How to choose the right cat fence for your garden

19th September 2018

As a cat owner, you may have concerns about the safety of your pet when they are spending time outside. While keeping your cat exclusively indoors can be a good option for some timid cats, you may want your cat to experience all the enrichment that the outdoors has to offer with the reassurance that they’ll be snuggling up on your lap after an exhausting day of sunbathing and stalking leaves.

Cat fencing could provide the perfect solution. But will it work, and will it be possible to cat-proof your garden? Here are some top tips for consideration:

Do your research

British, Australian and American cat owners have shared their experiences of cat fencing and catios on the internet. All the reputable companies are well reviewed, and testimonials can assist you in making an informed decision about success rates and customer satisfaction. When choosing the right cat fencing provider, consider how much maintenance the system will require (for example, timber may require treatment) and what the expected longevity is.

Different types of cat fencing

There are lots of ways to cat-proof your outside space and the method you choose will be determined by the size and topographic features of your garden.

Catios and ‘catservatories’ are suitable for flat, outdoor spaces and add an additional room onto the house. If your garden has existing boundaries you might choose to cat-proof your garden with the neat addition of a cat bracket to the top of the garden fence or wall. Meanwhile, if you have an extensive rural garden with mature shrubbery and trees, you might choose a freestanding cat enclosure.

Planning permission

Non-permanent structures of less than two metres in height do not usually need planning permission in the UK but regulations vary by county, so it is worth checking with your local planning office, particularly if you live in a conservation area. It is also courteous to advise your neighbours, though any changes you make are unlikely to be visible from their side of the fence and they should be pleased to know your cat won’t be able to get into their garden once the enclosure is installed.

Installing a cat fence

Are you handy with an impact driver? Or, would you prefer to be safe in the knowledge that an expert team has fitted your cat containment system? If you are unsure, it’s best to get the professionals in. Professional installers will also be able to navigate any mature trees, conservatories or sheds you might have in the garden.

For further information about cat proofing your garden, get in touch with ProtectaPet.