Imagine a flat expanse with a featureless grass field. A cat proof fence can be installed in the simplest of yards to create a perfect cat containment enclosure. There are no other considerations or efforts required, except to ensure that the fence is properly installed. The same fence can be installed in a field with a tree to make dynamic changes. Cats can climb trees. Can the cat climb a tree and fall onto the top of the cat proof fence? Can they jump from the top of the cat proof fences by stepping out of a branch?
Everything big and small, your cat can use them all to escape!
A typical backyard has more than just grass and one tree. Consider all the items in your backyard. Trees, shrubs, and tables covered by cat proof fencing . Think about the area that will be enclosed by the fence. Usually, the house is on one side of the fence. Window sills, AC units, utility boxes, and decks are all possible. Your cat can use all these items to bypass a well-constructed cat containment fence. Any yard that is being used for cat containment should be carefully examined. Let’s start by looking at things that can’t be moved.
Cat fence with trees
Trees are a common feature in yards, and they are often the first thing people think about when thinking about putting up a cat-proof fence. Trees can be difficult to manage or easy to maintain. It all depends on the type of tree and its size, as well as how close it is to a fence line. It is possible to make a tree that has no low branches (high canopy), unclimbable. You can do this by wrapping a tough and smooth material around your tree so it doesn’t cause damage. This works well for trees that have no low branches.
It may be easier to manage larger trees that are near the fence or against it by placing arms on the tree and “walking” the arch of the cat-proofer above around the tree trunk. It is important to carefully examine shrubs and bushes in the same way. Is it possible for a cat to climb and jump off the shrub? It may be necessary to cut it down, relocate or cut back if this is the case. Sometimes, a tree or some shrubs may need to be removed completely from the cat-secure area.
Cat-proof deck and railing
This is where the biggest problem lies. The cat can jump onto the cat fence or your house roof. You need to think like a cat. Look at the structures around your home and think about what a cat could do if they were to climb on or jump off them. To begin, take a look at any structures around your house or buildings. Do you think a cat could use them for access to the roof? Do you have posts that can be climbed? Is there a railing that is near a low roof or something similar? It is possible to treat the posts as if they were trees and wrap them with something hard and smooth like aluminum flashing. Railings can be more difficult. You can place large items, such as potted hummingbird plant, on rails. Or you can switch from a wooden rail to a metal or plastic option.
Next, check to see if your cat can jump to the arch-over section of a cat fence system. You may need to reconsider where your fence is placed at the house if you get a “yes” or “maybe” answer. You might consider making the fence wider so that it can be turned into the house’s sides.
