As a cat owner, you want your furry friend to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the great outdoors. But allowing indoor cats to roam freely outside comes with many risks that can seriously threaten their safety. Installing a cat enclosure on your existing backyard fence gives your cat access to fresh air and extra exercise without putting them in harm’s way.
We’ll look at the dangers outdoor cats face, the benefits of a safely enclosed space, and how to choose the right containment solution for your home. You’ll also learn step-by-step installation tips to properly convert your current fence into a sturdy cat barrier. With the right enclosure, your precious feline can reap the rewards of the outdoors while staying protected on your property.
Keeping Your Indoor Cat Safe Outdoors
Indoor cats allowed to roam freely face many perils when stepping outside the comforts of home. Dangers like traffic, extreme weather, wild animals, toxins, and the potential for getting lost or stolen mean letting your cat go outdoors unsupervised is extremely risky.
Common Safety Threats for Outdoor Cats
Some of the most common hazards cats encounter when free roaming include:
- Busy roads and vehicles that can strike, injure, or kill a cat
- Predators like coyotes, foxes, and birds of prey that view small cats as prey
- Pesticides, fertilizers, antifreeze and other toxins cats may ingest
- Extreme heat or cold and severe weather events
- Theft of roaming cats by ill-intentioned people
- Territorial animals like raccoons that can transmit rabies
- Possibility of getting lost and unable to find home
Even the most street savvy and athletic cats can fall victim to any of these threats when roaming unsupervised. A backyard cat enclosure removes these risks while still letting your cat enjoy outdoor time.
Benefits of a Contained Outdoor Environment
Giving your cat access to a safe, escape-proof outdoor space offers many advantages:
- Freedom to play, run, climb, and explore the outdoors
- Fresh air and exciting outdoor sights and sounds
- Sunlight andsupervised time outdoors supports health
- Adequate exercise and enrichment prevents boredom
- Avoid litter box use and mess in the house
- Security, supervision, and protection from threats
With their innate curiosity and adventure-seeking nature, most cats enjoy and benefit from time spent outside. A cat enclosure allows this in a way that keeps your feline secure while respecting their needs.
Choosing the Right Cat Containment Kit
If you decide a backyard cat enclosure is right for your feline friend, the next step is choosing an appropriate cat containment system to install. There are a few key factors to consider when shopping for the best kit for your home.
Key Considerations When Shopping
- Measure your yard size and layout to determine space needed
- Factor in fence height and check for existing gaps or weak spots
- Consider the number of cats using the enclosure
- Choose durable, escape-proof materials your cats can’t chew through
- Select trusted brand with good customer reviews
- Look for weather-resistant and rust-proof components
There are several reputable companies making cat containment kits for backyard fences. Here are a few top options:
Top-Rated Cat Containment Kit Brands
Purrfect Fence – Offers easy DIY installation and sturdy steel components. Their kits include dig barriers and cat netting in a choice of mesh sizes.
Kitty Corral – Known for escape-proof mesh and aluminum alloy frames. Provides different height and length options to fit your needs.
Cat Scat – More budget-friendly kits made of heavy-duty PVC fence material. Better for smaller yards and calmer cats.
Each brand has pros, cons, and custom options, so compare carefully before deciding. Focus on choosing high strength, chew-proof materials built to last.
Materials Used in Quality Kits
The most durable and secure cat enclosures utilize materials like:
- Heavy-duty reinforced steel or vinyl-coated fencing
- Rust-resistant aluminum alloy extenders
- High-strength mesh or netting in small opening sizes
- Weatherproof, UV-treated fabric covers and ties
- Long metal ground stakes or wire dig barriers
Choosing the right materials can help maximize your investment by improving the lifespan of your cat containment system.
How To Install a Cat Containment Kit on Your Existing Fence
Once you’ve selected the ideal cat containment solution for your home, it’s time to install it. With the right tools and proper technique, retrofitting your current fence is a straightforward DIY project.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Always carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Having an extra set of hands is also useful during installation.
Tips for a Successful Installation
Here are some useful tips to ensure your cat enclosure ends up secure and sturdy:
- Mount extender hardware into solid fence posts or wall studs
- Keep mesh material pulled taut with no slack while tying it off
- Cut mesh instead of overlapping for optimal coverage
- Reinforce all corner joints and gate areas
- Periodically check ties and mesh for needed repairs
Potential Issues and Solutions
With an existing backyard fence as the base, installing a cat containment kit also comes with some unique challenges:
- Uneven terrain – Use extenders of varying lengths and stake down mesh
- Angled corners – Bend mesh gradually instead of 90-degree turns
- Large gaps – Fill with additional fence panels secured to posts
- Loose structure – Reinforce or replace weak posts as needed
Adapting to your specific backyard landscape may take a bit of creativity but these tips can help overcome common issues.
Maintaining the Enclosure for Safety and Longevity
Properly caring for your cat’s enclosure will keep it functioning safely and looking great. Expect to perform routine maintenance and repair tasks on your outdoor cat containment system.
Regular Maintenance and Checks
To keep your enclosure secure, we recommend:
- Checking for holes, damage, loose ties every 2-3 months
- Removing leaves, weeds, dirt, and debris frequently
- Testing stability of support posts and netting
- Watching for wear, rust, or sharp edges
- Trimming back tree branches and plants touching fence
Developing a maintenance routine helps avoid major issues down the road. Any repairs found should be addressed promptly.
Modifications and Repairs
To fix or improve your enclosure:
- Patch holes in mesh using wire, zip ties, or sealant
- Add new fence posts or braces to sagging corners
- Replace broken ties, extenders, or fasteners
- Upgrade or add more ground stakes if cats dig beneath
Customizing your enclosure over time can maximize durability and enhance your cat’s experience.
Caring for Mesh Fabric Over Time
The heavy-duty mesh fabric used in cat enclosures will wear out eventually depending on:
- UV exposure from sunlight
- Moisture from rain and irrigation
- Air pollution accumulating on material
- Level of wear from cat claws and chewing
Signs your cat mesh needs replacing include stretching, holes, brittleness, and excessive staining. Aluminum frames, steel posts, and ties often last 5+ years for extended value.
Giving Your Cat the Ideal Outdoor Experience
With your cat safely enclosed, you can add fun enhancements to create an enriching outdoor environment they’ll enjoy.
Enrichments to Add
Consider incorporating these engaging elements:
- Climbing shelves, bridges, and perches
- Dangling toys that blow in the breeze
- Wobbling or rolling toys like balls to chase
- Scratching posts and scratching pads
- Hiding boxes or tunnels to snooze in
Rotating toys keeps curiosity piqued. Ensure accessories are safely secured.
Tips for Use and Supervision
To help your cat enjoy their new outdoor space:
- Initially supervise your cat while acclimating to the enclosure
- Provide fresh water, shade, and places to take shelter
- Remove waste, fallen toys, and debris frequently
- Keep sessions brief at first then increase roaming time
- Switch up toys between sessions to prevent boredom
With attentive human supervision, your cat can thrive while avoiding mishaps during outdoor play.
For cat owners looking to provide their pets with safe outdoor access, installing a cat containment kit onto an existing backyard fence is an excellent solution. These conversion kits allow your cat freedom to roam and get exercise without all the dangers of free roaming. Choosing durable, escape-proof materials tailored to your unique space ensures your cat stays protected. With proper installation and routine maintenance, a cat enclosure keeps your feline healthy and enriched for years of worry-free outdoor enjoyment.
