Enclosure Type
glass cage
Floor Space
2.7 sq ft
Dimensions
17"W × 64"H × 17"D (used on its side)
Verdict
Depends on Setup ℹ️
💰 Typical Price: $70–$90
Our Verdict
Based on the floor space and enclosure type analysis above, this enclosure is depends on setup ℹ️ for a Cat.
🔨 DIY Setup: Must be laid on its side. A custom mesh lid is required for ventilation. The glass shelf sits horizontally as the floor. Ventilation must be cut into the original back panel or a custom lid fabricated.
Pros & Cons of the IKEA Detolf Glass Cabinet (converted)
✅ Pros
- Great visibility from all angles
- Stylish and aesthetically pleasing
- Good burrowing depth when used on its side
- Affordable from IKEA
❌ Cons
- Requires DIY mesh ventilation lid
- Awkward dimensions — borderline for Syrians
- Not escape-proof without modifications
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
- DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- Single Critter Nation
- Double Critter Nation
- 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 IKEA Detolf Glass Cabinet (converted)?
- 🐹 Hamster in IKEA Detolf Glass Cabinet (converted)
- 🐭 Gerbil in IKEA Detolf Glass Cabinet (converted)
- 🐿️ Chinchilla in IKEA Detolf Glass Cabinet (converted)
- 🐾 Guinea Pig in IKEA Detolf Glass Cabinet (converted)
- 🐇 Rabbit in IKEA Detolf Glass Cabinet (converted)
- 🐀 Rat in IKEA Detolf Glass Cabinet (converted)
- 🐶 Dog in IKEA Detolf Glass Cabinet (converted)
- 🦎 Bearded Dragon in IKEA Detolf Glass Cabinet (converted)