The use of dog crates as cat and kitten confinement space.

One of the challenges in cat and kitten confinement is the choice of a cage that benefits the goal of containment,  the ease of maintenance of the cage and what best suits the owner.

Containment goals may include, but not be limited to ,taming, holding, or rehabilitation from injury or surgery.

Maintenance includes functionality of the interior, ease of cleaning and a workable space for taming, and a space that is intellectually enriching for the cat.

Suitability for the owner may include where they are going to put the cage, how they will care for it, and how their physical status matches the demands of the situation.

Here are a few examples of how I have used  dog crates. I bought medium sized, Bargain Hound brand crates from PetsMart for less than $50.00 each. They measure 36" long, 23"wide and 24" high. They come with a plastic tray.

I selected dog crates over the typical 3 story cat condo due to the fact I have metal clips imbedded in my spine and I do not kneel or bend like I used to. Having a one level dog cage is much easier for me to work with.

I also believe that having cats at my level of function and sight is better for them than on the floor in a cat condo.

The following set of photos are just examples of my use of dog crates as cat cages.

 

 

  

 
This is a feral tom in a double wide next to my garden shed. It is January, cold, wet, nasty. He was due to be neutered and released. I keep him outside so that he keeps his thick winter coat. "Socks" is doing well back as Neutered King of his Colony.  
       
       

 
The cat has a lot of room and 3 zones. Zone 1 is his white box complete with a heating pad set on medium. Zone 2 is the single cat condo with a litter box tucked behind it. Zone 3 is the shelf area creating a second story. The tan carpet comes from Wal-Mart and is a perfect fit for the trays. I can steam/power clean them and reuses them as needed.  
       
       
 

Same cage before tom arrived. Food and water is over in front of the condo. I can add or remove shelves as needed.

  
       
 

Another double wide set up for another tom. Same basic arrangement as above. This double wide was used for kittens and thus the "toy" fence in front. This kept toys from being kicked out onto the ground. Both cages are set up in a wooden long table set 3' off the ground. This height allows me to be at the same level as the cats.

  
       
       
     

This is my cat Alex recovering from cancer surgery. I had to keep him confined for a few days to keep him quiet. I set him up in a new cage in my living room set up on a table. The blue straps secure the cage to the table. Alex is a digger in the litter box, so he has a big box.  I attached a piece of plexi-glass to the inside of the cage to keep litter from being kicked out onto the floor. I slept on the couch so I could attend to him at night. He did very well and his ear is completely healed.
       
       
     

Cage set up for orphan kittens. With no momma to supervise them 24/7, I use a cage to confine them. They are all 5 weeks old. The red hammock I found at PetsMart and it is for a ferret. The kittens loved it. The gray tube is an unused section from my cat tree. It is a perfect fit and the kittens love to climb up into their hammock. Below, I have a small litter box, a single cat cubby and places for food.

 
       
       
     
  Snug and warm in the hammock.    
       

These are but a few examples of the many uses of dog cages for cats and kittens. I have used double wide for mommas, with one side fitted with a big cardboard birthing box and the other set up for a quiet spot for momma. 

I hope these are helpful. If you desire more info, drop me a line, I will do what I can. Good luck with your cats and kittens.

 

  
       
       
       

All photographs and related content are ŠK.Welles and will not be reproduced, copied or transmitted without express written permission.

September 18, 2004

  
       
  thewildones@comcast.net