Your cat stares out the window, longing for the outdoors. But you worry he’ll break loose from your yard and run into a busy street, get lost, or encounter some other danger.
If you have a cat, you know two things: One, you’ll do anything to keep them safe, and, two, they’re determined to break out of just about any enclosure you try to put them in. Fortunately, it is possible to let your cat explore the outside world from the safety of your yard with a cat-proof fence.
If you have an existing fence, it only takes a few modifications. Or, if you’re starting from scratch, installing a safe, kitty-friendly enclosure is easier than you might expect. Here’s how to make a fence cat-proof.
Use Vinyl
Vinyl is a great choice to make a fence cat-proof. Cats have difficulties climbing vinyl privacy fences because they can’t grip the material with their claws. Make sure you opt for the privacy fence style as spaced picket fencing leaves too large of gaps—your cat will sneak right through. And if possible, a height of six feet or taller is best for cats.
While vinyl fencing is a smart choice for a new installation, if you already have a fence made from a different material, removing it and replacing it may be cost-prohibitive. For properties that already have a fence, there are still ways to cat-proof it.
Add Height
You’re probably well aware of just how agile cats can be. Even a six-foot wooden fence is no barrier at all to a determined cat. Athletic cats will climb anything they can sink their claws into, so at first it might seem pointless to simply make your fence taller. There’s a trick, however, to adding height that actually cat-proofs your fence.
It’s all about the angle. Cats don’t mind being vertical, but most don’t like hanging upside down. Add an extension to your fence that slopes inward toward your yard. The feeling of hanging upside down will deter most cats from wanting to climb over the ledge, so long as it is also out of reach for them to jump on top of.
The easiest way to add height and make your fence cat-proof is with a cat fence extender kit. This solution will not only add up to three feet of height to your existing fence, but it also includes the added security of an angled spring-loaded arm on top. For the escape-artist cat who might not be totally deterred by the angle alone, this system includes a drop-motion that imitates the feeling of falling and triggers a cat’s instinct to land on its feet. These kits can extend short fences and make a much safer environment for your cat to explore.
Add a Fence Topper
If your fence is already tall to the point where adding an extension is not necessary, or would detract from its visual appeal, a fence topper can add a layer of protection. Toppers allow you to cat-proof a fence quickly and easily.
The difference between a topper and a true fence extension is that toppers are designed to be installed on a fence that is already tall enough that your cat cannot simply jump on or over it. They must be forced to climb to escape. You can build a small ledge with wooden boards or use mesh or chicken wire attached to brackets. The idea is similar—if cats have to hang upside down or they encounter a material that won’t hold their weight, they will give up on their breakout attempts.
A system with a spring-loaded extension arm adds another level of protection. While cats don’t generally care to hang upside down, you might find that some cats are persistent. The drop-motion of the spring-loaded arm makes the cat feel as if they are falling (with their back to the ground!) and in true cat fashion, they want to land on their feet. So, they must let go of the fence topper to land safely below.
Close Any Gaps
Don’t forget about the bottom of the fence. Although cats do not dig quite as aggressively as dogs, they will still play around in loose dirt, and they certainly will discover any low spots in the yard where they can crawl under a fence. It does not have to be a big hole. If your cat’s head fits into an opening, their body probably will too.
Taking the time to close as many gaps as possible is a great way to cat-proof your fence by making it harder for your adventurous kitty to escape. This can be especially challenging with chain-link fences because the bottom often does not sit flush with the ground.
Consider adding some landscaping elements such as paver stones along the bottom perimeter to prevent any digging. Alternatively, a fence bottom barrier can make a fence cat-proof as it keeps them from slipping through any holes in the bottom.
Trim Your Trees
Sometimes the fence itself is not the problem. If a cat has the option to climb a nearby tree, walk out on a limb, and jump over a fence, she may decide to explore. What’s worse is knowing that she may not be able to get back to your yard the same way.
Considering your tree-branch overhang is an important step to cat-proof a fence. Trim back branches or install a tree guard to keep your cat from venturing too high.
Refocus Your Cat’s Attention
A cat is less likely to attempt climbing over a fence if she has another area of the yard to explore. Cushioned lawn furniture in the sun, cat toys on the back porch, or even an outdoor cat tree will draw your cat’s attention and keep them occupied as they roam.
Eventually, cats do look for new challenges, so unless you are intentional about redesigning the kitty play area on a regular basis, your cat will test the boundaries and attempt to climb over your fence. The best long-term solution is to create a fully secured cat enclosure.
Consult with an Expert
If you want your cat to enjoy your outdoor space without roaming too far, consult with a pet fencing engineer. Here’s how an expert can help make a fence cat-proof.
First, not all fences are the same, so cat-proofing options for fencing aren’t going to be one-size-fits-all. If you are struggling to figure out how to effectively cat-proof your fence, an expert can advise you about which conversion kit or methods will be the most effective.
Purrfect Fence is the industry leader in cat-proof fencing solutions. Our patented designs keep pets secure and owners happy. All of our products are covered under warranty and come with easy DIY instructions. Call us today at 888-280-4066 to speak with a planning engineer about how to make your fence cat-proof.
It wasn't easy to install due to objection reason, the way the yard outline. Of course with Mat the guru assistance I accomplished to the satisfaction of my client and me. I experienced issue with the gate but managed to solve it, Thank you
I’m really happy with the Purrfect Perch so far. Only one of my two cats has tried it out, but she loves it. Nikita, who’s lithe and athletic, easily climbs up and enjoys lounging on the platform or perching on the steps. My bigger cat, Rudi, weighs about 18 pounds and might have a harder time with the narrow steps—I see that other customers have made modifications with larger steps, platforms...might be worth giving customers these options.
Assembly was mostly straightforward, though the holes on the platform boards didn’t line up with the bracket at first. I contacted Purrfect Fence Support on a Saturday and got a response by Tuesday letting me know they were sending replacement cedar boards. To my surprise, they arrived already attached to a new bracket—excellent customer service! The picture with the pole tied to the patio post is before securing the pole with the self drilling / tapping screws.
The perch looks great in my backyard, is very sturdy and well-made, and I can already tell the cats are going to love it so I may need another one down the road. I live in the deep south so I hope it holds up to the elements. Highly recommend!
Five years ago we got new kittens (yes, COVID kittens) but each of my 2 pairs of cats had lived for 15-20 years. We decided to enclose our backyard with the existing fence conversion because I had realized how harmful cats are to bird populations. We also were getting coyotes walking down the urban streets in the middle of the day, so keeping them in the back yard would hopefully keep them safe. The person who helped m plan my fencing system was a little leery about having a picket fence included on the system, but it has worked very well. The photo below shows how the fencing disappears and is barely visible. I was worried that it might make my back yard look like a prison! But it doesn't at all. Another benefit that I wasn't considering was that extension of the short picket fence has deterred coyotes from entering into the back yard from this side area. I still bring the cats in at night. The cats are very happy to be out in the whole back yard hunting bugs, butterfly and the occasional gopher. I'm writing this now since I had to order a couple of extra conversion brackets. I needed them to replace some brackets I had rigged up to help save on cost. This is an expensive (to me) system but hot having to take the cats to the vets after cat fights, or losing them to predators is so worth the investment. Thanks Purrfect fence!!
