Enclosure Type
bin cage
Floor Space
4.4 sq ft
Dimensions
~37"L × 17"W (varies by bin)
Verdict
Depends on Setup ℹ️
💰 Typical Price: $20–$40
Our Verdict
Based on the floor space and enclosure type analysis above, this enclosure is depends on setup ℹ️ for a Cat.
🔨 DIY Setup: Cut a large ventilation panel in the lid and secure with metal mesh (not plastic craft mesh). Use cable ties around the perimeter. Search YouTube: "DIY bin cage hamster" for full walkthroughs.
Pros & Cons of the DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
✅ Pros
- Cheapest large enclosure option
- Excellent burrowing depth
- Fully customisable
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Great ventilation when mesh panel is cut correctly
❌ Cons
- DIY required (mesh cutting + cable ties)
- Less aesthetically pleasing
- Bin quality varies — check for rigid non-flexible walls
- Not suitable for climbing species
What Cats Need in an Enclosure
Cats are free-roaming companion animals and should never be permanently confined to a cage or small enclosure. Crates are acceptable for short-term transport or recovery only. Providing vertical territory — cat trees, wall shelves, window perches — is far more important than square footage.
Recommended Setup for Cats
Cat tree (72"+ height)Essential for climbing, scratching, and territory. Place near a window.
Wall-mounted cat shelvesAdds vertical territory without floor space. Great for multi-cat homes.
Window perch / bird feederEnrichment and stimulation for indoor cats.
Scratching posts (sisal)Minimum one per cat plus one extra. Tall enough to stretch fully (32"+).
Covered litter box areaCats prefer privacy. One box per cat plus one. Away from food and water.
Hidey holes / cat cavesSafe retreat spaces reduce anxiety, especially in multi-cat homes.
⚠️ Things to Avoid for Cats
- Permanent caging or crate confinement
- Single-level homes with zero vertical territory for active breeds
- Placing litter boxes next to food bowls
- Under-litter-boxing a multi-cat home (causes stress-related elimination issues)
Other Enclosures for Cats
- 10 Gallon Glass Tank
- 20 Gallon Long Glass Tank
- 40 Gallon Breeder Glass Tank
- 75 Gallon Glass Tank
- Single Critter Nation
- Double Critter Nation
- IKEA Detolf Glass Cabinet (converted)
- C&C Grid Cage (2×4 Grids)
- C&C Grid Cage (2×5 Grids)
- Wire Dog Crate (Medium — 36")
- Wire Dog Crate (Large — 42")
- Heavy-Duty Escape-Proof Dog Crate
- Cat Tree / Condo (72"+ height)
- Indoor X-Pen / Exercise Pen
- PVC Reptile Enclosure (4'×2'×2')
Can Other Pets Live in a DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)?
- 🐹 Hamster in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐭 Gerbil in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐿️ Chinchilla in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐾 Guinea Pig in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐇 Rabbit in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐀 Rat in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐶 Dog in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🦎 Bearded Dragon in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)