Outdoor Enclosures for Cats

For cats allowed to roam outdoors, danger lurks at every corner. Traffic, poisons, disease, run-ins with other animals-the list goes on. Outdoor cats also represent a major threat to wildlife in urban, suburban, and even rural areas. Many cat guardians are unaware of the impact and dangers their feline companions pose to other animals when allowed to roam freely.

The greatest gift we can give our cats is the promise of a long, healthy, and happy life in the security of our homes. One way to enrich the lives of indoor cats is to offer them safe experiences outside, either by walking them with a specialized harness and leash or by providing them a secure outdoor enclosure off the house or in the yard.

 

Commercially Available Enclosures

Enclosures range from the simple to the sublime. They can be furnished with old tree stumps and perches for climbing and scratching opportunities; tarps to provide shade and protection from the elements; even enclosed ladders for safe access to and from the house. A variety of pre-made pens, runs, and do-it-yourself kits are available. This list is provided as a resource and does not imply endorsement by PAWS.

• C & D Pet Products. Commercial kits and diagrams for enclosures available in various sizes and prices. Also offers kitten enclosures.
• Catio Spaces. Located in Seattle, WA.
• CatsOnDeck. Modular indoor/outdoor cat enclosures. Expandable and portable for RV use.
• The Cat’s Den. Commercial kits for indoor and outdoor cat runs and enclosures.
• Kittywalk Systems Various commercial enclosures for cats and other small animals. Most enclosures are preassembled.
• Pet Enclosures Northwest. Located in Shoreline, WA.
• Purrfect Fence. Commercial kits and instructions for free-standing cat fence systems. Also offers professional installation in certain regions. And now offering “Cat-Proofer” system for converting existing fencing to make it escape-proof.
• Safe Cat Outdoor Enclosure. Detailed drawings and descriptions to create custom outdoor enclosures for cats and other small animals.
• SunCATcher Enclosures. Free-standing outdoor cat enclosures for yard or patio.

 

Window Boxes and Perches

Another option is to install a window box that provides a protected perch for cats to enjoy a panoramic view of the great outdoors. Window boxes can be ordered from the listed sources:

• The Cat’s Den. Commercial kits for outdoor cat window boxes.
• Cats With An Altitude. Handcrafted window patio enclosures.
• Several online and neighborhood pet supply stores carry a variety of window boxes and perches as well.

 

Other Options

Here are a number of other suppliers selling outdoor pens, tunnels and tents:

• Kritter Community. Kritter condo pet enclosures.
• One 4 Pets. Indoor outdoor cat enclosure.

Many of the above pens, tunnels and tents are available to purchase via AmazonSmile – sign up today, choose PAWS as your chosen charity, and 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases will be donated by Amazon to help the animals in our care!

 

Learn how to build your own outdoor cat enclosure

• Attend our annual Catio Tour Seattle event and see catios up close.
• Check out our Safe Cats, Healthy Habitats program and download your FREE resource kit.