The Unexpected Usefulness Of Cat Cages
Contrary to popular belief, cat cages are not designed to keep our cats unhappily confined against their nature. Instead, it is sometimes necessary to implement temporary caging to safeguard your little ones’ physical and mental well-being.
The keyword here is ‘temporary’, and even then, this is largely dependent on (a) why you do it, and (b) the cage environment.
As a species, cats do not enjoy being kept in small spaces as it robs them of the freedom to roam and survey their surroundings. Long-term confinement can also build up nervous energy and contribute to more misbehavior during the day. However, there are some situations in which cat cages can prove to be rather useful - and here are four occasions when you might actually benefit from having a comfortable cat cage around (but more on that later).
Introducing A New Cat To The Household
While some cats are naturally sociable and may warm up to newcomers immediately, most enjoy the solitary life and have no qualms about expressing their dissatisfaction towards your new friend. As cats are highly territorial animals, it is not uncommon to witness aggression and intimidation during the initial meeting.
Careful introductions are necessary to smoothen out the introduction process between cats, and temporarily caging the newcomer can be an effective way to make both parties feel secure while providing a safe haven for your new kitten/cat. The cage creates a safe environment for your cats to be near each other, and slowly eases the newcomer into his new home.
Tip: Placing your tiny kitten or elderly cat in a spacious cage at night can keep them safe - and out of trouble - while everyone else sleeps. However, it’s important that you make the cage environment as cosy and comfortable as possible. The cage should feel more like a high-security cat condo than a prison cell.
Litter Box Training
For most cats, using the litter box is an instinctual behavior. However, not all cats are born “knowing” how to use that colored plastic box - and human intervention is sometimes necessary. Running out of ideas to resolve persisting litter box problems?
Litter-training your cat can begin with an intriguing, cosy space for him to explore and hangout. Modern cat cages are often designed to look like multi-storey luxury suites, and these are spacious enough for you to comfortably accommodate his bed and feeding bowls on the higher floors, while his litter box sits on the “ground floor”.
Provide plenty of toys and keep him comfortable in his private condo until he’s consistently using the litter box - then gradually grant him access to the rest of your home. By enforcing proper bathroom behaviors from a young age, you can prevent the onset of future complications down the road.
Diagnosing Ailments & Post-Surgery Cage Rest
Cages can be extremely useful in multi-cat households when you need to determine which of your cats is having a health or behavioral issue that might require immediate veterinary attention. By bringing your cats to the cage one at a time, this allows you to observe - and even collect - urine or stool samples, which effectively shortens the time required for your ill cat to receive proper medical care.
Following an extensive surgery or soft tissue procedure, cats may also be prescribed full-time “cage rest” as part of the treatment plan to help them make a full recovery. This is necessary to prevent post-surgery complications which can be caused by excessive running or jumping around. The cage rest period typically lies between two to eight weeks, and cat paw-rents are encouraged to follow through with your vet’s instructions - even if it means listening to your little ones meow pitifully.
Other Occasions For Temporary Caging
- Doling out medication
- Quarantining new cats (before testing for FIV/feline leukemia)
- Taming feral cats
- Hosting large gatherings at home
Note: While there’s little doubt that short-term caging can be very useful in some situations, this should only be done with your cat’s best interest at heart.
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Choosing A Cat Cage
No one said cages have to be cramp, boring quarters, and there are several tips to keep in mind when shopping for a good cat cage. For a start, the cage should be well-built, durable and comfortable for your cats - but here are some additional pointers to go on your list:
- Ease of use - easy to assemble and fold away
- Ease of access - features multiple doors for quick access and easy cleaning
- Size - spacious enough to comfortably house your cat essentials
- Different Levels - cats have an innate need to climb and will appreciate multileveled viewing platforms
While there’s no guaranteed one-size-fits-all when it comes to housing solutions, cat paw-rents on the prowl for a multi-storey modern cage will certainly appreciate the gorgeous aesthetics and ergonomic design of the Deluxe Pet Cage (shop here).
Designed for multi-cat households, this sleek cat condo comes in four fashionable colors and two built-in litter boxes to accommodate all your kitty essentials in true paw-some style. The multi-storey cage is practically a 2-room HDB with a dining area, living area (“hammock”), bedroom and bathroom all thrown into one. With four 360° smooth-rolling wheels at the bottom, this gorgeous cage can be easily maneuvered from room to room when you need to rearrange your household furniture. The easy-to-assemble design also allows the cage to be folded flat for easier storage when not needed.
- Provides a secure and comfy enclosure for your kitty when he needs to stay safely inside.
- Multi-storeys so your kitty can enjoy the extra space. Ideal for multiple kitties.
- Made of sturdy, lightweight plastic and includes wheels for easy relocation.
- Great for crate training or for keeping your pal safely confined.
- Easy latch props the door open for your cat can roam in and out when allowed.
- One extra hammock for added comfort—and they’re machine-washable for easy clean up.
- Built in bathroom—removable and easy-to-clean litter boxes.