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Does your cat keep you up all night? My fat cat Iggy loves to walk across me while I’m sleeping, and yowls from behind the door if I close him out of the room. Sometimes I wonder if a cat cage in another room might solve my nighttime woes.
Cat cages are useful for temporarily confining your cat when necessary. Some examples of times you might want to use a cat cage include:
- While cleaning the house or working on a craft project that you don’t want kitty paws to interfere with
- Providing space for cats who need rest and limited movement while recovering from illness, injury, or surgery
- While temporarily housing a foster cat, or integrating a new cat or kittens into your brood
- To give your cat a comfy place to sleep and to keep them out of your bedroom so you can sleep, too
Cat cages come in many different sizes and styles, but the Cat Fanciers Association recommends at least 30 cubic feet of space for a single cat. They also suggest adding resting perches if an enclosure is used for more than one cat. According to the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, vertical space is even more important than horizontal space for cats because “cats show a preference for spending more time on raised surfaces and high structures than on the floor.”
A cat enclosure should provide plenty of space for each cat to stand up, turn around, sit, lie down, and have some alone space away from other kitties. And unless your cat is on vet-ordered rest, their time in the cage should be limited. After all, house cats need to explore the house.
With all that in mind, we’ve read through online reviews to find the best cat cages for home use.
1. Prevue Pet Products Premium Cat Home
Here’s a deluxe cat cage with four levels of play space for your kitty. The strong, stable base helps it stand sturdy, while rubber casters on the bottom let you easily move it around your home. Best of all, the Prevue Premium Cat Home has a paw-friendly design with no gap or pinch points to harm fuzzy little feet. It’s spacious, safe, easy to assemble, and not too expensive considering all the great features.
Features of note:
- Made of lightweight rust-resistant metal with heavy-duty rails, clips, and alignment tabs to hold the whole thing together
- Comes with two extra-large lock-in platforms and two extra-large hammocks to give your cats plenty of space to relax
- Three extra-large double doors make it easy to access and clean
- Easy to assemble, with sliding panels that lock into place with clips
2. IRIS 3-Tier Wire Pet Cage
This three-tiered cat enclosure keeps your cat securely confined while giving them a 360-degree view of everything around them. With heavy-gauge powder coated wire construction and molded plastic perches, it’s extra easy to clean. Put a litter box on the bottom level and a soft bed up top, and your cat will have everything it needs to relax and enjoy.
Features of note:
- Dimensions are 24.80″L x 36.61″W x 70.08″H
- Six wheel casters let you easily move it around, while two wheel stoppers lock the cat cage in place
- Comes in gray or white coated metal wire
- Reviewers like the big doors for easy access and some people recommend leaving the doors open so the cat cage can double as a cat tree
3. AmazonBasics Large 3-Tier Cat Cage
At about four feet high, this basic cat cage from Amazon isn’t as tall as others on the list, but it still offers several levels for your cats to explore. It has three staggered shelves that let your cat jump up with ease, giving them plenty of vertical space to rest, play, or take in the view. Plus, it folds down flat for easy transport and storage.
Features of note:
- Made of durable metal wire with a rust-resistant finish
- Four wheels let you roll it around with ease
- Two swing-open doors offer easy inside access but latch securely to keep your cat safe
- Leak-proof plastic floor pan is removable for easy cleaning
4. JAXPETY Wooden Cat Play Enclosure
Looking for a cat cage that can be used as an outdoor catio? This two-story wooden enclosure comes with pre-drilled holes to anchor it to a wall or the external side of a house. With six perch platforms, it provides tons of space for your cat to explore. Reviewers recommend reading the instructions very closely.
Features of note:
- Comes with hardware and detailed assembly instructions
- Removable back panel lets cats access the catio through a window or door
- Simple, detailed 45-minute assembly instructions with hardware included
- Reviewers caution that the wood is a much brighter orange color than pictured
5. MidWest Cat Playpen
This three-level cat cage is designed to provide ample room for your cat to rest and play. It has three shelves for relaxation and even comes with a chenille cat bed for extra-luxurious cat naps. The two large cabinet doors make it easy to access a litter box or just give your cat some extra pets. And the leak-proof bottom tray slides out for easy cleaning.
Features of note:
- E-coated wire construction is rustproof and easy to clean
- Four locking wheel casters
- Entire cat pen folds down for storage when not in use
- Can customize with extra shelves (sold separately)
6. IRIS 3-Tier Cat Cage
This three-level cat cage/cat condo is the only one on our list constructed of plastic. The plastic makes it easy to clean and sanitize, and keeps kitty paws safe from pinching and scrapes. With three perches for your cat to explore, this cat pen is kind of like an enclosed cat tree. In fact, several reviewers say they leave the doors open to use it as a cat tree during the day, and only close the doors to confine their cats at night.
Features of note:
- Four wheels lock in place when situated
- Hooks that prop the doors open so your cat can come and go as they please
- The top opens up for easy access into the top level
7. Yaheetech 4-Tier Kitten Cage
Do you need to corral a couple of kittens at night? This four-tier cat cage has three shelves with ramps to help their little feet make the climb, plus a hammock to curl up and hang out in. It has double doors and a slide-out tray to let you clean it with ease, and the wheels lock in place at the push of a button. Reviewers note that this kitten cage isn’t big enough for large cats, but it’s a great choice for one or two kittens.
Features of note:
- Heavy-duty metal mesh securely contains cats while giving them a full view of their surroundings
- Comes with a hammock, bed, and ladders
- Folds down completely for convenient storage when not in use
8. SONGMICS Multi-Tier Cat Playpen
The cat cages on this list have a lot of similarities: vertical space, shelves, coated wire construction, easy-to-access doors. The Songmics cat kennel has all that but is set apart by its modular design which lets you customize the shape and configuration. Snap the wireframe pieces together with plastic connectors, use the included zip ties for extra stability, and attach the non-stick mats to the bottom to make sure the cat crate stays in place.
Features of note:
- Use with or without doors to transition from cat cage to cat tree
- Comes with plush hammocks for napping
- Wide ramps are easy for cats to climb
- Reviewers caution that assembly takes patience.
- Read the customer reviews for some handy customization ideas
9. Homey Pet-36 Three Tiers Cat Cage
This three-level cat cage has a heavy-duty bottom tray that slides out for easy cleaning. It’s not as large as some of the kitty playpens on this list, but it’s ideal for a smaller cat or foster kittens. The included hammock and two sturdy trays offer plenty of space for curious cats to explore and relax.
Features of note:
- Assembles without tools
- Lockable casters let you roll the cage around and lock it in place
- Folds flat when not in use
- Reviewers say it’s best for smaller cats or kittens. It’s also popular among ferret owners.
10. Necoichi Portable Cat Cage
We had to include at least one portable cat cage in our list. A pop-up cat kennel isn’t practical for a long-term enclosure, but it can be a lifesaver if you need to give your cat at a temporary safe place. Keep one on hand for emergency situations where you need to contain your cat quickly, or as a private space for your kitty to retreat if they get stressed.
Features of note:
- At 20 x 20 x 31.8 inches, it can accommodate a cat and a litter box
- Roll-up mesh panels offer ventilation and visibility
- Locking zippers prevent escape
- Comes with a double-sided, removable, waterproof fleece mat and storage bag
Furnishing your cat cage
If your cat is going to spend a significant chunk of time in a cage, they’ll need all the essentials:
- Food and water dishes
- A soft bed or cushion to rest on
- Safe toys to keep them entertained
- A litter box kept on the lowest level, far away from their food and bed
Finally, remember that cat cages are best used as temporary aids. Unless required by a vet, cat cages should not be used all day long.
Alternatives to cat cages
If you’re hesitant to put your cat in a cage or don’t have space for a large enough cat enclosure in your home, there are other ways to keep your noisy cat from disturbing your sleep.
The most popular cat cage alternative: a cat-proofed bathroom or laundry room. Close the toilet lid, remove any potential hazards (or things you don’t want them to mess with), and shut the door so you can get some shut-eye.
Further reading
- 9 Cool Outdoor Houses Where Your Cat Can Hang Out
- The Best Cave Cat Beds for 2019
- An Insider’s Guide to Cat Behavior
