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Considering how many cats I’ve lived with, it’s surprising that I’ve raised only five kittens. Maybe that was because of the advice I got from one of my favorite veterinarians: “Cats’ common sense doesn’t kick in until they’re about two.” With too little common sense and way too much energy, kittens get into every sort of trouble imaginable—and a lot you couldn’t even begin to imagine until it happens. That’s why kitten parents are always putting together homemade kitten enclosures and buying kitten playpens. A kitten playpen is a great alternative to having to kitten-proof every inch of your house or the house of someone you are visiting.
The Best Kitten Playpen
Unless they’re eating or sleeping, kittens are always at play. And as much fun as it is to watch your little furball cavort, you can’t keep an eye on them all day long. That’s where a good kitten playpen comes in.
Kitten enclosures come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. Some are clearly modeled on cages and carriers, while others are play enclosures with high sides (best for very young kittens). They also vary in terms of what play structures are inside them to keep a kitten occupied.
The folks at Necoichi are known for whimsical designer cat products, and this cat cage is no different. The black-and-white checkered polyester enclosure weighs less than three pounds. The pop-up structure is easy to collapse and close when not in use. It measures 31 x 20 inches at the base and is 20 inches high—which makes it one of the smaller kitten playpens. Kitten parents report that it is great for keeping your kitten safe while traveling and visiting other households. It even has built-in seatbelt straps for car travel.
This gray playpen from Chewy’s Frisco label comes in four sizes, ranging from three feet wide and two feet high to four feet wide and three feet high. There’s plenty of room for a small litter box, food and water, and a cat bed. A zip-on top is included, which is great if you are concerned about a kitten clambering out and running off. The pen can be used indoors or out, with stakes included to anchor it on a lawn. It’s easy to fold up and store in its carry bag.
This versatile zip-together tunnel works well to contain a kitten both indoors and out. Its mesh sides will keep your kittens—and all their toys—safely contained while still giving them room to scamper about. When not in use, the tunnel collapses for easy storage and portability. If you use the tunnel outdoors, it’s a good idea to keep the kittens under supervision, which includes watching the sun to make sure the tunnel always has a shaded area for them to rest.
When your kitten wants to get its outdoor on, this mesh playpen tent is the way to go. There’s room for a litter box, a bed, and a water dish—along with some toys. Use it on your deck or lawn—it comes with two stake-down pegs to hold the tent floor in place. Some cat parents report that they use it indoors to keep a kitten out of trouble (and away from larger pets) while they’re at work. When not in use, the playpen tent folds up into a convenient carry bag (included). Measurements: 74 x 63 x 36 inches.
Looking for something a bit more colorful? This playpen from Elitefield comes in six sizes and six colors. Perk up the basic beige with your choice of contrasting black, purple, royal blue, maroon, green, or brown. It has a zippered top, zippered bottom, and two zippered entrances. It’s made of lightweight steel tubing with polyester and mesh fabric and can be used inside or out to keep your kitten safe. Carrying case and ground stakes are included.
We like the shape of this lightweight, soft-sided playpen. Though quite wide at 47 inches, it’s shorter than most (two feet high), so you won’t be crawling into this one to play with the kitten. The sides are canvas and mesh (rather than polyester and mesh), making it durable even under attack from tiny kitten claws. Considering the large size, this is probably best for multiple kittens.
If your kittens need something sturdier than a fabric playpen, this cheery yellow-and-white cat cage from Iris may be the answer. The base is 32 x 22 inches, and it’s nearly four feet high—so there’s plenty of room for that climbing that kittens love. The cage weighs 32 pounds, so it can stand up to even the friskiest kitten without toppling. Four wheels on the base make it easy to move.
Splurge and treat your little furball to one of the cutest kitten enclosures on the planet. It’s 48 inches in diameter and 24 inches high, giving your kitten plenty of room to scamper—and space for water, litter, toys, and food. It can be used inside and outdoors, and we really like the carousel top that ensures your kittens will have a shady place to relax. The carousel is heftier than a number of the mesh playpens we’ve seen, weighing in at 19 pounds. It folds up and can be stored in the carry bag that’s included.
This sturdy, affordable little playpen gets rave reviews from people with small pets, in part because of the wooden frame that adds stability. It’s designed for use indoors or out and offers both a side door and a top opening. While lightweight, this playpen is not as easy to take apart and set up as the “pop-up” varieties. We think it would be great as a place to park your kittens in your office or family room when you need to make sure they stay out of mischief. Choose from two sizes and two colors.
