdoor cat enclosure in a quiet spot with plenty of things to look at will help ensure that your cat enjoys their outdoor cat enclosure, as will putting things that they enjoy, like toys and a cozy bed, inside.
What can I put in my outdoor cat enclosure?
For an outdoor cat enclosure that’s a veritable feline paradise, think of what your cat likes to do indoors and be sure to include these elements, plus a few new things they may not have experienced. Common choices to include in an outdoor cat enclosure include toys, (cat-safe) plants, scratching surfaces, a place to lounge in the sun, a place to sleep in the shade, tunnels, platforms to jump, climbing surfaces, bedding, and more. Of course, you’ll also want to ensure that your cat always has access to comfortable temperatures, a litter box, and clean water. A small water fountain can be a great way to grant access to the latter. Placing an outdoor cat house inside gives your cat a warm, dry place to go within their outdoor enclosure. Using outdoor-safe cat furniture can also make it easier to make more significant changes to the layout of the enclosure, even if you aren’t particularly handy with tools.
How big should an outdoor cat enclosure be?
A good general rule for the size of an outdoor cat enclosure is two square yards of traversable space per cat. In practice, however, there are lots of factors that might mean you need more space or can get away with less. For example, young cats, active breeds like the Savannah cat, and cats with particularly active individual personalities will require more space. If you have an older cat, a sedate breed like the Ragdoll, or a kitty couch potato, you can probably get away with less space. In addition, if your cat will spend long periods in the cat enclosure, you’ll want to give it more space, but if it will only be in there for a little bit at a time, you don’t need as much.
For multi-cat homes, cats that get along very well and don’t mind sharing territory won’t need quite as much space. You probably don’t want to put cats that don’t get along together in an enclosed space at all to avoid fighting, so in that case you’ll only need a cat enclosure large enough for one cat at a time, though you may want multiple enclosures so that each cat can enjoy the outdoors simultaneously.
How much does an outdoor cat enclosure cost?
There are outdoor cat enclosures to fit just about any budget, but most fall between about $75 and $150. Portable outdoor cat enclosures are typically less expensive, less than $50, because they’re smaller in size, aren’t intended for permanent, long term use, and don’t come with shelters or climbing structures. High-end outdoor cat enclosures can cost $200 and up, at minimum, but you can also find ones that cost three times that amount or more. That’s because higher-end outdoor cat enclosures tend to have built-in platforms or climbing structures and shelters, are larger in size, and are intended to be permanent structures.
Other Outdoor Cat Enclosures We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other outdoor cat enclosures. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best outdoor cat enclosures list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your cat. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Cat Patio Enclosures
Advantek Stilt House Rabbit Hutch Farmhouse
Though designed for rabbits, this hutch is also great for cats, granting them access to both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Key Features:
- Allows cats to choose between indoor and outdoor spaces
- Insect-resistant, rot-resistant fir lumber
- Ramp makes indoor area easy for older cats to access
Cost: $160
Bunny Business Pen Enclosure with Net Cover
The bare-bones design of this pet enclosure makes it easy to transport or to leave up and customize to suit your cat perfectly.
Key Features:
- Partial mesh cover provides sunny and shaded areas
- 55-inch diameter
- Collapses flat
Cost: $25
JAXPETY Outdoor Cat Play Enclosure
The height of this outdoor cat enclosure provides your cat with more space without taking up too much room on your patio.
Key Features:
- Roughly 16 square foot footprint
- About six feet tall
- Comes with six platforms
Cost: $250
PawHut 48″ Wooden 4 Door Enclosure with Ramp
This rabbit hutch can also be used to provide your cat with three different rooms to use, though you can also close access between the two floors.
Key Features:
- Two floors and three rooms
- Doors and a lifting roof for easy human access to all areas
- Weather-resistant fir wood and water-resistant asphalt roof
Cost: $140
Trixie Cat Homes and Enclosures Cattery
The removable back panel on this outdoor cat enclosure allows you to place it against a window or door so your cats can go between the enclosure and your home.
Key Features:
- Removable back panel for access between enclosure and home
- Comes with six platforms
- Perfect for multiple cats
Cost: $370
Yaheetech 3 Tier Large Wire Pet Enclosure on Wheels
This outdoor cat enclosure is narrow but tall, maximizing space on your patio, place it’s on wheels so you can easily move it around as needed.
Key Features:
- Three levels
- Locking wheels
- Easy to assemble
Cost: $90
Yaheetech Collapsible Large 3 Tier Metal Wire Cat Enclosure
This petite outdoor cat enclosure offers three platforms and a hammock, but its size makes it best suited for small cats and kittens.
Key Features:
- Removable tray bottom for easy cleaning
- Three platforms and a hammock
- Removable bottom tray for easy cleaning
Large Outdoor Cat Enclosures
BestPet 72″ x 48″ Pet Playpen with Door & Cover
If your cat is more of the “run and leap” type than the “jump and climb” type, they’ll love all the open space that this cat enclosure provides.
Key Features:
- Durable, sturdy steel frame
- Waterproof, UV-resistant cover provides partial shade and protection from precipitation
- Four doors of different types for easy access
Cost: $60
This is a similar design, but with a sloped roof to prevent water and debris build-up on top of the cover.
Key Features:
- Durable, sturdy steel frame
- Waterproof, UV-resistant cover provides partial shade and protection from precipitation
- Four doors of different types for easy access
Cost: $80
EliteField 2-Door Soft Pet Playpen
With a diameter of more than five feet, this outdoor cat enclosure proves that “portable” doesn’t have to mean “small.”
Key Features:
- 62 inches across and 36 inches tall
- Comes with a carrying bag and four stakes
- Easy to set up and take down
Cost: $85
PawHut 87” x 41” Outdoor Metal Pet Enclosure
With a length of 7.2 feet and both width and height of 3.4 feet, it’s hard to beat the amount of space provided by this outdoor cat enclosure.
Key Features:
- Galvanized steel frame with a reinforced bar across the middle for added stability and durability
- Water and UV-resistant polyethylene cover provides partial shade and protection from precipitation
- Top and side doors for easy access inside
Cost: $110
PawHut Large Wooden Outdoor Cat House
With a four-floor built-in cat house, the outdoor cat enclosure gives your kitties the best of both the indoors and outdoors.
Key Features:
- Large door makes it easy for humans to access inside as needed
- Cat house with two completely enclosed floors and two partially enclosed floors
- Weatherproof design
Outdoor Cat Runs
Kittywalk Outdoor Net Cat Enclosure
This run may be simple on its own, but it combined with other Kittywalk products for a custom cat run that your cat will love.
Key Features:
- Combines with other Kittywalk products
- Weather-resistant
- Open netting for ventilation and visibility
Cost: $105
Kittywalk Outdoor Net Cat Enclosure for Lawns
This 10-foot long cat run is great for cats that love to zoom, but like our last recommendation, it can also be combined with other Kittywalk products.
Key Features:
- Combines with other Kittywalk products
- Weather-resistant
- Open netting for ventilation and visibility
Cost: $135
Outback Jack Outdoor Cat Enclosures For Indoor Cats
This spacious tent and tunnel combo give your cat 360-degree visibility, plus plenty of room to play and explore.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and portable
- Tunnel and tent can be used individually, together, or combined with an additional tent and tubes
- Easy set-up
Cost: $70
Trixie Outdoor Run with Mesh Cover
This outdoor enclosure has just enough covered space to provide shelter without giving up any more open play area than necessary.
Key Features:
- Side access doors
- Pitched roof with openable quarter panels
- Can be used as an extension to various Trixie hutches
Portable Outdoor Cat Enclosures
This portable outdoor cat enclosure has a more sleek, minimalist style than its competitors.
Key Features:
- Easy to clean
- Waterproof bottom
- Folds flat for storage and carrying
Cost: $50
ESK Collection 45″ Pet Playpen
This portable outdoor cat enclosure has mesh on the roof and all eight panels for maximum visibility and ventilation.
Key Features:
- External pockets and water bottle holder
- Two zipper closure mesh doors
- Comes with a travel tote
Cost: $40
Parkland Pet Portable Foldable Playpen
This portable outdoor cat enclosure comes with a travel case and collapsible bowl so you have everything your cat needs for fun on the go.
Key Features:
- Single zipper closure door
- Removable top
- Partial shade
Cost: $40
Strong Camel Portable Outdoor Cat Enclosure
Your cat with hardly notice they’re contained as they nap and play surrounded by the 360-degree view from this large outdoor cat enclosure.
Key Features:
- Portable and collapsible
- 360-degree visibility
- Good for short term use
Cost: $30