You can use union
to ensure similar levels:
library(caret)
# Sample Data
predicted <- c(1,2,1,2,1,2,1,2,3,4,3,4,6,5) # Levels 1,2,3,4,5,6
reference <- c(1,2,1,2,1,2,1,2,1,2,1,3,3,4) # Levels 1,2,3,4
u <- union(predicted, reference)
t <- table(factor(predicted, u), factor(reference, u))
confusionMatrix(t)