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Home > Cats > How to Cat-Proof a Fence: 14 Vet Approved Methods

How to Cat-Proof a Fence: 14 Vet Approved Methods

cat jumping over garden fence

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Dr. Paola Cuevas

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The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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It can be tough to find a safe balance as a cat parent. Keeping your feline family member inside the house is the best way to keep them safe and healthy. But sometimes, your kitty wants to get some sun and explore what the outdoors offers. If your yard is fenced, there are a few things that you can do to fully cat-proof the fence and make it safe for your kitty to spend time outside. Here are several ideas worth considering.

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The 14 Tips to Cat-Proof a Fence

1. Utilize Mesh Wire

Mesh wire can be installed on the top of your fence to keep your kitty in your yard. Whenever your cat tries to climb on the mesh, it should bend toward them and put them off their balance. As a result, they will have a hard time trying to scale the mesh wire. Utilize screws to install the mesh so you can easily make adjustments as time goes on.

cat sitting in front of wire mesh and concrete wall
Image By: Wasuta23, Shutterstock

2. Incorporate an Overhang

You can always install an overhang that hangs toward the interior of your yard to keep your kitty safe. Use fencing, wood, or any other material to create a small ledge that concaves toward your yard. Then, attach it to the top of your fencing with screws or nails. Your cat should not be able to climb over it.


3. Install Chicken Wire

You can use chicken wire to keep your cat in your yard by installing about a foot of it on your fence so it points toward the sky. If your cat tries to climb onto the chicken wire, it will fold into their weight, making them jump back into your yard again. If your cat jumps on the chicken wire often, it will likely start to bend toward the interior of the yard and become less attractive to climb on overall.

cat sitting in wire mesh enclosure in front of defocused catmint plants
Image By: sophiecat, Shutterstock

4. Consider Curved Fencing

If you can find curved fencing at your local home improvement store, you can install it to curve toward your yard and keep your kitty from climbing out. If they try, they will find themselves upside down, likely making them uncomfortable enough to stay away.


5. Install a Spinner on Top

One option is to put a spinner top on your fence. The idea is to install a plastic or metal tube that will roll if your kitty tries to jump on or over it. The rolling motion will make it impossible for your cat to get over the fence. You can paint the spinner top any color that you’d like to match your fence, your home, or even your garden.


6. Invest in PVC Pipe

You can put a PVC pipe spinner anywhere on your fence. If you don’t want your kitty to climb up more than half the height of your fence, install the PVC roller at the halfway mark. It’s that simple! A PVC roller can also be installed on the top of a fence.


7. Reinforce the Bottom

The top of your fence is not the only thing you must worry about when trying to cat-proof the fence. You also must focus on the bottom part. Installing chicken wire or mesh along the bottom of your fence line is a good idea for more security overall. Chances are that the extra barrier will keep your kitty where they are supposed to be: on your property.

cat behind a wire fence
Image By: greghristov, Pixabay

8. Build an Outdoor Catio

If you don’t want to be bothered with cat-proofing your entire yard, you can always build an outdoor catio. This will allow your kitty to feel like they are spending time outside, but they will be in a safe space where no predators can get to them. The catio will also make sure your kitty never runs away, gets lost, or is stolen from your property.


9. Cover the Empty Space With Netting

If you are serious about making sure your cat does not escape your yard, it is a good idea to cover the entire space with netting, from fence line to fence line, to create a bubble. You’ll still get sun, rain, and wind, but your cat won’t be able to escape, no matter how hard they try. Utilize poles and other wooden structures to keep the netting high enough in the air that humans can enjoy the space, too.

striped cat sitting on a balcony with net protection
Image Credit: cabuscaa, Shutterstock

10. Fill the Bottom Gaps

Sometimes, fencing and other stoppers won’t stop your kitty from escaping. Therefore, it is a good idea to fill empty spaces between the ground and the bottom of your fence with gravel, mulch, or other material that will make it tough for your kitty to escape. Small rocks and dirt will work, too.


11. Cover the Tree Trunks

One way to cat-proof your fence is to cover your tree trunks with plastic or metal material so your kitty can’t climb. If a tree near your fence line is easy to scale, your cat may be able to climb it and then jump over the fence, even if extra material or a roll bar is installed on it. If your cat cannot climb the tree, they will be less successful getting over the fence.

Tree trunk protection made of plastic
Image Credit: Dmytro8, Shutterstock

12. Build a Walkway Around the Perimeter

If you cannot trust your kitty to spend time outdoors alone, you can use 1×1 lumber and netting or chicken wire to build a catwalk around the perimeter of your fence. Use the fence as one side of the walkway and plywood as the base. Then, cover the catwalk with your netting or chicken wire to make sure your cat can’t get out. You can put your cat on the catwalk yourself or attach one end of the catwalk to a window of your home.


13. Always Supervise Your Cat

If all else fails, but you want your kitty to spend time outdoors, you can always go out there with them and supervise them. Put a halter and leash on your kitty when you first spend time outside together. Once your cat gets used to their confines, you should be able to let the leash go and just hang out in the yard without any worries about them running away.

PUPTECK Cat Harness and Leash Set
Image Credit: PUPTECK, Amazon

14. Keep Your Cat Indoors

Sometimes, allowing a cat to spend time outside doesn’t work out. Some cats will do anything to escape and find another cat to mate with or sniff out. If this is the case for your kitty, you may just need to keep them indoors. You can bring the outside in by incorporating cat-friendly plants, scratching posts, and climbing trees into your household environment.

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Conclusion

It is not always a good idea to let a cat spend time outdoors, but if you want to provide your kitty with a safe outdoor space, there are several ideas for you to consider! Incorporate just one or implement several to enhance your cat’s quality of life while maintaining your peace of mind. The measures that you take will depend on your unique and specific situation.


Featured Image Credit: MabelAmber, Pixabay

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