Soft Fabric Octagonal Pet Pen: Review & Setup
Sophie & the Fur Babies — pet playpens for renters, puppies & cats
I will be honest: when the soft octagonal pet pen from Paws of Oz arrived on my doorstep in Perth, I was not sure a fabric version would hold up against a bouncy Cavoodle puppy and a curious rescue kitten. I am used to rigid panels, so a soft-sided, eight-sided pen felt almost too gentle for my pair. After a fortnight of real use, including a weekend away at the coast, I have a proper feel for it. This is my straight-up, first-person unboxing and setup story, with the specs, the good bits, and the bits I would change.
First impressions when I opened the box
The box was lighter than I expected, which was my first clue that this is a genuinely portable fabric pet playpen rather than a heavy metal frame. Inside, the pen folded down into a neat disc, with a base mat, a carry bag, and a short set of stakes for outdoor use. The fabric felt thicker than the cheap pop-up pens I had seen in shops, and the seams looked tidy. Miso immediately tried to claim the carry bag as a bed, which told me the material was at least kitten-approved for softness, even if it was not quite the fortress I imagined.
Setting it up on the balcony
Setup took me less than two minutes the first time, and under a minute by the second. You pull the centre up, the eight sides spring into an octagon, and the base mat drops in. There is no frame to assemble and no screws to lose, which is a relief when you are juggling a puppy and a coffee. I set it up on the balcony so Wally could watch the footpath below without escaping, and the shape tucked nicely into the corner of my flat where a square pen would have left awkward gaps. For a renter with odd-shaped rooms, that flexibility is a quiet win.
The sizes and what fits where
The store sells this design in three sizes. Here is the spec table I wish I had before ordering, with real dimensions, weights, fabric, packed size, and local prices. I have used the exact measurements Paws of Oz lists so you can plan your own space.
| Size | Dimensions (cm) | Weight | Fabric | Packed size | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 72 × 72 × 45 | ~1.2 kg | 600D Oxford + mesh | 45 × 30 × 8 cm | $59 |
| M | 85–90 × 85–90 × 58–60 | ~1.6 kg | 600D Oxford + mesh | 50 × 32 × 9 cm | $79 |
| L | 114 × 114 × 58–60 | ~2.3 kg | 600D Oxford + mesh | 60 × 35 × 10 cm | $99 |
For my Cavoodle puppy and kitten, the medium has been the sweet spot: enough floor for a bed and a litter tray side by side, without dominating the lounge room. The large would suit two small dogs or a bigger puppy, while the small is a tidy option for a single cat or a very young pup.
Living with the fabric pet playpen day to day
Day to day, the soft walls are a genuine plus. Wally bumps into them and bounces back instead of clanging a metal bar, and the whole thing feels calmer than a hard crate. The base mat is removable, so when Miso tracked litter through it I just unzipped the mat and shook it out on the footpath. Cleaning the fabric itself is a quick wipe with a damp cloth, and the whole unit folds away small enough to live in the wardrobe between uses. As someone renting a compact flat, that easy pack-down is the feature I value most.
The mesh pet playpen side of things
Around the top of each panel there is fine mesh, and that is what makes this a proper mesh pet playpen rather than a closed tent. Air moves through freely on warm Perth afternoons, and I can see Wally from the kitchen without leaning over. Miso likes the visibility too; she will sit by the mesh and watch birds, which keeps her entertained while the puppy naps. The mesh is the feature I underestimated most, and now would not want to give up. It keeps the inside from feeling like a stuffy box and lets both animals stay part of the room.
Honest pros and cons
On the plus side, it is light, fast to set up, gentle on a small dog, and travels well. On the downside, a determined chewer could test the fabric over time, and an adult dog that really wants out may push the soft sides more than a rigid pen would allow. For a puppy, a cat, and a renter who values portability, the pros win for me, but I would not call it escape-proof for a large, strong dog. I would also say the mesh is a climbing temptation for a kitten, so I keep the top zip closed when Miso is unsupervised.
Would I take it camping
Yes. The carry bag and light weight make it an easy add to the car, and the stakes keep it steady on grass. At the campsite it gave Wally a safe spot while I organised the tent, and Miso stayed contained when the unfamiliar noises made her nervous. For coastal caravan holidays it has already earned its place in the boot, and the octagonal shape sits neatly beside the picnic table without wasting ground.
What I would change
If I could tweak one thing, I would add a second door on the larger size so I did not have to reach across the pen to get the water bowl. A slightly thicker base mat would also help on rough ground. Neither is a deal-breaker, but they would make the bigger sizes even more practical for camping and for flats where the pen lives in a busy walkway.
Who this pen suits best
This soft octagonal design is ideal for puppies, small dogs, and cats in apartments or rentals where storage and portability matter more than fortress-level security. If you have a large, powerful dog or a dedicated escape artist, a rigid panel pen will serve you better. For everyone else, the gentle sides and easy pack-down are a genuine lifestyle win that fits a small coastal flat and a caravan trip alike.
My setup routine now
These days I keep the pen folded by the wardrobe and pull it out whenever Wally needs a contained break or Miso needs a safe corner during a deep clean. The two-minute setup means I actually use it, which is the real test of any pet gear. Gear you enjoy using is gear that earns its spot in a small flat, and this little octagon has well and truly earned its
Frequently asked questions
How long does the octagonal pen take to set up?
About two minutes the first time as you learn the motion, and under a minute once you know the pull-and-click routine. No tools or frame pieces are involved.
Is the fabric easy to clean?
Very. The base mat unzips and shakes out, and the walls wipe down with a damp cloth. I rinse the mat on the footpath after beach trips and it dries quickly.
Which size is right for a Cavoodle puppy?
The medium, at 85–90 by 85–90 by 58–60 centimetres, has been ideal for my Cavoodle with room for a bed and a water bowl. Size up to large if you have two pets or a bigger breed.
Can the pen be used outside?
Yes. It comes with stakes for grass, and the 600D Oxford fabric handles light outdoor use. I use it on camping trips and on the balcony, but I bring it in if heavy rain is forecast.
Will a kitten scratch through the mesh?
Miso has not damaged hers, but kittens do climb. I keep the top zip closed when she is alone, and the fine mesh has held up to ordinary paws without snagging.
Does it fold flat for storage?
It folds into a disc that slips into the included carry bag and sits in a wardrobe. That flat pack-down is what makes it practical for a renter with limited space.
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