Is it easy/possible to stop my cats from leaving the garden?

Loopy28

When I move I would really like to do something to the fencing/walls to keep my cats from leaving the garden.

One of my cats can jump pretty high so even the highest of fences doesn't seem a challenge for her.

I am wondering if anyone knows if there is anyway you can do anything to a garden to stop them from being able to get out? I am sure there must be a clever way of adding something to the fences/walls?

I don't want my cats annoying the neighbours and pooing in their gardens and I also want to ensure their safety as we are moving from a rural location to a town.

Thank you

Pixie5740

A cat owner once told me that she put fishing line a few inches above her fences and that stopped her cats getting out of her garden. The cats couldn't see the fishing line and kept hitting it every time they tried to jump the fence. Eventually the cats stopped trying and just stayed in their own garden.

woodworm001

My neighbour has this and it seems to work. I don't know how expensive it is.

http://www.protectapuss.co.uk/

G_M

Either give them a good talking to (forget the political correctness squad who say corporal punishment is not allowed) or

Tie a 100 yard piece of string to their collars. (don't forget to tie the other end to a peg in the middle of the lawn.)

nubbins

Or possibly a fence to fence garden size cage, obviously that would mean the whole family would be underneath a cage when doing a barbecue or generally enjoying the outside sunshine but it would solve the problem. Failing that an electrified fence running around the perimeter of the garden, low voltage if course, you don't want to kill it.

Soot2006

There are companies that will cat proof a garden - it's not cheap but certainly worth it for peace of mind if you don't have road savvy cats or if you have rare breeds that could be stolen. I guess smaller garden be cheaper!

It was hard enough for my to dog proof my garden as dog clears 2m fences, which is the highest permitted + uses branches to get onto shed roof, etc. We had to come up with an electric fencing system (she only climbs out to get cats ... but when I say get, I mean GET so it was vital for us to keep her on or she wouldn't be allowed out any more )

Mardle

woodworm001 wrote: »

My neighbour has this and it seems to work. I don't know how expensive it is.

http://www.protectapuss.co.uk/

You can buy their DIY kit from the site.

It's something we're considering as we'd like to get a cat once we're settled in our new house & have fenced the garden.

stator

You won't be able to guarantee they can not get out but using a soft fence that collapses into your garden and then springs back up will make it a lot harder.

kinger101

I my opinion, you shouldn't try to restrict your cat's ability to roam. You'll be restricting for them what is essentially natural behaviour to the possible detriment of their wellbeing. Most cats will bury their poo, so it's unlikely to be a problem to your neighbours. Unless you're on a very busy road, it's also unlikely that being in a town will present a significant risk to your cat's safety.

Jagraf

Loopy28 wrote: »

When I move I would really like to do something to the fencing/walls to keep my cats from leaving the garden.

One of my cats can jump pretty high so even the highest of fences doesn't seem a challenge for her.

I am wondering if anyone knows if there is anyway you can do anything to a garden to stop them from being able to get out? I am sure there must be a clever way of adding something to the fences/walls?

I don't want my cats annoying the neighbours and pooing in their gardens and I also want to ensure their safety as we are moving from a rural location to a town.

Thank you

What a considerable neighbour you are. We had a cat and it used to climb into the neighbours bedroom she was fine about it but I was very embarrassed. A cat isn't everyone's cup of tea x

pawsies

kinger101 wrote: »

I my opinion, you shouldn't try to restrict your cat's ability to roam. You'll be restricting for them what is essentially natural behaviour to the possible detriment of their wellbeing. Most cats will bury their poo, so it's unlikely to be a problem to your neighbours. Unless you're on a very busy road, it's also unlikely that being in a town will present a significant risk to your cat's safety.

The only way to meet their wellbeing is to take them out on harness and lead for walks. Most cat owners are too lazy/embarrassed to do this.

The OP is being very responsible and should be commended. Far too many owners just let the cat do whatever and then get upset when neighbours complain or worse the cat ends up dead.

You can't just expect everyone else to look after your pet.