8 Best Catios for Apartment Balconies in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks
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As people are becoming more aware and educated about the risks that outdoor cats face and the damage that they can do to the environment, catios are becoming increasingly popular.1 These are simply enclosed outdoor spaces for cats that enable them to be outside in a safe environment. If you live in an apartment, a catio can come in handy beause your cat likely doesn’t have access to a yard. If you have a balcony, your cat may attempt to spend time out there, but a feline loose on an apartment balcony is at risk of escaping or suffering an injury. These reviews will help you wade through the different types of catios on the market to choose the safest one for your apartment balcony.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall | Outback Jack Kitty Compound Cat Playpen Tent & Tunnel |
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Best Value | EliteField 2-Door Soft-Sided Dog & Cat Playpen |
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Premium Choice | Prevue Pet Products Deluxe Cat Cage Playpen |
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Best for Kittens | Eiiel Large Cat Cage Playpen |
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Kittywalk Town & Country Collection Outdoor Cat Playpen |
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The 8 Best Catios for Apartment Balconies in 2024
1. Outback Jack Kitty Compound Cat Playpen Tent & Tunnel — Best Overall
Size: | 74” x 63” x 36” |
Primary material: | Polyester mesh |
Number of levels: | 1 |
- Top pick
- Features a tent and tunnel
- 30 square feet of play space
- Breathable
- Easy to set up
- Folds into a carry bag for storage
- Needs to be secured in place
2. EliteField 2-Door Soft-Sided Dog & Cat Playpen — Best Value
Size: | Wide range of sizes |
Primary material: | Nylon |
Number of levels: | 1 |
- Eight sizes and eight color options
- Budget friendly
- Water-resistant nylon and breathable mesh
- Locking zippers and storage pockets
- Folds into a carry bag for storage
- Machine-washable mat is included
- Recommended for pets up to 45 pounds
- Needs to be secured in place
3. Prevue Pet Products Deluxe Cat Cage Playpen — Premium Choice
Size: | 25” x 25.25” x 44.88” |
Primary material: | Aluminum |
Number of levels: | 3 |
- Three levels and includes hammocks
- Rust-resistant, lightweight aluminum
- Rubber casters and light weight make it easy for one person to move
- Safe for paws
- Two-finger locking mechanism
- Easy to put together
- Materials may get hot in sunlight
4. Eiiel Large Cat Cage Playpen — Best for Kittens
Size: | 41” x 41” x 55”, 28” x 14” x 28”, 55” x 28” x 41” |
Primary material: | Aluminum |
Number of levels: | 3 |
- Three sizes
- Can be organized in multiple different ways
- Includes doors for easy access
- Good option for multi-cat homes
- Three levels with ramps between them
- Clear instructions and easy to assemble
- Materials may get hot in sunlight
5. Kittywalk Town & Country Collection Outdoor Cat Playpen
Size: | 96” x 18” x 72” |
Primary material: | PVC mesh |
Number of levels: | 5 |
- Brightly colored
- Multiple levels
- PVC mesh is durable and water resistant
- Awnings provide shade
- Can be folded up and stored in its bag
- Easy to put together
- Needs to be secured in place
6. GUTINNEEN Cat House Outdoor Enclosure on Wheels
Size: | 5” x 31.5” x 70.9” |
Primary material: | Wood |
Number of levels: | 4 |
- Made to be accessible via a window
- Multiple levels
- Weather-resistant components
- Locking casters allow for easy movement
- Enclosed napping box
- Made by a company that has a background in furniture building
- May need to air out for a few days before use
7. Frisco Collapsible Wire Cat Cage Playpen
Size: | 35” x 23” x 48” |
Primary material: | Steel |
Number of levels: | 3 |
- Three levels with included mats
- Locking casters for safety and movement
- Collapsible for storage
- Easy to put together
- Two sets of doors with two-finger locking mechanisms
- Materials may get hot in sunlight
- Shelves may be too narrow for large cats to comfortably use
8. PawHut Large Wooden Outdoor Catio Enclosure
Size: | 71” x 38” x 71” |
Primary material: | Wood |
Number of levels: | 3 |
- Three levels and six shelves
- Two color options
- Weather-resistant roof
- Large door
- May be too large for some apartment balconies
- Modifications may be necessary to ensure it is stable and weather-resistant
- Door may be too small for larger people
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Catios for Apartment Balconies
Choosing the Best Catio for Your Apartment Balcony
Choosing a catio shouldn’t be an overly complicated task, but it is important to choose the right item for your balcony.
Safety Tips
You want to make sure you choose a catio that safely fits your balcony and that doesn’t inhibit your ability to access the catio if needed or escape your apartment in case of an emergency. Any catio that fully impedes your exit from your apartment is not suitable.
Always check your apartment’s rules on patio furniture before choosing a catio. You may be limited to only catios that can be folded up or moved inside and outside, as opposed to a large structure that permanently lives on the balcony. Also, consider how you can secure the catio on your balcony. A lightweight catio that may blow away needs to be secured differently than a larger, heavier catio might. However, large structures still need to be checked for stability and safety. This is especially true if you live in an area prone to rapid changes in the environment, like hurricanes or earthquakes. Even if you can safely get your cat indoors, the last thing you want is for your catio to fall off your balcony and hurt someone below or damage property.
Conclusion
To recap these reviews, here’s what you need to know. The best overall catio for your apartment balcony is the Outback Jack Kitty Compound Cat Playpen Tent & Tunnel, which offers plenty of space to play and rest. The budget-friendly pick is the EliteField 2-Door Soft-Sided Dog & Cat Playpen, which is available in a variety of sizes and colors. The premium pick is the Prevue Pet Products Deluxe Cat Cage Playpen, which is functional and sturdy, and the most kitten-friendly option is the Eiiel Large Cat Cage Playpen, which can be set up in different ways, depending on your needs.
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