If you are a cat owner, you will know that your feline friend loves to have his own space. This is because, your cat needs to be able to get away from the hubbub of family life for some peace, quiet, and me time. And tucking themselves away inside a cozy, warm space will also help them to feel protected and safe.
To help your kit, you could consider adding a cat tent to your home or opt for an outdoor tent if you like to get out and about with your pet. This is where our best cat tents review comes in.
Whether you are looking for something practical or stylish, we have the best indoor and outdoor cat tents for cat lovers to choose from.
At a Glance: Our Choice of 10 Best Tents for Cats
1 Best Overall: Outback Jack Kitty Compound
- Playhouse and run, which can be used together or separately
- Offers over 30ft2 of space
- Made from tough mesh fabric
- Includes weights and carrying bag
The Outback Jack Kitty Compounds gives you the best both worlds and enables your cat – or other pets – to both sleep and play.
With its sizeable playhouse and attached play cat tunnel, this compound is perfect for the lawn or yard if your kit wants to enjoy some fresh air and warm summer rays. Then pop a cozy cat bed inside the playhouse and it can be transformed into an indoor space come wintertime.
Plus, the mesh fabric is tough enough to keep your kitty safe from any unwanted garden visitors when used as a cat tent outdoors.
Ideal for other small pets such as rabbits, this compound easily folds flat for storage in its own carry bag for total convenience, making it our review’s best cat tent overall.
- Versatile playhouse and exercise tunnel
- Can be used indoors or out
- Ideal for cats and other small pets
- Offers no protection or private area
- You need plenty of space to use the whole compound
2 Best Outdoor: FurHaven Soft-Sided Cat Playpen
- Easy-to-use pop-up design
- Mesh outer with 360o view
- Secure zipper door
- Comes with its own carry bag
While this may be a compact design, the versatility of the Furhaven makes it our review’s best outdoor cat tent.
Available in a choice of colors as well as four sizes, your feline will feel secure and comfortable in this pop-up playpen. Plus, there’s enough space to add in a cat bed if they crave a little more privacy. Made from a lightweight yet durable mesh for a 360-degree view, your kitty will also get plenty of ventilation.
The pop-up design is super simple to use, and it also comes with metal corner stakes so you can secure it to the ground. This means it’s the perfect cat tent to take with you on camping trips or days out at the beach. It is not perhaps tough enough to use all year round, but if your indoor cat likes to spend secure time outside, then this easy-to-clean pop-up from Furhaven ticks all the boxes.
- Well-thought-out design for easy set-up and storage
- Good ventilation for warmer days
- It may not be the best cat tent for colder days
3 Best Pop Up: Fooubaby Cat Tent
- Pop-up design is quick and easy
- Two large, zipped entry doors
- Available in four colors
- For pets under 12 inches high
When you have cats, the last thing you need is to spend too much time setting up their pet tent. This is why we are impressed with this quick and easy-to-use pop-up from Fooubaby.
This pet tent also features a steel wire frame for durability made from mesh fabric with two large, zipped entry doors. And the design means it easily pops into shape, leaving plenty of space for your cat. Weighing in at just one pound, this is the best cat tent great to have in the car when you are out and about in the great outdoors, but it also works well when you want to spend time with your kit in the garden.
However, it is a little limited in creature comforts, although there is plenty of internal space to add your own.
- Lightweight, easy to use, and portable
- 360° view and secure zipped doors
- Doesn’t include any stakes to secure the tent in place
4 Best Tent Bed: Best Pet Supplies Linen Tent Covered Cat Bed
- Smart and portable pet tent
- Made from a soft, washable fabric
- Plush inner lining for comfort
- Cozy inner space for privacy
This super-plush tent looks adorable and offers a high level of comfort for your indoor-loving cat. Made from a choice of faux suede, linen, or durable corduroy, the walls, and base of this cat tent bed are boosted by soft poly-foam lining. And this means your kit could become reluctant to leave their special hiding place!
The inside dimensions are certainly cozy but will give your kit the security and peace they crave when they need to escape from it all. The flexible outer means this gorgeous cat tent bed can fit in most spaces in your home. And while it does have a sumptuous design, it is also practical, as this trendy pet cat tent can also be popped into the washing machine.
- Smart looks and color choices to match your home décor
- Super-soft inner and plenty of private space
- The outer cover is not removable
- It is sized on the smaller side
5 Best for Camping: Petall Pet Camping Tent
- Easy set-up and convenient storage
- Mosquito-proof mesh outer
- Large inner space
- Available in three sizes
If you like to take your cat with you on your camping trips, then this pet tent from Petall is a good addition to your kit list.
It takes around five minutes to set up and offers a good floor space that you can tailor to your kit’s needs. The outer is made from lightweight, mosquito-proof mesh, so not recommended for overnight use. But for daytime, this is the perfect way to keep your cat safe and by your side.
The floor is lightly padded and is roomy enough to have a cat bed added inside. And, with a steel wire frame, the two large doors are secured by tough zips to keep your cat safe and secure.
Available in a choice of three sizes, we also like how neatly this outdoor cat tent packs away into its carry bag for easy transportation.
- Lightweight and easy to carry on your travels
- Can be adapted with your cat’s own bed inside
- Only for daytime use as the mesh is quite thin
6 Best Indoor Cat Tent: Little Dove Pet Teepee
- Stylish tepee tent design
- Machine washable canvas
- Push up pine poles
- Removable cushion
Little Dove takes a straightforward pet tent and ups the ante, with this gorgeous tepee design. Made from 100% canvas that is machine washable, it may be cute, but it can also stand up to a lot of feline use.
The tepee construction uses sturdy pine poles to maintain the shape. With tie-back doors and a lovely stripy pattern. inside you get a matching padded, removable cushion.
With its ingenious setup – you pop this cat tepee up as you would an umbrella – not only will your indoor cats love spending time in this best cat tent for using indoors, but it will work beautifully with your interior design!
- Lovely styling which will look good in any home
- Fully washable and includes an inner cushion
- Ideal for cats up to 15 pounds
- The shape means it can be a little tight on space inside
7 Best Heated: K&H Pet Products Mod Thermo-Kitty Shelter
- Waterproof polyester outer
- 25W inner heated cab
- Half-heated floor pad
- Ideal for year-round use
Cats love their creature comforts, and that includes being cozy and warm. And this is especially the case if your pet is an outdoor cat. This is why we are impressed by the Thermo Pod.
Designed to be used outside, the Thermo Pod features a 25W heated cab inside the tent, which can keep your cat warm, even when the winter temperature drips. And the whole pod, not just the inner cab, has been certified as exceeding the USA/CA electrical safety standards.
Easy to assemble, the outer shell of the Thermo Pod is made from waterproof, heavy denier polyester to keep out the worst of the weather. And we like the smaller size of the door hole, which allows your cat access into the toasty cave-like space inside.
The final detail to note is the half-heated floor pad, so your kitty can choose whether they need the extra heat or not when selecting where they sleep.
- Safe and secure heated inner to keep your outdoor cat toasty
- Clever half-heated floor pad so your cat can choose when to keep warm
- Can initially be a little fiddly to set up
- The outer shell can lose its shape
8 Hi Suyi Portable Pop Up Pet Tent
- Pull string pop-up mechanism
- Breathable mesh fabric
- 74 x 63-inch floor space
- Circular zipped door
Now onto the best of the rest, and the Hi Suyi is a good choice if you have multiple cats that you need to keep secure, in or outdoors. The top pull string makes setting up this pop-up tent a doddle and it is just as quick and easy to take down. This mesh cat tent is a great travel companion as it is lightweight and also comes with its own carry bag.
The floor space is generous, so large enough for several cats, or small pets and you can also pop in a cat bed and a box of cat toys to make this cat tent a proper feline home-from-home.
- Large, lightweight outdoor tent with clever pull string set up
- Large, lightweight outdoor tent with clever pull string set up
9 FurHaven Calming Fleece Covered Cat Bed
- Snug, foldable design
- Polyester outer and fleece inner
- Removable bed pad
- Machine washable
With lush colors and sumptuous padding, what’s not to love about the cozy Furhaven foldable pet tent. You get a choice of 12 colors for the outer fabric, which is made from 100% polyester and features a soft fleece lining and springy foam walls.
The entrance to the tent is also snug, which many cats will love as it creates a private inner space to get away from it all.
This is an excellent pet bed when vacationing with your cat as the whole tent collapses thanks to the clever fold design. And the whole tent, including its removable inner bed, is totally machine washable.
- Stylish design that folds for easy storage and carriage
- Self-warming fleece liner provides great insulation
- Not suitable for cats who like to chew or scratch
- The design is on the smaller, snug size
10 SmartyKat Kitty Camp TeePee
- Tepee design with crinkle material
- Includes a dangle feather toy
- Recycled plastic frame
- Safe for cats of all ages
This lovely tepee-style cat tent from SmartyKat is an ideal choice for indoor use if you have a playful or active cat. As it comes complete with an entertainment system to keep your kit occupied as they take time out.
First up the outer is lined with crinkle material that gives a sound and sensation many cats love. And there is also a dangling feather toy to capture their attention.
The whole tepee is pretty easy to assemble and features pet-safe recycled plastic tubes that are sturdy and look good too. While not the most durable of the cat tents in our review, this comfortable tent should still stand up to everyday indoor use.
- Includes toys to keep your kit entertained
- Frame is made from recycled plastic
- Size-wise, it’s only suitable for smaller cats and kittens
- Doesn’t include any inner padding or cushion so that’s an extra cost
Best Cat Tent: Buying Guide & FAQs
What Is a Cat Tent?
A cat tent provides a protective space for your cat to escape to and is exactly what the name suggests.
Both indoor and outdoor cat tents are available. Indoor tents tend to be plusher and can be self-heating for extra coziness. Outdoor cat tents should be weatherproof and robust, with some structures designed to be more permanent if you have an outdoor-living kit.
What to Look For When Buying a Cat Tent
The size of your cat, its lifestyle, and whether it is an indoor or outdoor cat should all figure in your final choice of a pet tent. Here are the other main things to consider:
The Size of Your Cat (or Cats)
While cats like their tight, snuggly spaces, the cat tent you choose still needs to accommodate his size or multiple cats who like to share at the same time. Always check the manufacturer’s multiple sizes – your furry friend should be able to comfortably enter and exit the tent as well as curl, turn around and stretch inside.
Design and Materials
As well as frame type – soft or rigid – there are other key design elements to consider. Cat tents with a closing door can be a good idea if your pet really likes their privacy, and it can be as simple as a roll-down curtain entry made from mesh material or a full zippered door. Or, if you want the ease of entry, look for the best cat tent that has a simple hole. Just make sure the size of the entry works with the size of your cat.
The tent fabric can also make a difference. Indoor tents don’t need to be so robust so opt for lightweight material, such as cotton or fleece fabrics. Outdoor cat tents need to weather the elements and so water-resistant or waterproof fabrics such as nylon, polyester or canvas are ideal. The best cat tents should also be made out of fabric that is flame retardant for complete protection and safety.
And finally, whether indoor or outdoor, always check that the design is easy to put together, and take down when needed.
Portability
If your cat tent is to join you on your travels or it will need moving around the home or garden, look for a lightweight design that folds flat, has its own carrying case, and is easy to transport.
Easy to keep clean
Chances are your cat will really take to its new pet tent so it will get grubby over time. Always opt for a cat tent that’s easy to care for and ideally can be machine washed.
Additional creature comforts
As this is also a warm bed your pet will spend quite a bit of time inside, it’s always good to look for extra features in your cat bed.
Removable cushions, padded flooring, self-warming fleece linings, and memory foam pads are all excellent add-ons in a cat tent.
And if this tent is to be a play as well as sleeping space for your kitty, look for a cat tent that includes built-in toys, such as hanging toys and even attention-grabbing crinkly walls.
Benefits of Cat Tents
There are numerous benefits of buying a tent for your precious feline pet.
Cats are creatures of comfort and like to settle in tight dark spaces which make them feel private and safe. With a cat tent, you can create this sense of security as well as offer your cat his own space to get away from it all.
A cat tent placed in a social area in your home can also enable your indoor cats to feel part of the family while enabling them to get cozy in their own private place.
The size and shape of many indoor cat beds, especially ones made from a flexible material, are ideal for popping into that tight or hidden space your kitty loves to hunker down in.
An outdoor cat tent can be an excellent idea if you have an outdoor cat that prefers to live outdoors. With a choice of robust and weatherproof designs, these cat tents can give your outdoor cat a space of their own while offering protection from the elements.
And finally, portable pet tents can also be used if you need to take your cat with you on your travels.
FAQs:
Cats love a tight spot – if your kit has ever taken to playing inside a cardboard box, then you will know why! The best cat tent gives the same sensation of safety and security but also has added comfort.
So, as long as it is the right size for your kit, they will undoubtedly love to turn it into their play and sleep place.
If the fabric of the cat tent you choose is not durable enough, then yes, it’s possible your kit will eventually cause damage with their claws.
The key is to choose a cat tent bed that has tough enough material. By adding a cat scratching post nearby, then you can limit the amount of damage they could potentially inflict on their new tent home.
The location for your new cat tent bed depends on your cat’s preferences and, if outdoors, the most suitable environment.
For an indoor tent, first observe where your cat loves to hang out and you will have a good idea as to where the ideal spot will be, whether that’s in an elevated location or a tighter space.
An outdoor tent should also be in a location that’s protected, shaded from direct sunlight, and within your sightline. But wherever you choose to locate your cat tents, they must be in a safe and secure place.
