Cats shouldn’t be locked up in a crate for more than six hours at a time. If you crate your cat for more than a quarter of the day, it can get nervous and scared, which is bad for its mental health.
For traveling, the Animal Humane Society says that a crate is a good option for shorter trips, but not for trips longer than six hours. For longer trips, you can let your cat out of the carrier periodically to use the litter box and get water.
Cats need to be mentally and physically stimulated because they are curious and busy animals. For their health, it’s important that they have room to move, fresh food and drink, and chances to play and explore.
Understanding Crate Limits for Cats
Crate limits for cats vary depending on the purpose and frequency of crating. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Regular crating limits: If you crate your cat regularly, such as every day or every week, you should limit the duration to no more than four hours at a time. This is because cats need to stretch, exercise, and interact with their environment to maintain their physical and mental health. Crating them for too long can cause boredom, frustration, anxiety, and depression, which can lead to behavioral and health problems. Additionally, cats need access to food, water, and litter box at least every four to six hours to prevent dehydration, hunger, and urinary tract infections.
- Occasional crating limits: If you crate your cat occasionally, such as once in a while or for special occasions, you can extend the duration to up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period. This is because cats can adapt to temporary changes in their routine, as long as they have enough space, comfort, and stimulation in the crate. However, you should still provide food, water, and a litter box in the crate, and check on your cat regularly to make sure they are doing well. You should also avoid crating your cat for more than 12 hours in a row, as this can cause excessive stress and discomfort.
Reasons for Crating a Cat
There are many reasons why you might need to crate your cat, such as:
Introducing New Pets
If you have a new pet in the house, such as a dog, another cat, or a small animal, you might want to crate your cat to prevent territorial disputes, aggression, or injury. Crating your cat can help them adjust to the new arrival gradually while keeping them safe and secure. You can also use the crate to facilitate positive interactions between your cat and the new pet, such as feeding them near each other, letting them sniff each other through the crate, or allowing supervised playtime.
During Mating Seasons
If you have an unspayed or unneutered cat, you might want to crate them during their mating seasons, which usually occur in spring and summer. This is to prevent unwanted pregnancies, roaming, fighting, spraying, or contracting diseases. Crating your cat can also reduce their stress and frustration, as they will not be exposed to the sights, sounds, and smells of potential mates. However, you should also consider spaying or neutering your cat, as this can provide many health and behavioral benefits, such as reducing the risk of cancer, infections, and aggression.
Traveling
If you need to travel with your cats, such as by car, plane, or train, you will need to crate them to ensure their safety and comfort. Crating your cat can prevent them from escaping, getting lost, or causing distractions or accidents. It can also protect them from loud noises, unfamiliar sights, and stressful situations. However, you should also prepare your cat for traveling by acclimating them to the crate, choosing a suitable crate, and providing food, water, and a litter box in the crate. You should also consult your vet before traveling, as they might prescribe medication or supplements to calm your cat or prevent motion sickness.
Vet Instructions
If your vet instructs you to crate your cat, such as after surgery, an injury, or a medical procedure, you should follow their advice. Crating your cat can help them recover faster, as they will not be able to injure themselves further, or interfere with their wounds, stitches, or bandages. It can also prevent them from licking, scratching, or biting the affected area, which can cause infections or complications. However, you should also monitor your cat closely, and provide them with pain relief, antibiotics, or other medications as prescribed by your vet. You should also follow your vet’s instructions on how long and how often to crate your cat, and when to resume their normal activities.
During Sickness Or Illness
If your cat is sick or ill, such as with a cold, a fever, or a digestive problem, you might want to crate them to isolate them from other pets, or to prevent them from spreading germs or parasites. Crating your cat can also help them rest and heal, as they will not be disturbed by noise, light, or movement. However, you should also provide them with food, water, and a litter box in the crate, and check on them frequently to make sure they are comfortable and hydrated. You should also contact your vet if your cat shows signs of serious or worsening symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or difficulty breathing.
Alternatives to Crating
Crating your cat is not the only option to confine them or limit their access to certain areas. There are other alternatives that can provide more space, freedom, and stimulation for your cat, such as:
- Using a comfortable room: You can use a spare room, a bedroom, or a bathroom to keep your cat away from other pets, guests, or hazards. You can make the room cozy and inviting for your cat by providing a bed, a scratching post, a window, and some toys. You can also visit your cat regularly to give them attention and affection. However, you should also make sure the room is safe and secure, and that there are no items that your cat can chew, swallow, or knock over.
- Pet-proofed areas: You can use pet gates, fences, or barriers to create a pet-proofed area for your cat, such as in the living room, the kitchen, or the basement. You can fill the area with things that your cat likes, such as food, water, litter box, and entertainment. You can also interact with your cat while they are in the area, or let them out when you are around. However, you should also ensure that the area is well-ventilated, well-lit, and well-maintained and that there are no wires, cords, or chemicals that your cat can access.
- Outdoor enclosures: You can use an outdoor enclosure, such as a catio, a kennel, or a run, to give your cat some fresh air and sunshine, while keeping them safe from predators, traffic, or other dangers. You can equip the enclosure with a shelter, a perch, a water bowl, and some plants. You can also join your cat in the enclosure, or watch them from a distance. However, you should also protect your cat from extreme weather, parasites, or diseases, and supervise them at all times.
How to Make Your Cat Comfortable in a Crate?
If you decide to crate your cat, you should make the experience as pleasant and positive as possible for them. Here are some tips to make your cat comfortable in a crate:
Introducing The Crate Gradually
You should not force your cat into the crate, as this can cause fear, resentment, or aggression. Instead, you should introduce the crate slowly and gently, by placing it in a familiar and quiet area, leaving the door open, and putting some treats, toys, or bedding inside. You should let your cat explore the crate at their own pace, and praise them when they do. You should also associate the crate with positive events, such as feeding, playing, or cuddling. You should gradually increase the time and frequency of crating, until your cat is used to it and accepts it as part of their routine.
Providing Food And Water
You should always provide your cat with fresh food and water in the crate, especially if you plan to crate them for more than four hours. You should use spill-proof bowls, or attach them to the crate walls or doors. You should also monitor your cat’s food and water intake, and adjust them accordingly. You should avoid giving your cat too much food or water before crating, as this can cause bloating, nausea, or accidents. You should also avoid giving your cat new or unfamiliar foods or treats in the crate, as this can cause allergic reactions, digestive issues, or rejection.
Giving Plenty Of Play And Exercise Time
You should not neglect your cat’s physical and mental needs, even if you crate them. You should give your cat plenty of play and exercise time before and after crating, to burn off their excess energy, stimulate their senses, and strengthen your bond. You should use interactive toys, such as feather wands, laser pointers, or balls, to engage your cat in fun and challenging games. You should also provide your cat with some passive toys, such as mice, bells, or catnip, to keep them entertained and occupied in the crate.
Ensuring A Comfortable Sleeping Area
You should make sure your cat has a cozy and warm place to sleep in the crate, such as a soft bed, a blanket, or a pillow. You should also provide your cat with some familiar items, such as a piece of your clothing, a toy, or a scent, to make them feel more secure and relaxed. You should avoid placing the crate near sources of noise, light, or heat, as this can disturb your cat’s sleep quality and cycle. You should also respect your cat’s sleep patterns, and avoid waking them up or crating them when they are sleeping.
Using Positive Reinforcement
You should always reward your cat for good behavior in the crate, such as entering, staying, or exiting the crate calmly and willingly. You should use positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, or affection, to reinforce your cat’s association of the crate with something pleasant and desirable. You should avoid using negative reinforcement, such as scolding, yelling, or hitting, to punish your cat for bad behavior in the crate, such as meowing, scratching, or biting. This can only make your cat more fearful, anxious, or aggressive, and damage your relationship with them.
