Hi, I’m Marlinda, the creator of Outdoor Cat Enclosures and a longtime cat mom with a heart for helping other cat parents find real solutions for their cats’ needs. This site is all about giving you the tools and information you need in order to create a safe yet engaging way for your cat to experience the outdoors.
This site was born out of my own journey in helping my own cats enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and excitement of nature without exposing them to danger.
When I first started looking for solutions, I didn’t have much to go on. I’d watch my cats gaze longingly out the window, knowing they wanted to be out there chasing mice, but I also knew the world outside wasn’t always kind to them. Between predators, fast-moving vehicles, territorial neighborhood cats, and harsh weather, the risks were too high to simply let them roam free.
As a result, I tried different setups and researched countless ideas until I finally found ways to give my cats safe outdoor freedom. When I realized that other cat parents had this same conundrum, I decided to create Outdoor Cat Enclosure to share everything I know while also continuing to refine my setup.
Whether you live in an apartment, a townhouse, or have a small backyard, I want you to know that your cat can still enjoy the outdoors safely. Every guide, article, and resource here was created to help you find solutions that fit your space, lifestyle, and budget.
Outdoor Cat Enclosures Special Mission
But my mission goes even beyond helping cat parents to create safe outdoor spaces. My ultimate goal is to help cat parents find a good balance for their cats to avoid many issues that lead to surrendering cats to animal shelters.
Safe outdoor enrichment can decrease excessive, unwanted behaviors like overly scratching furniture, aggression, restlessness, etc. These aren’t bad cats, they’re simply bored or under-stimulated.
Cats are natural explorers. They need to climb, see, smell, and feel connected to the world. When we give them a safe outlet for that energy, they become calmer, happier, and more affectionate companions at home.
I’m not a veterinarian or animal behavior expert. I’m just a cat mom who’s learned through trial, error, love and understanding. My goal is to make that learning curve easier for you by sharing what’s worked for me and others, highlight what’s safe, and guide you toward creating a secure, enriching environment for your feline family members.
If you’re ready to begin, visit the Outdoor Cat Enclosures Hub. There, you’ll find resources organized by what matters most to you, including:
- By Space: ideas for apartments, patios, and small yards
- Safety: tips for protecting your cat from predators and escape risks
- Enrichment: toys, furniture, and sensory upgrades for happy, calm cats
- Care & Maintenance: simple ways to keep your enclosure clean and long-lasting
- Buyer’s Guides: trusted product recommendations for every budget
This community was built by and for cat lovers who share the same goal of keeping our cats safe, happy, and loved. Take your time exploring the site, ask questions when you need to, and know that you’re not alone in wanting the very best for your feline friends.
Together, we can help our cats thrive safely, naturally, and with all the joy they deserve.
~ Marlinda
As a fellow pet lover, I just want to say how much I appreciate the heart and purpose behind this site. I see that same longing in my own cats’ eyes when they watch the birds flitting about or sniff the breeze; it’s as if they’re dreaming of adventures outside, completely unaware of the dangers lurking out there.
Your journey and mission truly resonate with me. I love how you’ve turned trial and error into a resource that helps other cat parents find safe, joyful solutions. The reminder that unwanted behaviors often stem from boredom, not ‘badness,’ is so important.
Thank you for creating a space that honors both our cats’ instincts and our desire to protect them. I’m excited to explore more and give my feline companions the safe outdoor adventure they deserve.
Hi Alyssa,
Your comment truly touched my heart. Thank YOU for taking the time to share that.
I can completely relate to the way you described your cats watching the world outside. That same look of curiosity and longing is what inspired me to start building safe outdoor spaces for mine too. It’s such a beautiful thing to nurture their natural instincts while still keeping them protected.
I’m really happy to know the message about boredom and behavior resonated with you. It’s something so many cat parents struggle with, and I believe understanding that connection can make a world of difference for our pets.
If you’d like to explore next steps, the Outdoor Cat Enclosures Hub is a great place to start. It’s organized by topics like space, safety, enrichment, and care to help you find the best setup for your cats’ needs.
Thank you again for your kind words and support. It means more than you know. ????
— Marlinda
I really love the heart behind this project, Marlinda. It’s clear you understand both the curiosity and the vulnerability of cats who long to be outdoors. I think more cat parents need to hear this because there is a middle ground between total indoor confinement and unsafe roaming. Outdoor cat enclosures truly bridge that gap beautifully. I’d love to know what kind of materials or setups have worked best for keeping the cats safe from predators while still giving them a full outdoor experience.
John
Hi John,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words, I really appreciate that you see the balance we’re trying to share here. You’re absolutely right that there’s a healthy middle ground between keeping cats completely indoors and letting them roam freely. That balance is where we really shine here at The Best Outdoor Cat Enclosures.
When it comes to materials, I’ve found that powder-coated metal or reinforced wire mesh provides the best mix of safety and visibility. Wooden frames can look beautiful and natural, but they do need proper weatherproofing to stay durable.
For added predator protection, especially in rural areas like mine where hawks and coyotes are a concern, solid roofing or partial covers can help keep cats secure while still giving them fresh air and sunshine.
If you’d like a deeper look into this, we’ve put together a guide on protecting your cat from predators and wildlife. It goes over design strategies and setup tips that help strike that perfect balance between safety and freedom.
Thanks again for such a meaningful comment, I couldn’t agree more with your perspective.
— Marlinda