Crate size for introductions?

We have no space in which to separate cats for an introduction. We've never used the "crate" method before, but are thinking about that as an option, as we'll be bringing a feral cat inside in the near future.

Can anyone suggest comfortable dimensions for this? He'd likely have to live mostly in the crate for a few weeks. So we need plenty of space for bed, cat, food/water, and litter box. We need length more than width - the maximum width is 24".

OK - if we take out the chair and put the side table away, we can go 46" long and pretty much as wide as needed in that length. It can be 48" long. I'm finding all kinds of dog crates that will work. We don't think he'll use multi-level stuff. We'd just rather have something that isn't as tall as the dog crates in those sizes.

If anyone has a brand suggestion, please post! (And something we can take apart when done is preferred. ).

I have a 48" crate and a 36" crate I put next to each other.  Each has two doors.  I open each side door and attach the crates to one another with wire grids to enclose the middle area.  The potty goes in the 36" crate and the bed and food in the 48" crate.  I call it my "en suite."

I think at 48" crate is plenty big enough, actually.  Get one with two doors, though - better access.  Covering three sides and the top will give him a cozy hiding place.  You can also put the carrier in there.

Glad to hear all is going well.

Wow, that sounds like a nice set up! I think we'll make the trip to a Petsmart to look at dog crates. I've got a pretty good idea of what's available, prices, and we've got the measurements...

Well, :lol3: I posted in your other thread on this as you already know. I think the bigger the better if you can manage it. I just measured the wire dog crate I have downstairs - it is taken apart and back in the box. But I used this crate before I got the Midwest playpen enclosure. It measures 42"L - 28"H - 30"H. Ondine has the larger size. You have a great plan for fitting this into the RV and I had no doubt you and Gary would come up with one. :bigthumb:

I have mine set up permanently in our shed, so I don't have to break it down.  There have been many times when it was in constant use, although I only use it in winter for short term recuperations.  We have a heater in the shed but I don't like using it because I have to run an extension cord out there.  One day, we're going to run electric out there but for now ...

The taller crate seems a good fit for your RV set-up though.

Lauren, we ordered that exact crate - 42" long. But it has 3 doors, because we can only put it in one place, and the 2-door ones have the door at the wrong end. Unless we could have turned it "upside down"? :dk: Well - whatever. If it's not large enough, we'll trade it for the 48". Or maybe we'll upgrade him at some point if it seems like he'll need to be there for any real length of time. If we don't exchange it, we can donate it to the local foster group - I'm sure they'd appreciate having it. :rub:

The problem with the one with platforms and height? I don't think he will climb at all. And I doubt very much he'll jump. Not for a while. We know the one leg is stuck being straight/stiff as he has no motion in his elbow at all. He may also be in pain as that joint is arthritic. :dk:

That crate size will be just fine! :nod: Perfect. Don't worry. It is not going to be permanent anyway. I have a really good feeling after hearing how he was with you at the vet's office yesterday that he will be coming around quickly. I have also donated a few crates to organizations and yes, they are very appreciative. But, I think you should keep it around - store it :lol3: - somewhere if you can. Good to have one anyway if someone gets sick for whatever reason and you need to confine someone.

I have found that most of the feral cats have no problem jumping from shelf to shelf to get to the top of the tall enclosure cage I have. On the top shelf, I install one of those small cubbies- like a little house up there. This is not the one I have but an example THe one I have, I got at Petsmart, I think. It is small and rectangular and fits perfectly on that top shelf. I Velcro it to the bottom of the top shelf and then use a twisty tie on the top small handle of the cubby and tie it to the cage top for extra sturdiness. The ferals love it and I also drap a blanket over the top so they really feel secure. BUT - I completely agree that with Pawley and his injury/arthritis, that may be too much for him and actually hinder his recovery of that joint. :dk: You already have a great plan and a good size crate and again, I don't think he will need it too long. We will hope. :cross:

The cage is here. It looks HUGE in the box and in the van! No point in bringing it in until the table is here...

LDG said:

The cage is here. It looks HUGE in the box and in the van!

Click to expand...

:lol3: I know you and Gary. You will find a way to make it fit !!!!!!!!!!!!! :bigthumb: And, I think you already have !!!!!