How Long Can You Keep A Kitten In A Cage?

Last Updated on 2 years by GILBERT FILLMORE

Wondering how long can you keep a kitten in a cage? Keeping our young feline companions in a cage is a controversial topic. People will look at it from different perspectives, whether it’s for their own welfare or not. “How long is long enough though?”If kittens stay in a cage for extended periods of time they can have physical and psychological issues. It would be rather disheartening to see a stressed and anxious kitten, during this delicate stage in their cute lives. Furthermore, you may end up severing the bond between you and the cuddly creature.

When it comes to kittens and cages, it is not recommended to keep them in there for extended periods of time. In fact, the only time this can probably be recommended is if you are transporting them or during vet visits. This can be useful in short-term confinement and help you control your little furry friend a little. Kittens are playful and curious adorable animals, meaning they need enough space to explore and play. Taking this away from them can lead to undesired behavioral habits that may last their entire lifetimes. Determining how long a kitten should be kept in a cage will ultimately depend on the circumstance and personality of your kitten. Sit back as we delve into the intricate details that will help you how to go about this challenging topic.

Understanding Kitten

Before opting to confine kittens, you have to understand their general behavior and body language indications. Since they are curious creatures they love to explore, which is not a better-suited trait for confinement. They are also very playful, which plays a key part in their overall development. They will enjoy pouncing since hunting is in their natural instinct. If you have one or more, they will wrestle since they kind of enjoy this. It can be a tough call to confine this free-spirited four-pawed youngling.

When it comes to their energy, kittens sure do love to burn their calories. This means they would need regular exercise to strengthen them. They also need proper socialization to enable them to interact well. If your kitten is well socialized, then you probably don’t even need that cage you want to keep them in. Communication is a key part of their lives and they will meow, purr, hiss, and growl depending on their mood or personality. Since kittens are young, when going through the teething phase, they may nib at anything, even you. And just like all of us, they need their long quality sleep after a long day. Understanding these behaviors can give you a general idea of how long you would need to keep your four-pawed companions locked up.

Reasons For Keeping Kitten In A Cage

It would be cruel to just put kittens into cages for no reason at all. It is inhumane and probably why putting kittens in a cage is considered controversial. You need a good reason to confine these free-roaming cute animals and one of them can be because of a medical condition. If your kitten has had surgery and is recovering from one, the best way to protect them from infections is by confinement. It would depend on the length of recovery, but all in all the cage would have to be suitable for the kitten’s size and conditions.

Kittens being young can sometimes be a little bit too adventurous. If the reason you need a cage is due to the lack of necessary supervision, then you have to know how often the kitten will be left alone. You also have to provide toys and engagement activities to keep the furry companion occupied. It may also be a matter of safety concerns, with other pets, hazards or children, sometimes a cage would be the best way to keep the kitten safe. Overall, if the kitten is prone to anxiety and stress, you will have to find a way to address this. This will ensure that their health and well-being is being looked after.

Time Limits For Confinement

Confining our furry friends can sometimes cut them off from their daily needs and requirements. Kittens being young need to be fed several times a day with specially formulated nutritional needs. They also need a litter box in which they can defecate and urinate in, which should be cleaned daily. Kittens need comfortable bedding to sleep on in order to feel warm. Grooming ensures that their coat is healthy and shiny. Constant love and attention will make them feel safe and secure. The one thing they need more is their playtime, keeping them active and entertained. Kittens need this and other things which can make it rather hard to determine how long to keep them in a crate or cage.

When it comes to the time limits for confinement, there is no one answer. Kittens have varied personalities which means you have to tailor an approach to confining them. However, most veterinarians and animal welfare organizations recommend that kittens be kept in cages for no more than twelve hours per day. This way kittens can explore and interact with their surroundings, having time to play and get the required exercise that they need. If you intend to hold kittens for longer than this, ensuring that the cage is large enough for the kitten to roam freely is important. You can then take them out regularly to let them explore a little bit.

Alternatives To Keeping Kitten In A Cage

Sometimes, your kitten’s individual personality will make putting them in a cage a little frustrating. There are other techniques to keep them confined, without necessarily giving them the same feeling. For one, you could designate a room that is safe for kittens. Here they can play, sleep and eat without being confined to a small space. Ensure that no hazards are there that can injure the kitten. You can also use a pet playpen, which is an enclosed area for your kitten to play and explore. When setting up a playpen ensure that it is in an area where it can’t be easily taken down.

To some extreme extent, you can also kitten-proof your home. Similar to baby proofing, you remove dangerous objects and small items that the kitten can swallow. Electrical cords should safely be kept and block off areas that may be dangerous to the kitten. If the reason you wanted to cage your kitten is due to a lack of supervision, you can take your kitten to a kitten kindergarten. Here, the cuddly young one will be taught social skills and get to spend time with young ones from the same species. This would be a literally great way to make your cat learn and also get their daily needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to keep a kitten in a cage?

It is okay to keep kittens in a cage temporarily. Keeping them in cages for extended periods of time is generally not recommended. Kittens need enough playtime, exercise, and time to explore their surroundings with their curiosity.

Can I keep my cat in a cage overnight?

It is not recommended to keep your cat overnight on a regular basis. If you need to keep confining them, ensure that the cage is large enough to give them enough space to roam. You can also keep enough food, water, and comfort for them to feel okay.

Where should I put my kitten at night?

You can provide a safe and comfortable space for your kitten to retreat to. This space should have been cozy with bedding or a soft pad for the kitten to relax on. It should also be away from potential hazards and have enough food and water.

What happens if you leave a kitten alone too long?

Leaving kittens alone for extended periods of time will lead them to feel stressed and anxious. Kittens have daily needs that include playtime, and socialization, especially during this period of time. You can consider a kitten kindergarten or professional sitter if you need to leave them.

Can kittens sleep in the dark?

Yes, kittens can sleep in the dark. Like most cats, kittens will prefer to sleep in a dark and quiet environment that is similar to their natural sleeping condition in the wild. Providing a comfortable sleeping area will make them feel more relaxed and safe.

Conclusion

To sum it up, keeping kittens in a cage can have its advantages but it is generally not recommended to leave them there for longer periods of time. If you must keep your kitten in a cage, it should at least be for less than 12 hours a day. This way they can get to have their daily needs met before they have their quality sleep. There are a lot of demerits that come with keeping them in a cage though, since they are still young. They will lack socialization and might show signs of anxiousness and fear. There are alternative methods that may be a little more comfortable, such as playpen that you can try out. Overall, it is important to ensure that your kitten gets their daily needs.