Cat playpens - a modular space for kittens to grow safely

A kitten playpen is a controlled space that separates a litter from the rest of the house, giving kittens safety and freedom of movement in their first weeks of life. Unlike generic playpens in nylon or metal mesh, PRASKA playpens are designed by a pedigree cat breeder - around kitten anatomy and behavior, not a dog's. The modular wooden panel system lets you build a playpen of any shape and size, with no metal screws or hinges.

Why does a kitten playpen need a different design than a dog's?

From around 3-4 weeks old, kittens start climbing vertical surfaces - metal mesh or bars make that easier, which at a height of 22-30 in risks a fall. PRASKA panels have precisely milled openings that kittens can't get a paw through or grip. Solid wooden walls block climbing instead of enabling it. Puppies don't have this problem - they don't climb mesh - which is why "universal" playpens from marketplaces are designed with dogs in mind, and pose a real risk for kittens. The gap between bars on a typical metal playpen (about 2.75 in) lets a 4-week-old kitten push its head through; PRASKA's openings are smaller, with smooth, safe edges.

What is a PRASKA kitten playpen built from?

Every panel is lacquered birch plywood, about 0.5 in (12 mm) thick - a stable material that stands up to daily use and is safe for an animal to be in contact with. Surfaces are sanded three times and finished with a certified, colorless, matte, odorless lacquer. Compared with powder-coated metal, birch plywood doesn't heat up in the sun or turn cold in winter, which matters for newborns that need a stable ambient temperature. Compared with nylon fabric playpens, plywood doesn't absorb odors, doesn't pill, and doesn't need washing after every litter - a wipe with a damp cloth is enough.

How many panels do you need, and how do you configure them?

A minimum of 6 panels makes a playpen with enough space for one litter (4-6 kittens). Panels connect with eco-friendly hinges and no tools - assembly takes under 5 minutes, and taking it apart is just as quick. The hinges rotate to any angle, so the playpen can be a rectangle, a hexagon, an L-shape, or fit into the corner of a room. If the litter is large, or the kittens are growing, you buy more panels and expand the structure without replacing the whole playpen - that's the advantage of a modular system over a fixed, ready-made enclosure. Two panel heights are available: 21.7 in / 55 cm (for kittens up to around 8 weeks) and 29.5 in / 75 cm (for older kittens and large breeds such as Maine Coon or Ragdoll).

When do kittens move from the queening box to the playpen?

A queening box works well for a litter's first 2-3 weeks - in an enclosed, snug space, the queen feels secure and newborns can't crawl away. From 3-4 weeks old, kittens start walking, exploring their surroundings, and learning to use the litter box. At that point, the queening box becomes too small, and free run of the house too risky. A playpen fills that gap: it gives kittens room to move and start playing, while keeping the litter in one controlled place. PRASKA's system lets you connect a queening box to a playpen using the same modular connectors - kittens move from one to the other without the stress of a sudden change of surroundings.

Which panel types are available?

A PRASKA playpen isn't limited to one type of panel. The solid panel closes off the space and blocks visibility - useful against a wall or in a corner. The slatted panel gives ventilation and visibility while staying safe (kittens can't get a paw caught). The plexiglass panel gives a full view into the playpen with no physical contact - useful when prospective buyers come to see a litter, or at shows, where a breeder is presenting kittens. The gate panel lets you get into the playpen without taking the structure apart. The panel with your cattery's logo - a personalized module with your cattery's name and logo engraved into it - is a professional touch no metal or fabric playpen offers.

How do you clean a wooden playpen?

Wash the lacquered plywood with warm water and a mild detergent - don't use anything chlorine- or alcohol-based, which can damage the lacquer. Dry the panel after washing and leave it to air dry. The modular build makes cleaning easier: you break the playpen down into individual panels and can reach every surface - unlike a closed nylon playpen, where dirty seams and folds in the fabric are practically impossible to clean without a full machine wash. Between litters, a wipe with veterinary disinfectant and some airing is enough - wood doesn't hold onto smells the way fabric does.

Does a PRASKA playpen work for an adult cat, not just kittens?

The modular system has no age limit - the 29.5 in (75 cm) panels and smooth walls stop climbing for adult cats too. A playpen works well for recovery after surgery, separating a cat in a multi-cat household, or settling in a new animal. You can also use the panels as a barrier to section off part of a room - for example, keeping a scratching post area separate from the rest of the room.

How much does one panel weigh, and is the playpen portable?

A 12 mm plywood panel in the 21.7 in (55 cm) size weighs around 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg). A folded set of 6 panels fits under a bed or in a closet. Moving an assembled playpen means unclipping the hinges (no tools needed) and stacking the panels - the whole thing takes under 3 minutes.

How does a PRASKA playpen differ from cheap playpens?

Playpens in that price range are usually nylon tents or powder-coated metal panels, designed for dogs and small rodents. They have no safeguards against kittens climbing, metal edges can cause injury, and fabric absorbs odors and starts to pill after a few washes. A PRASKA playpen is lacquered birch plywood with a safety certification, a modular build, no metal, and no sharp edges. The price is higher, but the playpen lasts for years and many litters without losing its function.

Can I order a panel with my cattery's logo?

The panel with your cattery's logo is available in both heights (21.7 in / 55 cm and 29.5 in / 75 cm). The logo is engraved into the plywood - not printed, not a sticker. Just send us a graphic file with your cattery's logo at order stage.

If you're looking for soft furnishings for inside the playpen, take a look at our cat mats and cushions - they're sized to fit PRASKA modules and have removable covers. Once kittens have outgrown the playpen, the natural next step is a cave or house, which gives them somewhere to hide without limiting their space. And for kittens starting to explore vertically, take a look at our wall shelves and bridges.