Build On to Fences for Cat Containment

As cat owners, we want our furry friends to be able to enjoy the great outdoors while also keeping them safe from harm. One excellent way to accomplish this is by converting an existing fence into a cat containment system using a specialized kit. These kits allow you to effectively create an enclosed space for cats to roam while preventing potential escapes.

What Are Cat Containment Kits?

Cat containment kits are products designed to convert sections of your yard enclosed by an existing fence into a safe, cat-friendly space. The kits include additional fencing materials that attach to the top of fences, allowing you to create an angled overhang that cats cannot climb over .

Benefits of Proper Cat Containment

There are many advantages to safely containing outdoor cats:

• Prevents cats from escaping the yard and getting lost
• Protects cats from outdoor hazards like cars, predators, toxins, etc.
• Allows cats to experience fresh air and sunlight
• Gives cats enrichment through outdoor exploration

Alternate Enclosure Options

If installing a kit onto an existing fence won't work for your situation, some other containment options include:

• Building a custom catio enclosure
• Screening in a porch area
• Training cats to walk on a leash
• Installing underground radio fences

Assess Your Current Fencing

Before purchasing a pre-made kit, you'll want to examine your existing fencing to ensure compatibility. Measure the height and length of your fence line and look for any problem spots a clever cat could exploit.

Measure Your Fence Dimensions

First, use a tape measure to check the height and length of your fence. Standard kits are designed for fences 5-7 feet high. For shorter fences down to 4 feet, extension brackets may allow the fence to be raised to an adequate height.

Inspect for Damage and Gaps

Carefully inspect your entire fence perimeter and look for any gaps, holes, loose boards, or other areas where a cat may escape. Also check places where the fence connects to the ground. Any gaps will need to be closed off to properly contain cats.

Consider Layout and Terrain

As you assess your fence, think about the layout and placement. Make sure the area allows cats adequate roaming room but is also free from major hazards. Check that the terrain is relatively flat and free of hiding spots outside the fence where cats could escape undetected.

Gather the Right Containment Materials

Once you've determined that your fence is a good candidate for a cat containment conversion, the next step is gathering supplies. Many kits come with most materials, but you may need to purchase a few additional items.

Netting and Mesh Fencing

Kits include UV-resistant poly mesh fencing to attach to fence tops to form the key containment barrier. The density must prevent cats from pushing through or biting holes.

Posts, Brackets, and Mounting Hardware

Most kits provide brackets, posts, and durable zip ties specially engineered to hold the mesh fencing in place on top of existing fences. Stainless steel mounting hardware suitable for different surfaces may need to be purchased separately.

Tools for Installation

To attach the mounting poles and brackets, you'll need various standard tools - a power drill, drill bits, hammer, snippers, zip tie tensioning tool, tape measure, and possibly a ladder or step stool.

Install the Containment Mesh

Once you assemble the necessary supplies, it's time to tackle installation. We'll cover the key steps involved in securely fitting the mesh extensions onto your existing fence:

Attach the Mesh to the Fence Top

First, use the provided hardware to mount the brackets and posts for the upper edge of the mesh, angled outward. Make sure to evenly space posts every 4-6 feet. Use sturdy zip ties to tightly attach the mesh fencing to the top of the posts and your existing fence.

Overlap the Edges and Eliminate Gaps

Be sure to generously overlap the mesh pieces, leaving no gaps large enough for a cat to squeeze through. It's better to overlap excess mesh instead of leaving potential holes. Carefully check for tightness and re-tie loose areas as needed to make an impenetrable enclosure.

Seal Off any Ground-Level Openings

Don't forget to securely seal off any gaps between the fencing and the ground. Use additional mesh material, securing it to bottom posts with zip ties. Bury edges underground where possible. The goal is to leave no space for cats to escape below fence level.

Add Support Posts and Anchors

While the upper portion of the mesh firmly attaches to your existing fence, the base typically needs additional stability from support posts and ground anchors:

Insert Support Posts Every Few Feet

Use the provided post hardware to install free-standing support posts around the enclosure perimeter, spacing them every 4 to 6 feet. Post density depends on fence height and mesh offset angle.

Secure Brackets into the Ground

The support posts connect to steel ground brackets anchored firmly into the dirt using included stakes. Use a hammer to drive anchors at least 12 inches below ground to prevent dislodging.

Reinforce Potential Weak Points

Pay special attention to reinforcing corners, gates, and sections prone to wind damage with extra support posts and tie-downs. These high-stress areas require solid anchoring to prevent breaches.

Enrich the Cat Containment Space

While keeping cats securely enclosed is the primary goal, they'll enjoy their new outdoor freedom even more with entertainment and comforts:

Add Cat Trees, Scratchers, and Toys

Spruce up the enclosed cat area by providing scratching posts, climbing structures, swings, tunnels, and interactive toys to pique their predatory interest.

Incorporate Cozy Hiding Spots

Cats love to lounge in snug nooks. Place enclosed cat beds, cubes, tubes, and cardboard boxes for supplemental shelter and appeal.

Supply Litter Boxes, Food, and Water

Make sure to furnish the outdoor cat zone with clean litter boxes, eating areas, and fresh water stations. This allows cats to comfortably meet all needs without reentering the house.

Monitor the Containment Area

While containment kits are designed to securely enclose cats, it's still important to routinely check for potential problems and make timely repairs:

Observe Cat Activity Patterns

Watch how your cats navigate the enclosure over the first few days. See if any spots seem prone to breaching attempts. Reinforce as needed.

Inspect for New Gaps or Damage

Regularly walk the fenced perimeter looking for new gaps in the mesh or degraded fence components in need of replacement. Don't let small holes expand into escape routes.

Promptly Make Any Necessary Repairs

Don't delay fixing damaged containment components like detached mesh, broken support rods or anchors. Make repairs immediately to prevent curious cats from venturing through holes.

Expand Your Cat Enclosure

Over time, you may wish to build upon your initial converted fence cat containment system:

Add Overhead Netting for Aerial Security

While some kits feature integrated overhead netting, this can also be added onto basic conversions for extra assurance cats won't breach barriers by tree climbing.

Construct Fully Enclosed Cat Tunnels

Attach secure tunnel tubes over existing openings in your yard's dividing fences to expand your cat's territory into adjoining areas like side yards while keeping containment intact.

Incorporate Pet Door Access

Install a microchip or magnetically controlled cat door in an external door or window to grant your cats free indoor/outdoor flow while preventing stray cats from entering and containing your pets.

Train Your Cats on Using Their New Enclosure

While confinement aims to protect cats, this adjustment may initially confuse them. Use positive training techniques to acclimate cats to their new backyard paradise:

Motivate with Treats and Toys

Show curious but hesitant cats that the enclosure isn't scary by leaving a tasty trail of treats leading to fun toys deep within the contained area to spark explorations.

Supervise First Forays Out

Accompany timid cats on early ventures beyond the house to reassure them with praise and affection. Let them establish trust before leaving them alone.

Reinforce Desired Behaviors

When cats willingly investigate their new domain - reward them! Offer treats, catnip and positive attention to reinforce engaging with their cat-proofed yard.

Maintain the Enclosure

Don't get complacent about upkeep once your cat containment system is installed. Perform ongoing maintenance to keep it functionally sound:

Trim Back Overgrown Vegetation

Regularly prune back any plants encroaching on the enclosed area. Don't give cats a convenient climbing assist over barriers!

Replace Degraded Materials

Inspect mesh, ties, rods and anchors seasonally. Switch out components showing wear, rust or brittleness to prevent weather-related breaches.

Remove Snow Buildup

After heavy snows, clear piled snow drifts pressing on fence lines to stop cats from escaping over shortened boundaries.

Implement Extra Safety Measures

Converting your existing fence into a cat playground takes safety precautions beyond just containment. Here are some additional protective measures to consider:

Post Warning Signs on Enclosures

Alert unauthorized people they're approaching a cat habitat with signs deterring entry. This prevents unintended openings of gates and doors.

Install Motion Sensor Lights

Deter trespassers and scare off predatory wildlife lurking around the cat area perimeter with bright security spotlights triggered by movement.

Supervise Cats During High-Risk Times

While checking fences and locking gates minimizes threats, also directly watch cats during peak danger periods like early mornings, nights and seasonal high predator activity times.

As you can see, cat containment kits make it simple to create a enriched play zone for your cats using existing fences. The installation process is fairly straightforward. But consistently maintaining the enclosure and training cats to use it takes an ongoing effort.