Cat enclosures?

I was just wondering how many of you have cat enclosures outside? We are renting so I don't want anything permanent but I'd like to have a secure area for them to play in. I hate the thought of letting my cats out because of the risk of getting hit by cars, cat fights etc but my husband thinks it's a bit cruel as cats love to explore and it wouldnt give them a good quality of life. What do you think?

I have 4 cats. 2 pedigree bsh blue/cream girls that are indoor cats, i have a (i think) bengal girl who is an innie amd outie and i have a pedigree bsh cream/white boy who lives outside in a pen although i do have him in aswell (hence we waiting for babies to arrive). They all seem fine. All healthy get love fusses and hugs. I am waitin for a new pen for him though as i was in a rush to buy something and bought a cc047 chicken poultry cat house and run and was very dissapointed. I also have chickens and wouldnt put more than two in it and it states 4.

What is the new pen that you're getting like? Just looking around for different options.

I havent seen it yet. The man normally makes pigeon lofts/sheds. So i gave him an outline of 6ft tall 8ft long app 1ft wide with an enclosed part for a bed shelf for food and water ladder up to bed then floor room for litter tray toys scratch post etc along these lines really

Soz i meant approx 3 ft wide

Sounds great Sarah! Would love to get something similar when we can afford it!

Do you think it's cruel to keep a cat indoors all the time or even in an enclosure? I worry about all the dangers they can encounter if they're allowed to roam but my husband thinks it's cruel. What do you think?

It's more cruel  to you and your family and the kitty that gets injured by letting them roam. I've learned that the hard way We have a cat house that is permanent and my cats go out there during the day. Then they come inside at night. They love it and are happier than just staying indoors 24/7!

Thanks Elise. This is my opinion too. I am looking to get a cat house/enclosure but just need to find a solution that is not permanent as we are renting.

You can buy standalone purpose built pens/enclosures. Have a look on ebay. They are pricey but worth considering. Is your partner handy with a hammer and nails?

He's probably not the best with that stuff lol might be able to ask either of our fathers for some help though. Only other difficult thing is convincing him that an enclosure is a good idea!!