The 411 On Cat Cages: All The Information Cat Parents Need To Know

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Cats are independent animals and free spirits with minds of their own. Many responsible cat parents shudder to think of caging their strong-willed fur babies and see no purpose in ever doing so, for any reason. There actually are several very appropriate times and reasons for caging cats. To successfully do so you will need a cat cage.

Top Reasons For Using Them

Litter Box Training for Kittens

The most effective way to litter train kittens is to cage the mama cat and her kittens together in one just large enough to contain a nesting box, their food and water dishes, and a litter box. Mother cats have a natural tendency to move their babies to the highest spot available so choose a one-level model and infant kittens won’t take serious falls.

The mama uses the litter box, modeling appropriate potty behavior for the kids. (If free to roam the house, kittens poop at will everywhere, so this method is more effective.) It is also appropriate for older cats you adopt who have poor bathroom habits.

Introducing a New Cat into Your Home(or Your Cat to a New Home)

A cage is particularly helpful to welcome and ease the adjustment of a new cat into your home. It gives the cat a sense of security and safety as the feline grows accustomed to the sights, sounds, and scents of its new home.

If there is another cat in the home who has always been the only “child”, it provides a safe opportunity for the two felines to get to know each other. Using a cat carry cage to introduce your cat to a new home gives your pet a safe shelter from which to become acclimated to the change.

Taming Feral Cats

If you domesticate and adopt a feral cat, caging the cat while you provide its initial care helps the cat can feel safe while it learns to trust and depend upon you and your care. This is particularly important for a pregnant feral cat. Once she has delivered her kittens they can be easily domesticated quite easily because they have to accept touch and care from you.

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Diagnosing Illness

When you have multiple cats and there is evidence around the house (on the carpet, in the litter box) one of them is sick, caging them one at a time until you discover which one is symptomatic is an effective diagnostic tool.

Quarantining a Sick Cat

In a multi-cat household, caging a sick one in quarantine allows you to take good care of your ailing kitty while preventing the spread of illness among your other fur babies.

Providing Temporary Shelter and Containment

If you are entertaining guests and are afraid your visitors will let out your cats, caging them in a quiet room keeps them safe until the party is over. It also protects your cats from the stress of dealing with multiple unwanted strangers in their territory.

Behavioral Training

When cats in a multi-cat household can’t get along, they may need a little time-out (just like human siblings). When one of the cats starts a squabble, caging the offender for a time allows all of them to cool down, and tells the aggressor that the behavior is not okay.

To Safely Allow Cats Outdoors

Because indoor cats live much longer lives, most of us keep our cats forever indoors. With an outdoor cat cage (or system of cages) they can safely roam outside for fresh air and exercise.

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The Top Features To Look For In A Cat Cage

Your goal in choosing a cage is to obtain a safe and functional one that serves your (and your cat’s) needs and also your preferences. There are many features as well as some characteristics that are preferable to others. Space; places to climb, jump, and on which to rest; easy assembly and storage; and effective protection are the most important to consider.

Doors

All doors should lock securely. A drop-in pin lock system is the best and most convenient. The front door should swing open for the cat’s easy exit. Dual point door latches keep felines inside safely and securely. Arched doors make it simpler for humans to access their cats and for cats to enter and leave as well. Multiple-level cages generally have multiple doors (from one to four). A wide bottom door is helpful for removing and replacing the litter box for cleaning.

Multiple Levels and Perches

A large cat cage that will serve as a play area or be used to house cats for extended periods of time needs to provide for all their needs: eating, sleeping, exercising, and playing. Cats love to climb so need perches on which to sit or sleep and multiple levels on which to explore and change their view of their surrounding environment.

A cat condo cage is perfect for a multiple-cat playground and a fun house. They are frequently used by kennels as they are designed to be tall enough for humans to enter and interact with the cats attending to cleaning the equipment. Available accessories include shelves, beds, and hammocks.

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Durability and Longevity

Constructed of materials like ABA plastic, heavy gauged galvanized or powder-coated steel wire, aluminum, and waterproof fleece and fiberfill, cat pens are sturdy and strong. They must be for flimsy materials that won’t last under hard feline play and sharp feline claws.

The attached shelves must be strong enough to support sleeping adult cats plus their pounce and weight of them as they leap from one space to another. Any unit utilized as an outdoor cat cage must be able to withstand weather elements.

Easy of Assembly, Storage, Cleaning and Maintenance

Look for a model that is easy to put together and set up. Some are as simple to assemble as unfolding their wires and setting all of it into the bottom pan. Collapsible cages are also available and are convenient to store. (Most cages are designed to be easily washed then rinsed off and air dried so cleaning them is simple.

One thorough cleaning every week or two is sufficient. Their rolling casters lock, making it easy to move them for cleaning and then set them back in place. Some cages are composed of panels held together with special clips so your configuration can be changed, allowed to be remodeled, and even connected to other cages to construct an outdoor cat adventure land.

There actually are appropriate reasons and occasions for caging cats. These include litter box and behavioral training, physical and emotional health, and for their safety as well as security. To successfully cage your furry feline friends requires a strong, durable yet lightweight and portable cage, preferably one that is collapsible and easily stored. Frequently marketed as cages for dogs or ferrets and not just cats, there are many choices available on today’s pet supply market.