New Friends both Feline and Feathered
Cat Netting Wellard
Providing expert cat netting in Wellard WA often involves unique challenges, but this project was a first for us – a solution designed for both feline and feathered friends!
Anyone who shares their home with multiple pets knows that their needs can be wonderfully diverse. In this case, the household included three curious cats, one named Marduk, and a pet duck with a penchant for adventure. The primary goal was to prevent the duck from literally flying the coop, while also granting the cats the safe, stimulating outdoor access they crave. It was a fantastic puzzle that our team was excited to solve.
Down in the thriving, family-friendly suburb of Wellard, with its lovely parks and green spaces like nearby Bulrush Park, keeping pets safely contained is a top priority for responsible owners. The homeowner contacted us with this interesting dilemma, and we knew our versatile outdoor cat netting was the perfect answer. This project highlights how a custom-designed enclosure can cater to a multi-species household, ensuring safety and happiness for everyone involved, whether they have fur or feathers..
A Unique Challenge
When the initial message came through, it immediately caught our attention: “technically it’s mostly to stop my duck from flying the coop literally, but the cats will benefit too.” We love a good challenge, and this was a brilliant one. While our business is built around feline safety, the principles of cat enclosures are universal. The key is understanding the specific animal’s capabilities and creating a barrier that is both effective and humane. A duck presents a different set of escape risks compared to a cat.
While cats are incredible climbers and jumpers, a duck’s primary escape route is vertical flight. Therefore, the enclosure needed to be fully sealed overhead. Furthermore, the netting mesh had to be fine enough to prevent a bird from squeezing through, which our standard 19mm low-visibility netting is perfectly suited for.
The homeowner’s secondary goal was to provide their three cats with a safe outdoor territory. This dual-purpose requirement meant the design had to be robust enough to handle a cat’s weight if they decided to climb, yet secure enough to contain a bird. This is where the custom nature of KittySafe’s work truly shines. A one-size-fits-all kit from a hardware store simply wouldn’t work here. We needed to assess the specific area, consider the attachment points, and devise a plan that respected the property’s aesthetics while delivering foolproof security for all the resident animals.
Designing the Perfect Enclosure
Our process always begins with clear communication. After the initial contact, we requested photos of the area the homeowner wanted to enclose. This is a crucial step that allows us to provide an accurate quote and begin formulating an installation plan remotely. The client promptly sent through images of their outdoor space, allowing us to visualize the project.
This particular job in Wellard involved securing a section of the property to create a spacious outdoor haven. The design required creating a complete envelope of netting. For a typical cat enclosure, we focus on preventing climbing over fences and finding small gaps. For this project, we also had to create a secure ‘roof’ of netting to prevent the resident ducks from taking flight and leaving the yard. This is a common feature in many of our cat enclosures, especially for patios and balconies, so we were well-equipped for the task.
Using the photos and measurements, we mapped out the installation. This involved identifying the best anchor points – typically the eaves of the house, sturdy fence posts, and walls. Our goal is always to create a solution that is as unobtrusive as possible, blending seamlessly with the home. The use of our high-quality, low-visibility black netting ensures that once installed, the focus remains on the garden and the happy pets, not on the enclosure itself. We provided a detailed quote, which the homeowner accepted, and we locked in a full-day installation.
The Installation: A Day’s Dedication
The first step is always to meticulously plan the layout of the support structure. We use discreet stainless steel wire cables and to create an anchor for the netting.
This anchor is the backbone of the entire enclosure. We tension the cables to ensure they are taut, which prevents any sagging in the netting over time. This is especially important for the ‘roof’ section, as it needs to withstand the elements without drooping. Every anchor point is securely fastened, ensuring the structure is strong enough to handle the Perth weather and the antics of a climbing cat.
Once the framework was in place, we began attaching the large, 19mm UV-treated cat netting panel. This is a labour intensive process that requires precision and attention to detail. We carefully cut the netting to the exact size and shape of the area, ensuring generous overlap. Then, using high-quality steel ring stapples, we attach the netting to the tensioned cables and fixed boundaries piece by piece. The key to a truly secure cat – and duck – enclosure is ensuring there are absolutely no gaps. Our team is trained to identify and eliminate any potential weak spots, no matter how small.
Throughout the eight-hour installation, we worked methodically to build a secure, durable, and aesthetically pleasing enclosure. The result was a large, safe area where the cats and their feathered companion could enjoy the outdoors without the homeowner having to worry
A New World of Safe Exploration
With the final fastening done and final checks finished the transformation was complete. The once-open space was now a secure sanctuary. The real joy for us is imagining the moment the pets get to explore their new domain for the first time. For Marduk and his two feline friends, this new space is a world of exciting new smells, sounds, and textures. They can now safely watch the birds, chase bugs, and nap in a sunbeam without any of the risks posed by traffic, predators, or getting lost.
And for the adventurous duck, the world is still its oyster, but within safe boundaries. It can waddle, forage, and stretch its wings without the risk of flying off. This peace of mind for the homeowner is immeasurable. There’s no more anxiety about an open door or a potential escape. Instead, they can simply relax and enjoy watching their beloved pets thrive in a safe and enriching environment.
This project in Wellard is a perfect example of how versatile and effective custom cat netting can be. It’s more than just a product; it’s a tailored solution that enhances the lives of both pets and their people. If you’re in Perth and looking for a way to give your pets safe outdoor freedom, we can help you create the perfect space, no matter how unique your needs may be. You can also see how we’ve solved similar challenges in other suburbs, such as our Banksia Grove enclosure upgrade, and our Nollamara cat enclosure installations.
