Should You Use A Cat Fence?

One of the main problems you may face when choosing a cat as a pet is the wish to keep her safe from harm, yet still allow her the freedom of the outdoors. Although cats love to be outside, this places her at risk from predators, cars, and even individuals who don’t have the same love and respect for our feline friends as you do. Some people choose to keep their pet in the house, and they are able to adapt quite well to this, but her quality of life will be enhanced if she can also have access to the outdoors.

You can provide this by choosing to fence your garden, completely or partially, to stop her from getting out. You may need your neighbor’s permission to do this, and planning permission may also be needed. It could be a problem if there are any tree branches overhanging the fence, as she can climb these and escape. You would need to work round this by attaching wire mesh to the trunk or lower limbs of the tree.

To prevent her escaping, you will need to build a cat fence at least 6 feet (1.8m) high, and if it is to be constructed of wood, the upright supports will need to be 7 feet 6 inches (2.3m). These should ideally be not more than 6 feet (1.8m) apart. Trellis sections can improve the look of the fence.

At the top of the fence you can build an anti escape overhang device. Chicken wire is ideal for this, and should extend by 18 inches. Fine galvanized wire can then be threaded through the edge, which means that the edge is taut but the chicken wire is slack. This will not feel secure to your cat, so she will not be able to climb it.

You can build a gate into the fence if required, a ‘please close the gate’ notice on this may be a good idea if your visitors access your garden that way.

Another alternative, and one which would be much less time consuming, would be to purchase a ready made, professional cat fence from a specialist company.