New cat owners have many questions, especially if they’ve never owned a cat before. If you previously owned a dog, then you may assume that some aspects of caring for a cat are similar, including caging or crating a cat.
However, cats and dogs are very different and respond to caging and crating in almost opposite ways. Read on to learn more about caging a cat and why you should consider an alternative.
Is it Good to Leave a Cat in a Cage?
Generally speaking no, it is not a good idea to cage a cat. While dogs may enjoy crating because it harkens back to their days of sleeping in a den, cats are different. Yes, some cats may enjoy a crate or cage and could willingly use it, but most cats will feel trapped in a cage.
Whether leaving your cat in a cage is a good idea depends on your cat. Most cats are perfectly content sleeping in their usual comfortable areas, so they won’t prefer a cage or crate.
However, if you want to cage your cat overnight because it’s being destructive, you may need to keep them in a confined space overnight. That being said, there are much better options than crates and cages to consider.
If you do choose to keep your cat in a cage, you need to make sure your cat has everything it needs, including water, food, bedding, toys, and access to a litter box. Again, there are much better alternatives to caging a cat.
How Long Can a Cat Stay in a Crate?
If you cage your cat, the length of time it can stay in a crate depends on your cat’s size, the crate’s size, and your cat’s personality, health, age, and temperament. As a rule, never leave a cat in a cage for more than 24 hours.
Leaving a cat in a cage might seem like a good solution if you need to be away for a while, but this can be terrible for a cat’s health. Food and water aside, cats need to move and stretch, something that could be difficult in a cage. If you need to cage your cat, the less time it spends in a cage, the better.
Is it OK to Leave Kittens in a Cage Overnight?
Kittens shouldn’t be left in a cage overnight, though you may want to consider keeping them in a confined space where they won’t get lost, stuck, or in trouble. A bathroom or spare bedroom is perfect for kittens, and you can just close the door to keep them from escaping.
If the kittens you’re caring for are young — around eight weeks or younger — then they need supervision and feeding. This can be done by their mother, but kittens away from their mother need care from an adult. In this case, caging young kittens could be a good way to keep them from getting into trouble for short periods of time.
Of course, no matter where you leave kittens at night, make sure that they have access to food, water, kitten toys, bedding, and fresh air.
Related: New Kitten Checklist
Leaving Your Cat in a Closed Room Overnight
Leaving your cat in a closed room overnight is preferable to leaving them in a cage. If you choose to leave a cat in a closed room at night, make sure they have everything they need, and remove anything that could get them in trouble.
Remember that cats are social animals and are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active in low-light hours. They may be most likely to zoom around at this time, so they need a large space for moving and exploring. A room can work, so long as it is large enough.
If your cat shows signs of anxiety or stress, don’t leave them in a closed room or a cage overnight. You don’t want to cause them any harm!
Final Thoughts: Should I Keep My Cat in a Cage Overnight?
You should not keep your cat in a cage overnight. Cats and kittens can be left in closed rooms overnight, but they need access to food, water, bedding, toys, and fresh air. Note that cats and kittens may feel distressed if they’re trapped in a small space, and this can lead to outbursts in behavior. Instead of caging or crating a cat, give your cat a dedicated space where it can peacefully spend the night.
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