10 ways to cat proof a fence and outsmart your curious kitty

Is your little fur monster prone to making sneaky escapes? More and more pet parents are considering turning their garden into a no-escape zone with a cat proof fence. 

Let’s jump into the purr-fect ways to cat proof a fence and why you might want to outsmart your whiskered escape artist.

How to cat proof a fence

Wondering how to make a fence cat proof? There are plenty of ways to keep your curious kitty out of trouble. Here are our top 10 most effective cat fencing methods: 

1. Mesh or wooden fence platforms
2. Close any gaps
3. Cat proof your trees
4. Use vinyl
5. Fence rollers
6. Fence toppers
7. Buy an existing fence extender
8. Buy curved fencing
9. Install a catio
10. Buy a cat proof fence

Make sure to read on as we get into the nitty-gritty of how you can turn your garden into a meow-velous cat yard enclosure. 

Does cat proof fencing work?

Yes! Cat proof fencing can be a super effective way to keep your high-jumping furball within the boundaries of your yard. The trick is to make sure the fencing is both high enough and designed so your cat can’t climb over, through, or under it.

Why cat-proofing your fence is important

Cats are natural explorers and climbers. Here are some reasons you might want to install a cat proof fence to keep your curious little wanderer from taking a day trip:

• Safety: Outdoor dangers such as traffic, predators, ticks, or even toxic plants can put your kitty at risk. Keeping your cat safe in your yard reduces the risk of any accidents or injuries.
• Environment: With their sharp claws and super speed, our little hunters can wreak havoc on the local wildlife. By putting up cat fences, you’re giving the neighborhood birds a little peace of mind.
• Legal considerations: In some areas, there are laws about keeping your pets within the boundaries of your property.

10 ways to cat proof a fence

When cat-proofing a fence, it’s important to choose methods that are safe and ethical for both your outdoor cat and the surrounding environment. Here are some of the best cat fence solutions for both those who prefer a DIY solution and those who want to leave it to the pros:

DIY ways to cat proof a fence

Curious about how to make a cat proof fence? The key is height (think 6 feet or more) and materials like vinyl where they can’t get a good grip with their claws. Cats also aren’t big fans of hanging upside down, so adding a curved element can work wonders. Here are some ways you can DIY a cat proof backyard:

1. Mesh or wooden fence platforms: Installing fence toppers at an angle or as a platform can make it difficult for your cat to get a grip and climb over. This must be installed on an existing fence that’s already tall enough that your cat can’t jump over and is forced to climb. You can use wood, mesh, cat nets, or chicken wire attached to brackets for this.
2. Close any gaps: Cats can squeeze through very small spaces so look out for gaps under your fence or any holes. Cats don’t usually dig holes like dogs, but they’ll definitely find them!
   
   You can DIY a barrier with wood or even use sturdy plant pots or decorations to close up any sneaky exit points. Look to patch up any holes in your fence or cover them with vinyl or cat netting. 
3. Cat proof your trees: You can get the fanciest cat fencing out there, but if you’ve any tall nearby trees it’ll be pretty much useless. The best way to avoid your cat escaping using your nearby shrubbery is to trim any low branches and install an anti-climb tree guard which can be bought or DIYed using vinyl.
4. Use vinyl: Vinyl is a great material that cats struggle to grip onto. Just make sure the fence it covers is at least 6 feet tall so they can’t jump over and you’ll want to buy metal posts to keep it sturdy.
5. Fence rollers: Fence rollers spin when your cat tries to climb over, preventing them from getting the leverage needed to escape. These can be bought ready-made or easily DIYed using steel wire and pipes held up by brackets.
   
   They work best when your cat is jumping from the ground up, so try to put them on top of a fence that doesn’t have much grip and is away from anything they can climb.
6. Fence toppers: Use a topper for your fence that will create an unstable landing point for your cat. This method again works best on tall fences with no grip. You can make fence toppers at home using mesh or plant pots with a slight overhang.

Ready-made cat fencing solutions

There are many companies out there that offer ways of cat proofing a fence. This can be an add-on to your existing fence, or a whole new bespoke cat fence barrier. If you’re happy to splash a bit more cash, we recommend investing in one of the following for your cat yard enclosure:

1. Buy an existing fence extender: This add-on adds height and also a curve to the top of your fence which will stop your cat in their tracks. This is great if you already have a fence. Some also have a spring system in place to further deter your kitty from scaling the fence.
2. Buy curved fencing: If you’re looking to buy a more traditional fence, you can look at getting a fence with a curved top. This shape isn’t as easy for your cat to jump onto and might deter them. However, this option might not always be effective so it’s best to combine it with some of the other methods above.
3. Install a catio: While this is one of the more expensive solutions, one of the most sure ways to stop your cat from escaping is to install a catio. These can be built as free-standing or installed into your existing patio or balcony with cat patio netting. Make sure it’s weatherproof and large enough for your cat to climb around in.
4. Buy a cat proof fence: If you want to go all out and buy new cat fencing for your yard, you can buy a free-standing cat proof fence specifically designed with your escapee feline in mind. They’re usually tall mesh structures with a curved top.

Bonus tip: Make sure to keep your kitty happy and entertained with lots of cat toys, climbing posts, an exercise wheel, and attention (of course).

Cat proofing fence methods to avoid

While there are many effective and cat safe fencing options, there are also some methods that you should stay clear of such as spikes and electric fences. These methods can be very harmful to your cat, other animals, and humans and can also be illegal in some areas.

It’s also worth checking with local guidelines when putting up a fence or adding height to a fence as you may need planning permission or there may be certain rules about the types of fences you can put up in your area. 

One last thing to keep in mind: while your cat might be kept safely inside your yard, other sneaky cats might still manage to get in but not out. So, keep an eye out for any confused kitties that might be stuck in your garden.

How to maintain a cat proof fence

It’s important to keep your cat proof fence well-maintained so it stays effective. Regularly look out for any damage or wear and tear, and make necessary repairs quickly. Make sure to also remove any splitters and ensure no nails are sticking out that could hurt your fence-climbing feline.

Finally, after installing your cat proof fence, monitor your cat’s behavior to check how effective it is at deterring your cat from climbing, and look to take extra measures if your cat is particularly interested in one spot. 

Still worried about your cat escaping? For an extra piece of mind, you might want to consider investing in a cat tracker, so you can find your cat if they decide to go on a little adventure.

Going on a vacation of your own and want to leave your feline companion in good hands? Browse our caring pet sitters to find your cat’s perfect sitter.