How to Make a Homemade Cat Cage

Cats are playful creatures that enjoy playing and sleeping in comfort and safety. Cats kept in any type of cage are no different and need to be able to access their treats, toys and other interesting things in their cage. Cat cages provide a new arrival protection when being introduced to other cats or may serve as a temporary transport to the veterinarian for a visit. A cage also is handy when trying to train a cat with litter box issues or to confine one who is about to give birth. How do you make or build a homemade cat cage in less than three to four hours? Here's how.

Things You'll Need

  • White wire closet shelving
  • Cable ties
  • Indoor /outdoor carpet
  • Latch-like clip
  • Shelves (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Building the Cage

    • 1

      Buy ventilated, wire-type shelving at Lowes or Home Depot. They have the best prices and selection. These usually come in sizes that are 12 to20 inches deep but can be customized to either larger or smaller sizes to accommodate the size of your cat.

    • 2

      Build one wall using one of the shelf pieces attached to another and held together by cable ties with the lipped sides together and facing inside the cage to grasp or cup together for stability.

    • 3

      Attach the roof (made the same as the walls) by latching the pieces adjoining the roof to the door. Assure that you leave some room or ̶0;play̶1; in the cable ties used until you are done so that adjustments can be easily made.

    • 4

      Put the back section of the cage on first with the lip downward to secure the fit. The front and middle pieces must have the lip of the shelving piece used pointing upward to secure the pieces to the walls. This prevents any gaps that could inhibit door movement.

    • 5

      Be aware that the doors will open like French doors. Secure one of the doors to the roof with a latch-like clip to prevent your cat from getting loose but still have the option of using both doors to remove things like the litter box or to insert things like a cat house or bed.

    • 6

      Stagger the placement of any small shelves in the cage so the cat has a variety of heights to go to. Adding shelves stabilizes the construction.

    • 7

      Clip all cable ties short so they do not obstruct the cat̵7;s movement or cause injury to the cat. Line the bottom of the cage and any shelves inserted with indoor/outdoor carpet to make the cat comfortable and prevent the cat̵7;s paws from falling through any open gaps that are created by using the shelf material as a floor of the cage.