Introduction

If you share your life with a cat, you know they’re not just pets—they’re family. When you use a cat cage, whether it’s for travel, recovery after surgery, or giving your cat a safe space at home, you want it to feel cozy, calming, and secure. That’s where 17 cat cage decoration ideas come in handy. With the right touches, a simple cage can become a comfortable little den your cat actually likes being in.

In this guide, we’ll go through practical, cat-safe ways to decorate a cage so it’s:

• Comfortable and soft
• Visually calm, not overwhelming
• Safe and easy to clean
• Enriching and fun for your cat

Let’s walk through these 17 cat cage decoration ideas step by step.

1. Start With a Soft, Snug Base

The first layer of any good cat cage setup is the base. A bare plastic or metal floor is cold, slippery, and uncomfortable.

Ideas for a cozy base:

• A thick, washable fleece blanket
• A small pet mattress or foam pad
• A folded old sweatshirt or hoodie (your scent can comfort your cat)
• A removable, non-slip mat that’s easy to wash

Make sure the base:

• Fits the cage properly (no bunching that could trip your cat)
• Is washable and dries quickly
• Doesn’t have loose strings or stuffing your cat could chew

A soft base is one of the simplest yet most effective cat cage decoration ideas because it instantly makes the space more inviting.

2. Add a Favorite Blanket or T-Shirt That Smells Like You

Cats are very attached to familiar scents. Smell is a huge part of how they feel safe.

Place:

• A T-shirt you’ve worn (clean is fine as long as it still has your scent)
• A favorite small blanket from the couch or bed
• A pillowcase your cat often sleeps on

This comfort item:

• Helps reduce stress during travel or vet visits
• Makes a new cage feel more familiar
• Encourages your cat to settle and sleep

This is a simple idea, but it’s one of the most powerful 17 cat cage decoration ideas you can use, especially for anxious cats.

3. Create a Cozy Hideout Inside the Cage

Most cats feel safer when they have a place to hide. An open cage can feel exposed, especially in a busy environment.

You can:

• Place a small covered cat bed in one corner
• Use a cardboard box with a cut-out entrance
• Drape a towel over half the cage to create a “den” area

Make sure your cat can still get enough air and see out if they want to. The goal is to give them choice: hide or look out, depending on how they feel.

4. Use Calm, Neutral Colors for Bedding and Covers

Bright colors might look fun to us, but cats generally respond better to calm, soft tones. They don’t see color the way humans do, and too many strong patterns can feel busy and overwhelming.

When choosing fabrics and accessories:

• Go for soft grays, creams, blues, or earthy tones
• Avoid very loud patterns or shiny, reflective fabrics
• Choose similar tones so the space looks and feels calm

This step might seem small, but it makes a difference, especially for shy or nervous cats.

5. Add a Small, Safe Scratching Surface

Scratching is natural and important for cats. While you can’t fit a big scratch post in most cages, you can still include a small scratching option.

Ideas:

• A flat cardboard scratcher placed at one end
• A small sisal mat attached to the wall of the cage
• A mini scratch board that can be secured so it doesn’t slide

Benefits:

• Gives your cat something appropriate to scratch
• Helps them stretch and mark their space
• Can reduce stress and boredom

Among the 17 cat cage decoration ideas, this one supports both comfort and natural behavior.

6. Include a Low, Stable Toy Selection

Toys are important, but in a cage you need to be careful. Too many toys can make it crowded and stressful.

Good options:

• A soft plush toy for cuddling
• One or two small balls that don’t roll too wildly
• A crinkle toy if your cat enjoys sound

Avoid:

• Long strings or ribbons (choking hazard)
• Toys that can easily break into small pieces
• Anything that could get tangled in the cage bars

Rotate toys regularly so your cat doesn’t get bored.

7. Hang a Simple Toy From the Top (Safely)

If the cage is tall enough, you can hang a toy from the top to give your cat something to bat at. This adds movement and fun.

Tips:

• Use a very short elastic or secure attachment so it can’t wrap around your cat
• Choose a light toy, like a small plush or feather bundle
• Check it often for wear and tear

If you can’t supervise your cat, it may be safer to remove hanging toys. Safety always comes first in any cat cage decoration ideas list.

8. Provide a Small Perch or Raised Platform

Cats love to sit up high, even in small spaces. A simple raised surface can make the cage feel more interesting and give your cat a better view.

You can:

• Use a sturdy, low wooden block with a soft cover
• Place a small pet step or platform in the back
• Use a secure shelf insert designed for cages (if your cage allows)

Make sure:

• It’s stable and doesn’t wobble
• Your cat can get up and down comfortably
• It doesn’t take up so much space that your cat feels crowded

A perch turns a flat, boring cage into a more three-dimensional living space.

9. Decorate the Outside With Calm Visuals

The inside of the cage should stay simple and safe, but you can decorate the outside more freely. This adds personality without affecting your cat too much.

Ideas:

• Attach cute stickers or name tags on the outside bars
• Hang a small sign with your cat’s name
• Use magnetic decorations if the cage material allows

Just remember:

• Keep anything noisy or dangling to a minimum
• Don’t block the airflow
• Avoid flashing lights or loud decorations

Your cat’s comfort comes first, but there’s no reason you can’t enjoy how the cage looks too.

10. Use a Cage Cover to Reduce Stress

Covering part of the cage is one of the most effective 17 cat cage decoration ideas, especially for travel or vet visits. A cover helps your cat feel hidden and secure.

You can use:

• A lightweight blanket
• A specially designed cage cover
• A large towel or sheet

Cover:

• The back and sides, leaving the front partly open
• Enough of the cage so your cat has privacy
• But not so much that air can’t circulate

This is particularly helpful for shy cats or when the cage is in a busy room.

11. Add a Small, Non-Spill Water Bowl or Bottle

Hydration is essential, and the way you place water can be part of your cage setup.

Options:

• A heavy ceramic bowl that doesn’t tip easily

• A non-spill travel water bowl
• A drip-style water bottle attached to the bars (if your cat is used to it)

Keep the water area:

• Away from the litter tray (if the cage has one)
• On a waterproof mat or small tray to catch spills
• In a corner where your cat won’t constantly step in it

A neat, well-placed water area makes the cage feel more orderly and pleasant.

12. Set Up a Tidy, Low-Profile Litter Corner (If Needed)

If the cage is large enough and your cat will spend more than a short time inside, a litter area is a must.

Tips:

• Use a low-sided, small litter tray
• Choose low-dust, unscented litter
• Place a small mat under the tray to catch stray litter

Try to separate:

• Sleeping area
• Eating area
• Litter area

This simple zoning makes the cage feel more like a mini home and less like a box.

13. Use Gentle Scents and Natural Calmers (Carefully)

Cats have strong noses. Overpowering smells can stress them, but gentle, familiar scents can relax them.

Options (used carefully):

• A blanket that smells like your home
• A vet-approved calming spray or diffuser placed outside the cage
• Avoid strong human perfumes or air fresheners

Never:

• Spray anything directly on your cat
• Use essential oils without checking safety (many are toxic to cats)

Among these 17 cat cage decoration ideas, this one is about atmosphere rather than looks, but it makes a big difference.

14. Add a Daily “Enrichment Box” Rotation

To keep things fresh, prepare a small box or bag of cage-safe items and rotate them daily.

Your enrichment box might include:

• Different toys (soft balls, small plushies)
• A crinkle mat or small piece of rustle fabric
• A small cardboard piece for scratching

Each day:

• Swap in one or two different items
• Remove anything worn out or dirty
• Watch what your cat likes most and adjust accordingly

This rotation keeps your 17 cat cage decoration ideas lively and prevents your cat from getting bored.

15. Make a “Window Seat” for Visual Stimulation

If possible, place the cage where your cat can see something interesting but not overwhelming.

Good spots:

• Near a window with a view of trees or a quiet street
• Facing a calm part of the room where family sits
• Away from loud TVs or busy hallways

You can enhance the “view” by:

• Positioning the cage so your cat can watch birds (but not too close to dogs or loud areas)
• Making sure there’s some natural light, but not direct hot sun

The cage itself doesn’t change, but the surroundings become part of the decoration and experience.

16. Personalize With Your Cat’s Name and Theme

A bit of personal flair can make the cage feel like a real part of your home rather than just a functional item.

Ideas:

• A name tag on the door of the cage
• A small, themed blanket (stars, fish, paw prints)
• Matching bowls and toys in a similar style

While you personalize, always keep in mind:

• Safety (no small parts your cat can chew off)
• Comfort (soft, non-slip fabrics)
• Simplicity (don’t overcrowd the space)

This is where you can have fun, while still following all the other cat cage decoration ideas that focus on your cat’s needs.

17. Keep Everything Clean and Fresh

The last idea might not sound exciting, but it’s one of the most important. A clean cage is a calm cage.

Make a simple routine:

• Daily:
  • Shake out blankets
  • Remove fur and crumbs
  • Check water and litter (if used)
• Weekly or as needed:
  • Wash bedding and covers
  • Wipe down cage bars and floor with pet-safe cleaner
  • Replace worn or damaged toys

A clean, fresh-smelling cage is much more pleasant for your cat and for you.

Putting It All Together: A Cozy, Cat-Friendly Cage

When you look at all 17 Cat Cage Decoration Ideas together, you can see that decorating a cat cage isn’t about making it fancy or complicated. It’s about combining comfort, safety, and enrichment in a small space.

Here’s a quick checklist you can follow:

• Comfort:
  • Soft base and bedding
  • Familiar scents (your T-shirt or favorite blanket)
  • Calm colors and a partial cover
• Security:
  • A hideout or covered corner
  • Stable perch or platform
  • Clever placement in a quiet but not isolated area
• Enrichment:
  • A few safe toys
  • Small scratching surface
  • View of the room or window
  • Daily enrichment item rotation
• Practicality:
  • Non-spill water setup
  • Hygienic litter corner (if needed)
  • Simple cleaning routine

By using these 17 cat cage decoration ideas, you can turn a basic cage into a comforting little world for your cat. Whether you’re preparing for a vet visit, helping your cat recover from surgery, or just offering a safe retreat, these ideas will help your cat feel more at home.

In the end, the best decoration is one your cat actually uses and enjoys. Watch how your cat behaves, notice what they choose to sleep on or play with, and adjust the setup over time. With a bit of attention and creativity, your cat’s cage can become a cozy, stress-free space they truly feel safe in.