Imagine a large expanse of flat land with no grass. To create the perfect cat enclosure, a cat-proof fence can be placed in the simplest of yards. Other than ensuring that the fence has been properly installed, there aren’t any other considerations. To make dynamic changes, the same fence can be placed in a field with a tree. Cats can climb trees. Can a cat climb a tree to fall onto the cat proof fence? Is it possible for them to jump off the cat proof fences if they step out of a branch?
Your cat can use all kinds of things to escape
A typical backyard contains more than one tree and grass. Think about all the items you have in your backyard. Trees, shrubs and tables that are covered with cat proof fence. Consider the area that the fence will enclose. The house will usually be on one side. Window sills and AC units are all possible. Utility boxes and decks can also be used. All of these items can be used by your cat to bypass a properly constructed cat containment fence. You should carefully inspect any yard being used for cat confinement. Let’s begin by looking at what can’t go.
Fence with trees
Trees are an important feature of yards and are often the first thing people consider when considering a cat-proof fence. Trees can be hard to manage or simple to maintain. It all depends on what type of tree it is and how close it lies to a fence. You can make a tree without low branches (high canopy), that is climbable. To prevent damage to your tree, wrap a hard and smooth material around it. This is a good option for trees with no low branches.
It might be easier to manage larger trees near the fence. You can place arms on the tree, and then “walk” the cat-proofer arch above the trunk. You should inspect shrubs and bushes carefully in the same manner. Can a cat climb on the shrub and jump off? If this is the case, it may be necessary to remove the tree or move it. Sometimes, it may be necessary to remove a tree or several shrubs from the cat-secure zone.
Cat-proof decking and railing
This is the most dangerous area. You can let your cat jump on the cat fence or onto your roof. Think like a cat. Think about the structures in your home. What would a cat do if they had to climb on them? Take a look around your home and buildings to see if there are any structures. Are you sure a cat could access them from the roof? Are there any posts that can be climbed on your property? Are there railings that are near low roofs or similar structures? You can treat the posts like trees by wrapping them in aluminum flashing. Railings are more complicated. Rails can be used to hold large items such as potted plants. You can also switch between a wooden and a metal rail.
Next, test to see if your cat is able to jump over the arch-over section on a cat fence. If you receive a “yes” or a “maybe”, it is possible to re-evaluate where the fence is located at your house. It might be worth considering making your fence wider to allow it to reach the sides of the house.