Keeping a cat in a yard as a beloved pet is undoubtedly fun. At the same time, it can be a bit challenging to feel safe letting them roam around outside. Cats love to explore, but allowing them to roam freely may lead to injury from aggressive animals such as dogs or from car accidents. So, how can you keep your cat safe in your yard?
Cats are natural-born explorers, always curious about the world beyond their backyard. While their adventurous spirit is endearing, it can also harm them if they wander too far from home. As a responsible cat owner, keeping your feline friend safely contained within your yard is a top priority.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into some techniques and strategies on how to keep a cat in your yard, so you can ensure your cat enjoys the great outdoors while staying safe in a catio or netted enclosure. From construction, you’ll learn how to give your kitty the freedom to move while giving you peace of mind. Say goodbye to anxious searches and calls – with the right approach, you can let your cat explore to their heart’s content while keeping them safe in the comfort of your backyard.
Benefits of keeping cats confined to the yard
Discover the benefits of keeping your cats confined to the yard. From ensuring their safety to fostering a strong bond with you, find out why creating a safe outdoor space in a yard benefits both cats and their owners.
For the cats
- Being cats confined to a yard or garden increases their safety from hazards such as vehicles, animal attacks, abuse, and theft.
- They get better health due to reduced exposure to parasites, diseases, and toxins found outside.
- Indoor cats generally have a longer life expectancy than outdoor cats.
- When kept in the yard, Cats can run, climb, and play, which helps them stay active and mentally engaged.
For the owner
- Peace of mind knowing that their cats are safe in the yard and not roaming outside.
- Potential reduction in veterinarian bills because indoor cats are less prone to get sick or get injured outside.
- Reduce the risk of nuisance complaints from neighbours about the cat trespassing or causing problems.
Tips on How To Keep Your Cats in Your Yard/Garden
Keeping your feline friend within your yard’s confines will help reduce many risks, such as getting lost, potential injuries, and encounters with other animals. Kitty-Safe can show you how to keep a cat in your yard safely by installing fence extensions and cat netting, and then you can get to work creating a sensory rich environment which will keep your cat happy and deter them from wanting to roam. So, here are some of the best ways to keep cats in your yard.
1. Ensure Your Fence Is Fully Closed:
Cats are amazing at jumping, and a cat fence needs to be at least 180cm high to prevent cats from getting over them. You can increase your fence height by adding fence extensions. The height, and the inward tilting slope, will deter cats from even trying to jump it. It even stops other cats from getting in easily, which means your cat can enjoy their yard without being bothered by other nuisance cats in the neighborhood. . So, design a proper cat fence to keep your cat safe and secure inside your yard. Such fence can be homemade by installing two-inch PVC piping or netting above your existing fence line. If your yard already has a fence, remove objects near the Fence that your cat might use to jump.
2. Add Overhead Netting:
Getting a proffessional to install overhead netting is a great cat containment solution which will allow your feline companion to enjoy the outdoors but not wander from the safety of your own backyard.. This involves installing a netting system above your existing fences, and using fence extension poles which rest at a 45° inward angle. This creates an effective and discreet cat-proof fence option. The netting material should be solid and durable enough to withstand your cat’s attempts to climb or tear through it. The overhead netting installation should be high enough to prevent your cats from jumping over it. See our gallery section on cat-proof overhead netting.
3. Invest in a Catio!
Another option is to Invest in a catio. It’s a great way and the best option to keep your cat secure and contained within your yard/garden. Catios are entirely enclosed, so your cat would not be physically present in the yard, reducing the likelihood of escape. Many catios are designed to be large enough so that humans can also comfortably use them, allowing you to spend quality time with your cat.
4. Provide for Your Cat’s Needs in Your Yard:
Providing cats’ needs in the yard helps them be involved in creating a safe and enriching environment that allows them to explore, play, and relax while ensuring their well-being. Providing them with sheltered areas such as a covered patio, shed, or small outdoor shelter allows them to seek refuge from rain, sun, or extreme temperature. Add cat-friendly features, interactive toys, and access to fresh water and cat foods. At the same time, you need to supervise your cat and keep an eye out for potential hazards, such as toxic plants, sharp objects, or small openings where your cat could escape.
5. Spend Quality Time with Your Cat:
Spending quality time with your cat in your own yard can help nurture a secure bond between you and your cat, which encourages them to stay inside your shared area. So, get engage with them in play sessions, provide them treats, and offer affection to create a positive relationship within the space.
6. Avoid Harmful or Unpleasant Substances:
Always avoid using chemical repellents or adding toxic plants that are harmful for cat and can harm your cats. You should opt for a cat-friendly and eco-friendly solutions instead. Also, it is best to avoid ultrasonic devices or harmful deterrent sprays that discourage cats from staying in the yard.
7. Use Scent Marking to Establish Boundaries:
Due to their strong territorial nature behavior, cats can mark their territory with scent to define their boundaries. Cats are attracted to cat-friendly plants like catnip, mints, and valerian, so placing these scents around the perimeter of your yard helps your cat feel more secure and less inclined to wander.
Should Cats Be Allowed to Roam Free?
When it comes to pet ownership, there are often no easy answers. This is particularly true for cat owners, as Australian Cat Statistics reveal that approximately 33% of Australian households have at least one cat as a beloved family member. In fact, the average number of cats per household is 1.6, highlighting the popularity of these furry companions.
Understanding the local laws is crucial, as they may forbid your cat from roaming freely. This is particularly common in urban areas, but it’s a good practice to be aware of the laws in your area, regardless of your location. In fact, the average is 1.6 cats per house, and there may even be local government laws in some states that forbid your cat from roaming freely.
It’s important to consider the risks that outdoor cats face. According to experts, outdoor cats have shorter lifespans compared to their indoor counterparts. This is due to the numerous dangers they encounter in the great outdoors, including disease and parasite exposure, pesticide and weed killer exposure, and predator attacks. However, providing them with enough room and freedom in your yard to engage in natural behaviors like hunting and climbing can help mitigate these risks. Additionally, outdoor cats may require more exercise, which can help prevent weight issues and boredom.
Conclusion
If you want to know how to keep your cats in your yard, follow our basic, easy to implement tips. Cats that have access to a safe outdoor area are happy, live longer and develop stronger relationships with their owners. By implementing these measures, you can create a harmonious balance between allowing your cat outdoor access and ensuring their safety and happiness within your yard or garden.
At Kittysafe, we understand the importance of creating a great and safe outdoor enclosure environment for your furry companion. So Kittysafe proudly offers a range of top-notch cat outdoor enclosure installation services with high-quality products. We understand the importance of keeping your beloved pets safe and secure in your yard while allowing them to enjoy the fresh air and freedom they desire with our top-notch cat netting solutions. Contact us today for professional and reliable cat netting installation service in WA Perth.
FAQs
Can You Train a Cat to Stay in Your Yard?
Cats have a strong free will and are naturally curious hunters. You can only train your cat up to a certain point. The only certain way to ensure your cat won’t risk venturing further than your garden is to use a cat containment system. This, combined with providing them with a safe and stimulating outdoor environment, is the best way to keep your cat contained.
How to Stop Cats from Getting Run Over by a Car?
To prevent cats from getting run over, it’s important to keep them safe and contained.
Cat Enclosures: Install a catio or other types of outdoor enclosures to provide a safe environment.
Fencing: Consider installing a cat-proof fence that prevents your cat from climbing over or squeezing through gaps.
Supervision: Always supervise your cat when they are outside, especially if your yard is not fully enclosed.
Microchipping and Identification: Add a microchip to your cat and wear a collar with an ID tag. This will help to reunite you with your cat if they do manage to escape.
Neighborhood Awareness: Inform your neighbours about your cat and ask them to drive carefully.
Indoor Enrichment: Provide a stimuating indoor environment to reduce your cat’s urge to escape outdoors.
What Attracts Cats to Your Yard?
Definitely, food. Try not to leave accessible bins or scraps outside as this might entice an unwanted cat into your yard. Neighbourhood cats could also be attracted to your yard because of your own cats. The best way to keep them out, and stop your cats from getting distressed or getting into scraps, is to fully contain your yard with cat netting, or extend the height of your fences with cat fence extensions.
What Are the Signs Your Cat Is Happy in the Yard?
A happy cat will exhibit behaviors like exploring, playing, and resting comfortably in the yard. Is there anything more peaceful that a curled up sleeping cat? Cats also love to share outdoor spaces with their owners. Cats can purr, rub against you, or even shake the ends of their tails to show you how happy they are to be sharing their outdoor time with you.
Can Indoor Cats Adapt to Spending Time in the Yard?
Yes, indoor cats can adapt to spending time in the yard with gradual exposure and training. If they have never experienced outdoor time, they may be fearful at first, but their curiosity will definitely get the better of them and they won’t be able to resist exploring. If your cat seems very timid, start with short, supervised sessions with lots of loving interaction to help them feel safe.
