Locking a cat in a cage is generally not okay for long-term or overnight confinement as it causes stress, but temporary caging (like a large carrier) can be a useful, short-term tool for safety, introducing new pets, travel, or medical needs, provided the cage is large, safe, well-ventilated, and stocked with essentials like water, food, and a litter box.
While there may be brief times when caging might be necessary (eg, post-surgery or introducing a new pet), keeping a cat in a cage for more than 16 hours a day without food or water is certainly not ideal and is both neglectful and abusive. Cats need space to move, explore, and play.
Never use a cage as long-term housing, punishment, or because you lack time. Cats need free movement, vertical space, scratching, hiding places, and social interaction. Extended confinement increases stress, anxiety, depression, litterbox issues, muscle loss, and aggression.
The 3-3-3 rule for cats moving is a guideline for understanding their adjustment to a new home: 3 days to decompress, where they hide and feel overwhelmed; 3 weeks to learn routines, starting to explore and get comfortable; and 3 months to truly feel at home, revealing their full personality and bonding with the family. It's a helpful reminder for new owners to be patient and provide space for their cat's natural settling-in process.
Crating a cat is considered cruel. They do not respond well to this and it is extremely distressing for them. They are not dogs. Cats need to have the freedom to roam. Sure, lock your bedroom, but do not lock the cat away.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often going undetected until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), which damages organs without obvious signs until blindness or seizures occur, notes Muirfield Animal Hospital, Pet Health Network, www.springwoodvets.com.au, Close Veterinary Clinic, Killarney Animal Hospital, Physicians Mutual Insurance, Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, Mona Vale Veterinary Hospital, Nimbus Pet Hospital, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Covetrus North America, ASPCA Pet Insurance and PetCareRx. Other serious conditions include Hyperthyroidism, Heart Disease (like HCM), and Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis).
“The 2:1 crate rule says that for every two hours a dog spends inside their crate, they should spend one hour out of the crate,” explains Lane. “For puppies, especially those still potty training, this is generally a good rule of thumb.
To Keep Your Cat Safe
If you have a cat that likes to get into things that they aren't supposed to, they might be safer if they're confined to one room at night. If you limit their freedom, they can stay away from your cabinets, shelves, and other places where they might get into trouble and get injured.
Cats are incredibly sensitive to their environment. Major changes such as switching owners and households can be dramatic and very stressful. Cats are aware of even the smallest changes in your household.
Signs of Anxiety in Cats
Confining cats to a room, especially overnight, can be considered animal cruelty if it severely restricts their freedom of movement and natural behavior. Cats are naturally active and curious animals that want to explore their surroundings.
Placing a cat bed in a secure playpen, like the , can also be a good option, says Dr. Mader. “This provides them with a safe and enclosed space where they can't get into any trouble while you're asleep.”
Taking him to a room and locking him there will not be a good experience for him. He won't associate it with something good. If you don't like your cat roaming then it's best not to get a cat. If you want to keep your own bedroom door shut whilst you sleep and let the cat roam free that's acceptable.
Scientists believe that one-off bad events fade away within 16 hours from a cat's memory. So if you accidentally step on a cat's tail and apologise the cat won't hold a grudge against you. However, cats remember the abuse and repeated mistreatment for the rest of their lives because cats also have associative memories.
Studies have shown that caging can greatly increase a cat's stress and anxiety, which may cause behavior and health problems [Source: ASPCA, "Effects of Confinement on Feline Behavior and Health"].
While most veterinarians acknowledge that cats are much safer without going outside where they risk exposure to disease or trauma, there are some cats who may resist being indoors only. AHS encourages leash-training kitties who incessantly beg to be outdoors.
The 3-3-3 rule for cats is a guideline for new adopters, suggesting it takes 3 days for a cat to decompress and feel safe, 3 weeks to learn the routine and start showing personality, and 3 months to feel truly at home, building trust and a strong bond. It helps manage expectations during the adjustment period, emphasizing patience, consistency (with routines), and providing a secure, calm environment (like a single "safe" room initially) for your new feline friend.
To apologize, cats actually have to feel bad about something they did; and as we've established, this probably doesn't really happen. However, cats do sense if you are feeling uptight or unhappy, and they may extend an “olive branch” to try to patch up whatever upset you.
Studies suggest cats can remember important events and people for up to three years. Long-term cat memory is tied to survival and emotional impact. A positive routine such as regular feeding, gentle play, or cozy lap time can stick with them for years.
They feel trapped.
Another reason why cats hate closed doors is that they may not feel comfortable being confined to one room all day. They feel trapped, and in the words of another British band, Queen, they want to break free. “She may like that room, but she doesn't want to stay there all day,” Dr. Radosta says.
Although the risks are small, you could become ill if you contract Toxoplasmosis, worms or you're exposed to too much ammonia. More likely, the noise and smell of your cat doing their business in it will either wake you up or keep you awake when you should be sleeping.
Provide some elevated sleeping areas, such as:
Crating Puppies: 1-3 hours, depending on age. Anything over 3 hours is too long for puppies. Crating Adult dogs: Maximum of 6-8 hours, with regular exercise and interaction. More than 8 hours without breaks is too long for an adult dog.
Wait for a lull in the whining, release him when he is quiet, and take him outside immediately to eliminate. Don't scold or punish your dog while he is in his crate. Keep his experiences in the crate positive – if anything, praise him, feed him treats or give him more attention than usual while he is in the crate.
It is never too late to crate train. Go back to basic training and start over. You will be good. Give more treats in the crate.