A House Full of Friends (and Cats!)

KittySafe recently completed a specialized project in Saint James, creating a secure and expansive cat enclosure for a home with an asbestos fence. Our team utilized expert safety protocols and custom solutions, including HardieFence capping and cathedral-style netting, to transform a challenging backyard into a feline paradise. This custom catio installation ensures the safety of multiple cats, providing them with a wonderful outdoor space to explore. For trusted cat proofing in St James and across Perth, especially for complex properties, KittySafe has the proven expertise.

Suburb: Saint James

October 24, 2025

Stuart Durkin

Founder @Kittysafe

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Creating a safe and expansive cat paradise in a shared Saint James home.

Cat Enclosure for Asbestos Fence Safe: Expert Solution in Saint James 2025

Moving into a new home is always an adventure, especially when it’s a shared house with friends. For a group of forward-thinking residents in Saint James, this exciting new chapter came with a unique challenge. Several members of the household were proud cat parents, and they dreamed of giving their feline family a safe way to enjoy the fresh Perth air. The only hurdle? The property’s boundary was an old asbestos fence, a common feature in many established suburbs. This meant that a standard installation was out of the question, and they needed a professional cat enclosure for a solution. They needed experts who understood the risks and had the skills to create a secure, beautiful space without compromising safety.

The Unique Challenge: Securing a Yard with Asbestos Fencing

For many Perth homeowners, an asbestos fence presents a significant roadblock when planning home improvements. You can’t just drill into it or attach fixtures as you would with a typical fence. Disturbing the material without proper precautions is a serious health and safety concern. This was the primary problem our Saint James clients faced. They wanted a large, secure outdoor cat space, but their backyard was bordered by this tricky material.

This is where asbestos fence safety solutions become critical. The project required more than just netting; it demanded a meticulous plan, specialized equipment, and a deep understanding of how to work around hazardous materials. Our team approached this not as a problem, but as a puzzle to be solved with precision and care. The goal was to provide complete cat proofing in St James without a single screw penetrating the existing fence, ensuring the safety of both the human and feline residents for years to come. The clients envisioned a spacious sanctuary, and we were determined to deliver it safely.

Our Custom Catio Installation Perth: A Multi-Faceted Approach

Our solution was a testament to KittySafe’s commitment to customisation and safety. Instead of interacting directly with the asbestos, we engineered a system that worked above and around it. The first step was to supply and install new HardieFence capping along the top of the entire asbestos fence line. To ensure this capping was perfectly stable and secure, we used a specialized filler to stabilise the cap, creating a solid, reliable anchor point for our netting structure.

With the foundation set, we constructed a robust framework using 30×30 steel tubing. This provided the structural integrity needed to support the fence cap without drilling into the fence. The true showstopper of this project was the use of what we call “cathedral netting” to enclose the area under a large gable roof. This technique follows the high pitch of the roofline, creating a wonderfully airy and expansive vertical space that makes the entire outdoor cat run feel enormous. It’s one of our favourite outdoor cat run ideas for maximizing volume and enrichment opportunities.

To complete the functionality of this backyard cat netting WA project, we installed a heavy-duty zipper panel. This provides the homeowners with easy access to the side yard for maintenance without ever compromising the security of the cat containment system.

More Than Just a Job: Welcoming the Feline Residents

The best part of any KittySafe installation is knowing that happy cats are on their way. In this case, the excitement was palpable. The clients shared that their trio of cats—a tuxedo, a black cat, and a grey cat—were scheduled to move in right after our work was completed. They were essentially preparing a feline paradise as a welcome-home gift! It’s this kind of love and dedication from pet owners that fuels our passion.

During the installation, the atmosphere was fantastic. One of the clients, was on-site, and their enthusiasm was infectious. They were so pleased with the progress and professionalism that they proactively asked for a link to leave a five-star review before we had even packed up our tools. Our installer, sharing in the good humour, cheekily suggested that “photos make a review extra spicy!” It’s these friendly, collaborative moments that turn a construction project into a genuinely delightful experience.

From Hazardous Hurdle to Feline Haven

The transformation was remarkable. What began as a backyard with a significant safety constraint was now a seamless, secure, and stunning feline sanctuary. The low-visibility black netting blends beautifully against the blue Saint James sky, providing unobstructed views while ensuring total safety. The high, angled ceiling of the cathedral netting prevents any sense of being “caged in,” instead offering a feeling of freedom and space.

This project is a perfect example of how challenges can inspire innovative solutions. It demonstrates that properties with older or more difficult features, like asbestos fencing, can absolutely be adapted into safe and modern pet-friendly spaces. By thinking creatively and prioritizing safety above all else, we turned a potential liability into the foundation for a perfect outdoor pet enclosure. The future feline residents of this home are in for a treat, with endless opportunities for sunbathing, birdwatching, and exploring their new, safe territory.

If you’re in Perth and have been putting off your catio dreams because of a tricky fence or complex architecture, let this project be your inspiration. Contact KittySafe today, and let’s discuss how we can create a specialized, safe, and beautiful outdoor world for your beloved cats.

Ready to Create Your Own Cat Enclosure?

If you’re inspired by this cat enclosure for asbestos fence Saint James project in Saint James, KittySafe can help bring your vision to life. Our Perth-based team specializes in custom cat netting solutions that keep your feline friends safe while enjoying the outdoors.