With an outdoor cat run, you don’t have to keep your cat confined indoors anymore or be concerned about their safety outdoors.
Your cat can experience nature and get a taste of the outside world in a secure and enriched environment.
It’s a win-win situation for both you and your cat. But, there are so many different types of catios available that cat parents often find it difficult to decide which one they should buy.
In this article we are taking a look at cat runs, which are also sometimes called cat pens. These are usually smaller than some of the larger catio kit enclosures, but have plenty of room for your cat to safely play and are much cheaper too!
After considering and reviewing dozens of cat pens, we have shortlisted the best ones for you.
We considered a variety of features while reviewing catios, and we gave utmost priority to customer reviews and have only selected the ones that according to fellow cat owners, their pets loved.
Knowing that the requirements of cat owners and cats may vary, here we are listing some of the best types of outdoor cat runs, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
6 Best Outdoor Cat Runs & Pens
1. EliteField 2-Door Soft Pet Playpen
- Size: 48 x 48 x 32H
- Set-up and fold-down in seconds; suitable for a variety of pets indoors or outdoors
- Two doors with locking zippers for safety and security; two accessory pockets and a water bottle pocket and holder on the pet playpen
- Removable zip-off and washable floor mat and top cover; well-ventilated, stylish, lightweight portable and durable pet playpen
- 2 Year Warranty from EliteField, a New York-based Pet Product Manufacturer.
The eight-paneled playpen features two zippered doors to make it easier for your feline buddy to move in and out. However, for smart cats that have learned to unzip with their nails, the doors also have locks for additional security.
The remaining six panels and the roof are basically meshed windows, so your kitty can easily enjoy the outside view. For a cat owner’s ease of access, the roof mesh is also removable. To make cleaning easier, the floor mat is also removable and washable.
The product’s considerably big size – 32-inch height and 4-feet diameter –allows you to place water and food bowls, a litter box, and even a couple of toys or a cat bed inside it. It is lightweight and foldable, which makes it ideal for traveling.
Notable Features
- Comes with four ground stakes and a carrying bag
- Has a pocket for a water bottle and two pockets for keeping your cat’s accessories
- Zippers have additional locks for enhanced security
- Very easy to fold and set up
- Removable and washable floor and roof
2. Prevue Pet Products Premium/Deluxe Cat Home
- Paw friendly design - No gaps or pinch points
- Heavy duty, rust-resistant construction
- Two extra large hammocks and two lock-in platforms included
- Exceptional engineering makes this cat cage easy to assemble
- 43 1/4" Long, 25 1/4" Wide, 65 3/4" High - over 5 feet tall!
As the name suggests, this cat home by Prevue Pet Products is a large outdoor cat enclosure that is over 5 feet tall.
This lightweight yet sturdy catio is made of rust-resistant metal and features a paw-friendly design, which means there are no gaps or pinch points for the kitty to get her paws stuck.
It also features four levels, two extra-large hammocks, and two huge removable platforms, which means there is plenty of space for your cat(s) to play and rest.
The three large doors provide easy access to pet parents, so you can also spend some time with your feline companions.
Notable Features
- Lightweight, sturdy, and rust-resistant
- Paw-friendly design
- Two large platforms and hammocks, four levels, and big size make it ideal for multi-cat households as well
- Rubber rolling casters allow for easy movement of the catio
3. Zampa Foldable Pet Playpen
- Made from Durable quality & water-resistant materials
- DESIGN: stylish 8-Panel Puppy play pen, spacious interior
- MEASUREMENTS: playpen size 36" Dia, x 24" H, Panel Size:13" W x 24" H, Door Size: 9" x 14'' H, Mesh Cover Diameter:26'', Carrying Case Size: 24" x 15".
- NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: Pops up in seconds, no assembly needed, folds Flat, lightweight easy to carry
Spacious, portable, and durable – these are the top three features of this Zampa Playpen.
It is particularly ideal for active cats because it provides sufficient vertical and horizontal space; the playpen has a 2-feet height and is a little less than 4-feet in width.
According to reviews, the base is wide enough to fit a cat bed, litter box, water and food bowls, and a few toys.
All the eight panels have mesh windows, so your kitty will get a 360-degree view of the outside world.
Two of the windows can be rolled up and used as doors. Pouches and pockets on the sides make it easy to carry water, treats, and/or toys for your pet, while traveling.
The removable meshed roof window provides easy access to cat owners.
Notable Features
- Foldable
- Comes with a carrying bag
- Easy-to-clean
- Durable – made from a water-resistant material and features strong seams and reinforced corners
- 100% money-back guarantee for up to a year
4. PawHut Wooden Outdoor Catio Cage
- LARGE CAT HOUSE: perfect for one, or multiple cats to play or lounge and relax in.
- MULTI-TIER MAIN HOUSE: The multi-tier cat house includes a window, sliding door, a small hinged door, and a ramp to help for easy access into the house.
- DURABLE WOOD AND WIRE ENCLOSURE: made around a solid fir frame that is sealed with pet-friendly sealant and enclosed with strong metal wire.
- WEATHERPROOF DESIGN: The flat roof of this feline enclosure is covered with asphalt for enhanced weather protection against both sun and rain
- OVERSIZED CONVENIENT DOOR: Large front door, with latches, creates an easy access point to put your cat into and pull your cat out
Providing ample space and multiple vantage points, this large wooden outdoor cat enclosure will soon become your cat’s favorite place in the house.
The 3-foot wide and about 6-foot long catio is made of fir and a thick wire and features six platforms of different heights, an access ramp, and a paned window.
This means your cat will have sufficient space to satisfy its desire for climbing, jumping, and resting on high places. There is also enough room for cat accessories, such as a cat tree, toys, cat grass, and bed.
To prevent harsh weather from ruining your kitty’s mood, the roof of the enclosure is covered with asphalt and to ensure durability, the wooden structure is waterproofed with a coating of non-toxic and cat-safe sealant.
The catio also features a full-sized door that allows pet owners to go inside for cleaning or simply spending a little time with their feline friends.
With all these amazing features, the wooden cat enclosure by PawHut is truly a haven for pet cats.
Notable Features
- Large size and multiple-level platforms provide enough room for more one than cats
- Made from waterproof fir wood and asphalt (roof), which ensure sturdiness and durability
- Thick wire mesh eliminates the risk of escape
5. YDYL Mesh Cat Play Tent & Tunnel
- Easy Installation. Unique instant construction to set up the tent within seconds.
- Cat tent size is 72" L X48"W X36"H, roomy space for more than 2 cat play together.
- Durable Mesh construction
- Easy to carry and set up outside
- Small and compact storage bag
A combination of tent and tunnel, this 72″ L X 48″W X 36″H mesh-only cat compound provides a 360-degree view and ample room for running around.
If your cat prefers horizontal spaces over the vertical ones and loves watching birds and wildlife outside, this compound is your best bet!
The tent and the tunnel can be either joined together for offering a large space or can be used separately. For extra convenience, you can attach the open end of the tunnel to a window or cat opening in the door.
The cat playhouse only takes a few minutes to set up and comes with a carrying bag.
Notable Features
- Large size provides ample space for activities as well as for placing cat accessories
- Lightweight and portable; comes with a carrying bag that offers extra convenience
- Cat tent and tunnel can be used together or separately
- Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use
- Easy to set up and fold
6. Kittywalk Town & Country Pet Enclosure
- Multi-unit, netted outdoor enclosure for multiple cats. Dimensions: 96" (L) x 72 inch (H) x 18" (W)
- Includes Kittywalk’s Deck and Patio enclosure, the Kabana, and Penthouse
- Integrates easily with other Kittywalk outdoor pet enclosures (available separately)
- Nearly 30 cubic feet of play space for multiple cats
- 4 different hammocks for lounging; weather resistant canvas roofing
This fun plan pen has multiple levels and a tunnel section with enough space for multiple cats to play around in.
There are also hammocks hammocks for lounging and sun shade overhead for hot weather.
You can integrate it with other Kittywalk pen enclosure units to create a variety of environments for your cat.
Notable Features
- Multi-unit, netted outdoor enclosure for multiple cats. Dimensions fully assembled- Total length- 96 inch. Total height (including flag)- 72 inch. Total height (without flag)- 63 1/2 inch. Total width- 18 inch
- Includes Kittywalk’s Deck and Patio enclosure, the Kabana, and Penthouse
- Integrates easily with other Kittywalk outdoor pet enclosures (available separately)
- Nearly 30 cubic feet of play space for multiple cats
- 4 different hammocks for lounging; weather resistant canvas roofing
Conclusion
Outdoor cat runs, pens, and enclosures are increasingly becoming a necessary item for every household with a cat.
They resolve the issue that we face when wanting our cats to venture outdoors in safety.
In this article, we have reviewed some of the best options available out there to help you find an option that suits your needs, available space, and budget.
Buy the one that fits your requirements and let us know how you find it!
