Cage
A cage is an enclosure typically constructed from bars, wires, or mesh, designed to confine and contain animals, birds, or other objects while allowing for visibility, air circulation, and limited movement.[1][2][3] Cages serve multiple purposes, including housing pets, facilitating animal husbandry in farming operations such as battery systems for poultry, and containing wildlife in zoos or laboratories, though their use has sparked debates over animal welfare due to potential restrictions on natural behaviors.[1][2] Historically, cages have been employed for imprisoning humans, as seen in wartime "tiger cages" during the Vietnam War, and for innovative but controversial applications like window-mounted baby cages in early 20th-century urban apartments to provide infants with fresh air.[4][5] Variations include protective structures like Faraday cages, which shield against electromagnetic fields, and sports enclosures such as batting cages, demonstrating the versatility of the design beyond mere confinement.[1][2]