{"id":5677,"date":"2022-04-18T06:32:36","date_gmt":"2022-04-18T06:32:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/"},"modified":"2022-04-19T11:02:54","modified_gmt":"2022-04-19T11:02:54","slug":"how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/","title":{"rendered":"How big should a cat enclosure be?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#How_big_should_a_cat_enclosure_be\" title=\"How big should a cat enclosure be?\">How big should a cat enclosure be?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#Is_it_cruel_to_keep_a_cat_in_a_Catio\" title=\"Is it cruel to keep a cat in a Catio?\">Is it cruel to keep a cat in a Catio?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#Can_you_build_a_cat_enclosure\" title=\"Can you build a cat enclosure?\">Can you build a cat enclosure?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#How_big_does_a_cat_enclosure_need_to_be\" title=\"How big does a cat enclosure need to be?\">How big does a cat enclosure need to be?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#How_much_outdoor_space_do_cats_need\" title=\"How much outdoor space do cats need?\">How much outdoor space do cats need?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#Do_cats_like_cat_enclosures\" title=\"Do cats like cat enclosures?\">Do cats like cat enclosures?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#Can_you_leave_a_cat_in_a_Catio\" title=\"Can you leave a cat in a Catio?\">Can you leave a cat in a Catio?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#Is_a_Catio_cruel\" title=\"Is a Catio cruel?\">Is a Catio cruel?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#Are_Catios_good_indoor_cats\" title=\"Are Catios good indoor cats?\">Are Catios good indoor cats?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#Is_having_an_outdoor_cat_cruel\" title=\"Is having an outdoor cat cruel?\">Is having an outdoor cat cruel?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#How_do_you_make_a_simple_cat_enclosure\" title=\"How do you make a simple cat enclosure?\">How do you make a simple cat enclosure?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#How_do_I_enclose_my_backyard_for_my_cat\" title=\"How do I enclose my backyard for my cat?\">How do I enclose my backyard for my cat?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#Do_cats_like_enclosures\" title=\"Do cats like enclosures?\">Do cats like enclosures?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#How_big_should_an_outdoor_cat_enclosure_be\" title=\"How big should an outdoor cat enclosure be?\">How big should an outdoor cat enclosure be?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#Do_cats_like_outdoor_enclosures\" title=\"Do cats like outdoor enclosures?\">Do cats like outdoor enclosures?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#How_can_I_make_an_inexpensive_cat_enclosure\" title=\"How can I make an inexpensive cat enclosure?\">How can I make an inexpensive cat enclosure?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#Do_cats_need_outdoor_space\" title=\"Do cats need outdoor space?\">Do cats need outdoor space?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#How_many_square_feet_should_a_cat_be_happy\" title=\"How many square feet should a cat be happy?\">How many square feet should a cat be happy?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#How_long_should_outdoor_cats_be_outside\" title=\"How long should outdoor cats be outside?\">How long should outdoor cats be outside?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#Is_one_room_enough_for_a_cat\" title=\"Is one room enough for a cat?\">Is one room enough for a cat?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#Can_a_cat_live_in_a_cat_enclosure\" title=\"Can a cat live in a cat enclosure?\">Can a cat live in a cat enclosure?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#Do_cats_like_Catio\" title=\"Do cats like Catio?\">Do cats like Catio?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#How_do_I_get_my_cat_used_to_an_enclosure\" title=\"How do I get my cat used to an enclosure?\">How do I get my cat used to an enclosure?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#Can_my_cat_live_in_a_Catio\" title=\"Can my cat live in a Catio?\">Can my cat live in a Catio?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-big-should-a-cat-enclosure-be\/#Can_cats_live_in_an_outdoor_enclosure\" title=\"Can cats live in an outdoor enclosure?\">Can cats live in an outdoor enclosure?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_big_should_a_cat_enclosure_be\"><\/span>How big should a cat enclosure be?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The length of the catio should be <b>one and a half times the width. The height of the catio should allow your cat to stand with its tail in the air but without touching the top of the catio.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_cruel_to_keep_a_cat_in_a_Catio\"><\/span>Is it cruel to keep a cat in a Catio?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>To keep an indoor cat is not cruel. Provided you give your cat the right amount of stimulation and attention (each cat will be different), they can live full and happy lives inside of your home. It may even be the better option for both you and your cat.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_build_a_cat_enclosure\"><\/span>Can you build a cat enclosure?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Materials for building a catio are available from your local home improvement or lumber store. Typical materials include <b>wood framing lumber, escape-proof wire, cedar shelves and roof options such as wire mesh or polycarbonate material so your cat can enjoy a catio all year long.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_big_does_a_cat_enclosure_need_to_be\"><\/span>How big does a cat enclosure need to be?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The length of the catio should be <b>one and a half times the width. The height of the catio should allow your cat to stand with its tail in the air but without touching the top of the catio.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_outdoor_space_do_cats_need\"><\/span>How much outdoor space do cats need?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There is no specific formula that can be used to calculate the exact amount of space a cat needs, and differing cats will have different needs. But it is generally thought that a cat requires an absolute <b>minimum of 18 sq.<\/b><b>feet of total living space<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_cats_like_cat_enclosures\"><\/span>Do cats like cat enclosures?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>To keep an indoor cat is not cruel. Provided you give your cat the right amount of stimulation and attention (each cat will be different), they can live full and happy lives inside of your home. It may even be the better option for both you and your cat.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_leave_a_cat_in_a_Catio\"><\/span>Can you leave a cat in a Catio?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As much as you want to keep your cat in her catio, remember that you also want to keep other animals out. So <b>ensure that your catio frame is strong and all components are firmly attached. If there are coyotes, bears or other large predators in your area, a catio may not be right for you, unless it&#8217;s extremely sturdy.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_Catio_cruel\"><\/span>Is a Catio cruel?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Outdoor cats can cause harm to birds and other animals. By keeping them in their catio, you&#8217;re giving the outdoor sights and sounds your cat loves by also protecting wildlife. Decreases conflict between cats. If you have two cats or more, there can sometimes be unwanted conflict and stress.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Catios_good_indoor_cats\"><\/span>Are Catios good indoor cats?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Catios provide important enrichment to indoor cats, allowing them to observe and experience the outdoors and all of its sights, smells and sounds, without some of the dangers associated with being an outdoor cat.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_having_an_outdoor_cat_cruel\"><\/span>Is having an outdoor cat cruel?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Like dogs and small children, <b>cats who are let outdoors without supervision are vulnerable to the dangers of cars, other animals, cruel people, and diseases. (In addition to a dramatically lowered life expectancy, there is an increased risk of disease.)<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_make_a_simple_cat_enclosure\"><\/span>How do you make a simple cat enclosure?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Here are our top-recommended ways to keep your cat in the yard.<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Add An Overhead Netting. If you already have a fence installed, overhead netting is an easy way to prevent your cat from escaping the yard by jumping or climbing.<\/li>\n<li>Make Sure Your Fence Is Fully Enclosed.<\/li>\n<li>Use An Oscillot.<\/li>\n<li>Invest In A Catio.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_enclose_my_backyard_for_my_cat\"><\/span>How do I enclose my backyard for my cat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While cat patios and enclosures may not be within everyone&#8217;s reach, <b>cats seem to appreciate them. And if your cat is indoors-only, remember there are plenty of things you can do to set your home up right for them. (See: The five pillars of a healthy environment for cats).<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_cats_like_enclosures\"><\/span>Do cats like enclosures?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Most <b>cats will be perfectly content living within the boundaries of their home and enclosure. Don&#8217;t tempt them with roaming and they won&#8217;t be tempted by the forbidden fruit.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_big_should_an_outdoor_cat_enclosure_be\"><\/span>How big should an outdoor cat enclosure be?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The basics of outdoor cat enclosures We recommend about <b>2 square metres of floor space per cat, with plenty of vertical space for climbing.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_cats_like_outdoor_enclosures\"><\/span>Do cats like outdoor enclosures?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>To keep an indoor cat is not cruel. Provided you give your cat the right amount of stimulation and attention (each cat will be different), they can live full and happy lives inside of your home. It may even be the better option for both you and your cat.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_I_make_an_inexpensive_cat_enclosure\"><\/span>How can I make an inexpensive cat enclosure?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>And while kitty may enjoy the occasional wrestle with their human, <b>there&#8217;s no denying that they appreciate a space of their own to retreat to. An outdoor cat enclosure or cat run lets your felines take in the fresh smells of the outdoors and gives them plenty of space for frolicking.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_cats_need_outdoor_space\"><\/span>Do cats need outdoor space?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Contained cats do not have to live totally indoors <b>access to an outdoor escape-proof enclosure is highly recommended as this greatly increases the opportunity for activity and stimulation for contained cats allowing them to experience the benefits of outdoors in a safe way.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_square_feet_should_a_cat_be_happy\"><\/span>How many square feet should a cat be happy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>18 square feet<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_should_outdoor_cats_be_outside\"><\/span>How long should outdoor cats be outside?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Adult cats You may be tempted to let your cat outside as soon as possible, but generally it&#8217;s best to allow <b>at least 2-3 weeks and up to 4-6 weeks after you first take them home. This will give them plenty of time to settle in their new environment.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_one_room_enough_for_a_cat\"><\/span>Is one room enough for a cat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Cats can live in one room as long as the room is about the size of a large living room, and their needs are provided for, such as a litter box, food, water, and entertaining cat toys. Cats can be happy in almost any space as long as they can access you and things to entertain them.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_cat_live_in_a_cat_enclosure\"><\/span>Can a cat live in a cat enclosure?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>An indoor\/outdoor cat can easily be made a totally indoor cat with perseverance on your part. They may resent their confinement for a short time, but they will adjust. Many cats live their <b>entire lives without ever setting foot on grass.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_cats_like_Catio\"><\/span>Do cats like Catio?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>To keep an indoor cat is not cruel. Provided you give your cat the right amount of stimulation and attention (each cat will be different), they can live full and happy lives inside of your home. It may even be the better option for both you and your cat.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_get_my_cat_used_to_an_enclosure\"><\/span>How do I get my cat used to an enclosure?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Catios are great for cats that are curious or playful. They can help cats to expend that unwanted energy by exploring their new space. Or perhaps they love basking in the sunshine on the windowsill, and a catio will allow them extra space to do just that. If your cat is <b>shy or timid, they can still enjoy a catio.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_my_cat_live_in_a_Catio\"><\/span>Can my cat live in a Catio?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>To keep an indoor cat is not cruel. Provided you give your cat the right amount of stimulation and attention (each cat will be different), they can live full and happy lives inside of your home. It may even be the better option for both you and your cat.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_cats_live_in_an_outdoor_enclosure\"><\/span>Can cats live in an outdoor enclosure?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Life outside is potentially dangerous. However, <b>limited outside access is something most cat owners can provide by building (or buying) a catio. A catio, or cat patio, is an outside, escape proof, enclosed area that your cat can access from inside the house. They can work for city cats, suburban, and even rural cats.<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents How big should a cat enclosure be?Is it cruel to keep a cat in a Catio?Can you build a cat enclosure?How big does a cat enclosure need to be?How much outdoor space do cats need?Do cats like cat enclosures?Can you leave a cat in a Catio?Is a Catio cruel?Are Catios good indoor&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[619],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5677"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5677"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5677\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67198,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5677\/revisions\/67198"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5677"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5677"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5677"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}