The Best Cat Playpens
Cats are sometimes stereotyped as lazy loungers, but we know that's not true. When you have the right toys and they're in the mood, cats are just as playful as dogs. A cat playpen provides your pets with a safe place to run around, hang out, and nap. You can place them in your home or even outside for some much-needed fresh air and sun. Plus, they come in different shapes and sizes and are fairly easy to assemble. We've found quite the selection. Take a look.
What to Look For
In our research, we found that the best cat playpens are user-friendly, durable, and safe. For example, Ruff ‘n Ruffus has made a foldable cat playpen perfect for portability. It even comes with an expandable food bowl. If you own more than one cat and have room, Eiiel’s indoor playpen provides plenty of room for your pets to roam and play. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
Ruff ‘n Ruffus Portable Foldable Cat Playpen
Portable play
This portable playpen is great for cat owners on the go. And whether you own one or more cats, Ruff ‘n Ruffus offers their playpen in a range of sizes. Whatever option you choose, rest assured that this playpen is travel-friendly. It even comes with a convenient travel bag. Because of its durable meshed windows, you can take it to the beach, or the park, or simply enjoy a sunny afternoon in your backdoor. If that’s not all, the 16 oz collapsable bowl is a nice bonus you can use for water and food on the go.
Pros:
- This playpen can withstand abuse from rambunctious cats who love to chew and scratch.
- We found that if you leave this playpen up, cats will turn it into their next favorite napping spot.
Cons:
- It’s pretty durable for cats, but multi-pet owners should not use this playpen for their dogs.
X-Zone Pet Foldable Cat Playpen XL
Big and breathable
X-Zone’s portable XL playpen is ideal for multi-cat owners. The lining is made of durable polyester, and the eight breathable meshed windows give your cats a protected view of their surroundings. And while the door is made of the same meshed material, your cats will remain secure due to the lockable zipper. Moreover, the playpen’s removable roof provides you with easy access and a safe way for your kitties to catch some rays.
Pros:
- We love the external pockets, which you can use for snacks, toys, and water bottles.
- Unlike other portable playpens, this one has some weight and sits evenly on most surfaces. It shouldn’t tip over.
Cons:
- While it is portable, this playpen can be hard to fold back up; it’s achievable but a tad frustrating.
SlowTon Small Animals Playpen
A safehaven
This small playpen from SlowTon is ideal for kittens. It’s small enough but also boasts plenty of room for your little ones to play. It’s safe enough for outdoor use, too, especially since it comes with eight ground nails to prevent it from blowing away. What’s more, the playpen is surrounded by a clear breathable mesh so you can keep an eye on your kittens. But on hot afternoons, the detachable bottom doubles as a sunshade. Even better, it’s easy to assemble with no tools required.
Pros:
- We love the protective space this playpen provides. If you own more than one pet and want to keep your kitten safe as they acclimate, this is worth considering.
- The foldable design is easy to figure out and collapses without hassle.
Cons:
- Crafty kittens can find a way out, so don’t leave your pets unattended.
Eiiel Large Cat Cage Indoor
Plenty of room
Eiiel’s large cat cage is perfect for multi-cat homes. There’s not much included, but its large real estate gives you the room you need to furnish it with scratching posts, cat condos, litter boxes, and anything else you can imagine. The cage comfortably fits about four large cats and has six doors for them to use freely. Assembly-wise, you’ll only need the included mallet to hammer in the corners. We’d recommend assembling this cage with a partner because it is a bit time-consuming. However, we think you’ll be pleased with the results.
Pros:
- We like how you can modify this cage as you see fit.
- It’s ideal for cats who cause trouble when you leave the house. They’ll have the space they need, and you’ll have peace of mind.
Cons:
- Assembly is doable but difficult.
Kitty City Outdoor Mega Kit
Everything you need
Kitty City’s Outdoor Mega Kit proves that you can have it all. This playpen may be large, but it’s easy to assemble and ever-expandable with attachments like Kitty City’s three-way tunnel. Whether you expand this playpen or not, it’s spacious enough to house about four cats. And if you’re worried about durability, you can relax. Its breathable mesh is strong enough to handle sharp teeth and claws. Plus, it comes with steel stakes for added security when you’re outside.
Pros:
- We highly recommend purchasing the tunnel to go with this. It makes an already awesome playpen even better.
- This playpen is huge and may look daunting, but you can put this together (and move it around) on your own.
Cons:
- It’s on the expensive side for what you’re getting, but we still like how expandable it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all cats like playpens?
We wish we had a definitive answer, but honestly, it depends. Cats are finicky, and while some cats will gush over a playpen, others may prefer something else. We’d recommend giving your cat some time to see if they’d actually enjoy it.
Are most playpens portable?
Playpens tend to be portable, but some are designed specifically for stationary or indoor use.
About the Author
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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.