101 Facts, Beginners Guide

Why Do Cats Love Outdoor Enclosures & How To Make One

Written by OwnPlayground Team

Cats love freedom, and some cats think an outdoor enclosure is their personal kingdom. They love to sunbathe and play, climb on wooden platforms, use cat-sized sandboxes, eat from a bowl of their favorite food while they watch birds in the trees outside, perch on shelves, or hide under bushes.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

There is no denying that the outdoor ambiance brings with it some good vibes. Everyone, including pets, love spending time outdoors. If you’re a cat owner, you may have asked yourself, “Do cats love outdoor enclosures?”

The answer is yes, cats definitely do love outdoor enclosures. Just like their human counterparts, cats enjoy basking in the sun and taking in all the sights and sounds of nature. And what’s not to love about an enclosure that is specifically designed for them, complete with all the amenities they need?

Outdoor enclosures provide cats with a sense of security and safety, while also giving them the opportunity to explore their natural instincts. So, if you’re looking for a way to give your cat a little more freedom, an outdoor enclosure is definitely worth considering.

Benefits of Outdoor Enclosures to Cats

There are several benefits that catios or cat enclosures bring to cats. Outdoor cat enclosures give you the best of both worlds on a budget without the headaches of a DIY solution. Here are the benefits of an outdoor cat enclosure:

Gives Your Cat Space to Play and Explore

Cats love to play and explore, and an outdoor cat enclosure gives them the perfect place to do just that. With plenty of space to run around and plenty of places to hide, your cat will never be bored in their enclosure.

An outdoor enclosure lets your felines take in the fresh smells of the outdoors and gives them plenty of space for frolicking. Make sure you keep the enclosure stocked with cat toys and provide vertical space to make it the best gift your pet friend can ever imagine.

Keeps Your Cat Safe from Potential Hazards

There are many potential hazards that your cat could encounter if they were to roam free outdoors. Cars, other animals, and harsh weather conditions can all pose a threat to your feline friend. An outdoor enclosure gives them a safe space to play without having to worry about these dangers.

Cat reaching paws outdoors. — ***By keeping your cat in an outdoor enclosure, you can help protect them from these potential health risks***

In addition, diseases such as the Feline Immunodeficiency virus, fleas, and other parasites are commonly found in outdoor cats. By keeping your cat in an outdoor enclosure, you can help protect them from these potential health risks

Keep Your Cat Healthy and Safe

Also, giving your cat a space to play will keep it healthy and fit, but there’s more to an outdoor enclosure than just exercise. A well-placed cat enclosure will let your kitty bask in the sunlight and give it essential Vitamin D. The best part of keeping your cat in a controlled environment and out of the neighbor’s rubbish or vegetable garden will keep its coat looking clean and beautiful

Also, note that even the most friendly cat is actually quite introverted and has a need to feel in control of its own space. Without a private space to hide, they may suffer unnecessary anxiety. An outdoor enclosure gives your cat a place to feel safe and relaxed – especially when you’re not at home. Your cat can lounge in this enclosure safely without those annoying humans watching their every move.

Manages Behavioral Issues

If your cat is having behavioral issues, an outdoor enclosure can be a great way to help manage the problem. For example, if your cat is urinating outside of the litter box, an outdoor enclosure can give them a place to go, so they don’t have to use your house as their restroom. This will help keep your house clean and free of cat urine odor.

Cat laying at the litter box outdoors. — ***An outdoor enclosure can give them a place to go, so they don’t have to use your house as their restroom.***

An enclosed space outdoors gives your cats an area to separate themselves from other animals in your household to be alone and decompress, which can help address behavioral issues. Getting exercise and spending time in nature also benefits your cat’s mental health, which can curb destructive behaviors.

They’re Great for Cats of Any Age

Whether you have a kitten or an elderly cat, outdoor enclosures provide cats of all ages with the opportunity to explore and play in a safe environment. Kittens especially love to climb and explore, and an outdoor enclosure gives them the perfect place to do so without getting into trouble.

Older cats can also benefit from having an enclosed space to themselves where they can enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about predator animals or busy roads.

An Outdoor Cat Enclosure Protects Local Wildlife

Not only is it safe for cats to be in an enclosed space outdoor, but other wild animals too. The sharp teeth and razor claws of cats can quickly kill small prey animals. By keeping your cat indoors or in an outdoor enclosure, you can help to protect local wildlife from being killed by domestic cats.

Birds, mice, rats, squirrels, and bats are at risk when you leave your cats to roam around, as your cat will kill and bring you these birds and wildlife as offerings. Cats are predators, so there’s no way you can stop them from killing birds or rodents. However, you can provide a place that can keep your cat contained, like an outdoor enclosure.

Four cats on a outdoor enclosure. — ***By keeping your cat indoors or in an outdoor enclosure, you can help to protect local wildlife from being killed by domestic cats.***

Don’t forget to add a bird feeder nearby if your cat enjoys watching wildlife from its enclosure. This will allow your cat to watch its favorite prey without any risk.

Can Help Improve Relationships with Neighbors

If your cat likes to roam around and you live in a neighborhood, chances are your cat has gotten into a fight or two with other cats in the area. This can lead to bad blood between you and your neighbors, as they might think that your cat is a danger to their own pets.

An outdoor enclosure can help keep your cat away from other neighborhood cats, preventing any future altercations. This can go a long way in keeping the peace with your neighbors and ensuring that everyone is happy.

Provide a Fun Bonding Experience for You and Your Cat

If you have an indoor cat, chances are they don’t get a lot of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. An outdoor enclosure can give them the chance to do just that while also providing you with a fun bonding experience.

You can spend time together in the enclosure, playing with your cat or just watching them enjoy themselves. This is a great way to connect with your feline friend and create lasting memories together.

Enclosures Can House Cat-Friendly Herbs And Plants

If you’ve been wanting to create a cat-friendly garden, an enclosure is a perfect place to do it. You can fill the space with catnip, lavender, and other herbs that your feline friend will love. Not only will they have a blast exploring their new space, but they’ll also benefit from the aromatic plants.

Space For Litter Training

If you’re having trouble litter training your cat, an enclosure can give them the space they need to get used to using the litter box. By confining them to a small space, they’ll be more likely to use the litter box and less likely to make a mess elsewhere.

Cat tongue out. — ***You can fill the space with catnip, lavender, and other herbs that your feline friend will love.***

Reduce Personality Problems in a Multi-Cat Home

Cats are solitary hunters and territorial by nature. While your cat may learn to share indoor space with another cat, they’ll still love to enjoy it sometimes to themselves. An enclosure may help reduce conflicts and provide a place for your cat to escape when they need some alone time.

You can also have two separate enclosures if your two feline friends are having a hard time getting along. If you’ve got an adventurous cat, an enclosure can also prevent them from getting into mischief or getting lost outdoors. It’s important to create a safe space for your cats so they can stay happy and healthy.

Enclosures Can Provide Mental Stimulation for Your Cats

If your cats are indoors most of the time, an enclosure can provide them with much-needed mental stimulation. It can also give them a place to explore and play without getting into trouble. A well-designed enclosure can keep your cats happy and healthy, and it can also be a great way to keep an eye on them when you can’t be there.

Cat stretching at the outdoors enclosure. — ***Outdoor enclosure can give them a place to explore and play without getting into trouble.***

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cats love outdoor enclosures?

Yes, cat loves outdoor enclosures because it allows them to explore and play without getting into trouble. It also provides them with mental stimulation.

What are some things to consider when building an outdoor enclosure for cats?

When building an outdoor enclosure for your cats, you’ll want to consider the size of the enclosure, the type of material you’ll use to build it, and the location. You’ll also want to make sure the enclosure is safe and secure, with no sharp edges or exposed wires.

Final Thought

When it comes to our feline friends, it’s important to contain them so that they don’t roam free and get lost, or worse, get hurt. Cats love outdoor enclosures because it keeps them safe and provides the privacy that they very much value. Enclosures will give your cats a sense of security as well as plenty of stimulation and room to explore.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.

The Ultimate Guide to Anchoring a Playset to Avoid Accidents

Anchoring a playset is essential for keeping kids safe while playing in the area. Some of the best tools for anchoring a playset to avoid accidents include concrete with anchor pads, twist-in anchor screws, and pound-in stakes.

Building A Swing Set: The Complete Guide

There are many ways to make your child happy. But nothing gives them more pleasure than a swing set. Learn how to build a swing set with this guide and enjoy your kids’ playing on it later.

Sandbox Safety: How Often Should You Replace Sand?

The sandbox that is outside in your backyard is a great way to keep the kids busy and entertained, but with those benefits comes the task of cleaning out and replacing the sand once it gets dirty. Sandboxes are a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, so knowing how often you should change sand in the sandbox is imperative to keeping your child healthy.

How To Maintain a Picnic Table For Years?

The best way to maintain your picnic table is to clean the surface after use. The rust formed on the metal parts can be easily cleaned by using a wire brush.

How To Choose The Best Type Of Swing Set For Your Kids?

Setting up a swing set and finding the right one to purchase is an excellent way to keep your kids entertained in your backyard. These tips will help you decide which one is best for your children

10 School Playground Equipment You Can Place at Home

At Playground Equipment, we know it can be a hassle to find the right equipment for your school. That’s why our experts have selected their favorite products that they’ve found to be best-in-class at home.

How To Keep Your Playground Clean And Safe During Winter

The modern playground is a different animal than it used to be, and you’ll have to take precautions to keep your kids safe when they’re out on the swings and slides. Keeping the play area clean all winter is also a challenge that you must face. The following tips will give you some ideas about how to work these problems.

How to Make a Cheap & Easy Outdoor Playground Shade?

You can create your own playground shade using an assortment of items, such as a tarp, sheeting or plastic cover and metal hardware cloth. You can also add poles or stakes to secure the material in place. Playground shade is important to protect children from the sun’s harmful rays while they play.

The 5 Main Differences between Playgrounds and Parks

Playgrounds and parks offer a variety of benefits, yet certain key differences distinguish them from one another. Such distinctions may be overlooked when comparing the two facilities, but take a closer look and your observations will help you find the venue that best suits your child’s needs.

Avoiding The Most Common Playground Injuries

There are a lot of ways that kids can hurt themselves while playing at a playground and despite your best efforts, you can’t always protect them from injuries. As long as you plan ahead and keep close supervision on your kid, you can avoid major injuries and keep the fun going safely.

What Is the Difference Between a Playground and Park?

Playgrounds are typically smaller and include swings, slides, and monkey bars, whereas parks are larger and incorporate play areas, picnic spots, and walking trails. Here is a complete guide to the main features of playgrounds and parks.

5 Pieces of Playground Equipment Every Toddler Should Try

Toddler playground equipment is designed specifically with little ones in mind, crafted to deliver real developmental benefits. From traditional swings, slides and jungle gyms, to slides, climbing nets and more, here are 5 pieces of playground equipment every toddler should try.

The Ultimate Backyard Pool Size Guide

Backyard Pools offer a great way to enjoy the water without the hassle of building a full-size in-ground pool. Our Backyard Pool Size Guide gives you tips for choosing the perfect size and shape for your yard, so you can get the most out of your new pool.

14 Fun and Challenging Playground DIY Projects For Kids

Sometimes your kids want more than fun, prompting you to take them to playgrounds with challenging activities. You can consider doing several playground DIY projects for kids to maximize enjoyment for a new environment.

How to Build Your Children’s Playground from Used Tires

Have you ever dreamed of having a special playground for your children where they could play safely? Here’s how to do it on the cheap.

How To Prepare Your Backyard Ground For Child’s Playset

Before you can begin installing your backyard playset, or any play equipment for that matter, it is vital that you prepare the ground where you plan on placing it. Whether you are planning on installing a swing set, a climbing frame, or a playhouse, if the soil has not been properly prepared beforehand, it could cause future problems with the durability of your equipment.

6 Recommended Playground Equipment For School

A playground offers a fun place for children to play, exercise and engage in imaginative play, which can bring big academic benefits. It is important to use appropriate school playground equipment that meets all safety guidelines and ensure it is correctly located on the school grounds.

9 Benefits Of Owning Playground Equipment At Home

Playground equipment offers a lot of benefits to all members of the family and can be an investment worth making. We have detailed some positive aspects that are worth considering before looking into the purchase.

How Much Does It Cost to Build an Outdoor Playset?

The cost of an outdoor playset varies depending on the type, size, construction materials and the place that you purchase it. An average price is just under $2,000 to have a basic playset with swing, slide, surfacing and picnic table which is about 6 feet by 6 feet. The more elaborate or larger variety will most likely cost more.

8 Fun Games To Play At The Playground

Playgrounds are fun for children of all ages. There is nothing like the sound of laughter echoing around a playground, accompanied by the clatter of steel-enclosed joy. If you choose to take them to the playground, you should know that there are different games that can keep them busy while they are at it.