Best Cat Fences and Cat Enclosures in 2024 | Top 5 Reviewed

Most cats enjoy the outdoors, and if your cat is the outdoor-loving type, you want to ensure that it is safe outside even when you’re not nearby.  For a good reason too, because when outside, it is vulnerable to so many risks; predators, diseases, moving vehicles and bikes, other cats, etc.  

However, with a cat barrier, your cat may feel the outdoors but still be kept safe. Enclosures not only keep your cat safe but also keep other animals out. They can also reduce major outdoor cat risks, lower vet bills, and help you be at peace even while you're nowhere near your feline. Installing a good enclosure also eliminates the need for a totally enclosed space, which can be costly and affect your home's aesthetics.

If your cat is the indoor type, a cat enclosure can mean that it can finally enjoy the outdoors without threats of attacks and diseases.  

However, deciding to get a cat enclosure or fence is only one step. Getting the right one can make all the difference as it determines whether it protects your cat from attacks from other animals, diseases, and the traffic outside. So, in this article, we'll review our top 5 selection of the best cat fences and cat enclosures to help you narrow your search. We'll also outline some crucial factors to take into consideration before picking a fence or enclosure for your cat.

The Best Enclosures and Fences to Keep Your Cat Safe

Overview:

This outdoor net enclosure for cats is not only portable and durable; It reduces your pet’s chance of escape, making it a great option for an outdoor enclosure.

It is self-standing and completely enclosed with 2 doors, solid still wickets, and rip stop netting. The open net construction helps you ensure that your feline enjoys maximum ventilation and visibility. It is also weather-resistant and great for all seasons, with a hand travel and storage bag included. You can also team it up with the Kittywalk lawn version and any other Kittywalk component.

If you feel your cat can use some fresh air outdoors but worry about it getting too close to other cats or threats, the Kittywalk Outdoor Net Cat Enclosure is undoubtedly worth considering. It could be a little more user-friendly, but we still like this product.

Overview:

The large tent and connecting tunnel of the Outback Jack Outdoor Cat Enclosure are some of the reasons pet owners love it. With 30 square feet of space all to himself, your cat will enjoy a 360-degree view on a netted enclosure and adequate running room in the tunnel. 

Setting up this playpen is easy and within minutes, your feline should be running in the sun or sleeping in the shade within the enclosure, keeping away from all threats.

For additional running space, the tunnel can be attached to the door of the tent via the zippers. The enclosure is wide enough to accommodate your pet’s accessories such as a bed, the water bowl or fountain, and the litter box. When you need to move it, the enclosure is lightweight and comes with a convenient carrying bag. 

The tent is completely enclosed to keep your cat safe at all times and while we like this feature, it can sometimes be difficult to get the cat out of the enclosure when needed.

Key features of the enclosure

• Over 30 square feet of activity space
• Easy setup and dismantling 
• Portable and lightweight
• Attachable tent and tunnel

Important Features to Consider Before You Choose a Cat Fence or Enclosure

One of the major uses of a cat enclosure is to keep your cat safe outside and also to give him room to move around comfortably even within an enclosure. Therefore, before you pick any, here are some features you should look out for. 

Locking system

Cats are adorable, sharp, and intelligent. It should therefore not come as a surprise if you discover that your feline has learned to unlatch his door. If this happens, the first thing you want to do is change the locks. 

Therefore, you should look into the locking system of any cat enclosure you pick before your purchase. The locking system of the enclosure should have a variety of keys and digits. Find something that you can open with your fingers; cats have no fingers like ours, so bypassing it would be difficult.

The locking system should also be easy to handle, opening as fast in emergencies.

The enclosure’s height

While cats do not grow tall, they can still outgrow the enclosure if too low. To ensure your cat’s safety, you want to make sure you purchase only enclosures with the right height for your feline for maximum comfort. 

Durability 

A good cat enclosure or fence should be as solid as it is comfortable. Cats grow stronger as they move from their kitten stage, and a poor quality or weak enclosure will be all too easy for your cat to destroy. Thoroughly scrutinize before purchase to establish the material thickness, type, and fit. If your cat scratches a lot, enclosures made with metal meshes might be something you want to consider.

Size 

Size is a factor you should consider before you purchase any enclosure. How many cats do you have? Enclosures sizes differ – some just big enough for one cat, others for six, or anything in between. Now, keep in mind that the larger the size, the more expensive it is most of the time.

While you don’t want to splurge too much on a space that your cat may never fully use, you also don’t want to skimp in this area. Your cat’s comfort should be a priority. It needs ample space to rest, play, and possibly additional space to keep items such as bowls, bed, toys, and a scratching post. 

Portability 

How portable is your preferred enclosure? If you want a permanent enclosure, portability may not matter, but if not, pick one that is collapsible for easy repackaging and storage. It should also come with a portable carrying bag for when you need to travel or go camping with your furry friend. 

Accessibility

This matters for both you and your cat. Before you get any, test how easy it will be for your cat to get inside the enclosure and come out of it. What about when you need to bring him out yourself? Is it accessible enough for you? Is the door large enough? Consider all of these critical points.

Location

You must decide where you want the outdoor enclosure located. This is because the area will determine to a large extent whether your cat will enjoy using it. And the location you intend to place it will also determine the kind of enclosure you get.

If you’re looking to place the enclosure in the middle of the yard or against your house near a window, a quiet area where your cat will not get startled frequently by noise or movement should be your target. 

Your cat will also need protection from the elements – sun or rain. So, consider all of that as you measure out an area for the enclosure.

Ease of assembling and maintenance

Just like the ease of access, consider the ease of setting up the enclosure and detaching when you need to. You should also find out if it requires special tools to install, clean, maintain and store. If it does, you want to have those on standby if you’re ready to dedicate the time to do all of that. And if you aren’t, opt for something more straightforward and easy to use.

Conclusion

While we cannot deny that cat fences and enclosures will help to keep your feline companion safe outdoors, it is still your responsibility. Therefore, keep him company inside or around the enclosure when you can. An enclosure should never be an excuse to isolate your cat.

There you have it; our review of the top 5 best cat fences and cat enclosures. While the PetSafe option is our preferred choice, there are so many variables to consider. Therefore, make sure you purchase the correct one to suit you and your cat.

Had any experience with any on our list? Which was it, and how did your cat like it? Tell us in the comments. Also, don’t forget to share with pet-loving families and friends that may need this review to help point them in the right direction.