Depending on how much space you have, you can allow your cat to have controlled access outside. There are many options available, no matter how small or large your garden is. Let’s find out how to create a cat-free garden.
Cat-free Garden
You can make cat fencing to keep cats away from your garden. The height of the fence (or border fence) should be at least 1.8m (6ft), with uprights that are at least 2m (7ft 6in). Eight uprights of 5cm should be used, placed 1.8m (6ft.) apart. All wood below ground level should have a preservative applied to it. The posts should then be concreted. A brick or stone wall may be reused and can be extended to the desired height using a wooden frame. To beautify safety fencing or train lightweight trailing plants, you can use trellis pieces.
Before building any fence or garden wall, it is a good idea to talk with your neighbors. You should also consult the local planning authorities before erecting fences over 2m (6ft 6in). Permission is required for any fence or enclosure that exceeds 1m (3ft3in) along a road frontage. Some housing developments have legal restrictions or covenants that prohibit the construction or extension of side or front gardens. Before you spend money on a fence, make sure to consult your lawyer, neighbors and the local planning department.
How do you
A 2m (6ft 6in tall) wall or fence must be constructed to protect an escape route. You can use brackets or stretcher wires to create a fixed frame. The wire and netting used can make the fencing either rigid or flexible. It is more durable than the softer fruit netting, but it is also easier to climb. The core technique remains the same.
Once the wall or fence has been raised to the desired height, it is necessary to build a horizontal portion that extends out into the garden at least 0.5m (18in-18ft). You can also erect this portion at a 45 degree angle. It is less likely that the cat will attack it from above if there’s a tree nearby. However, it might take longer vertical drops down. The garden edge should be horizontally or angled parallel to the fence or wall. It should be hung at 0.30m (12in).
Both the horizontal or angled portion and the drop-down section can be made rigidly. Metal angle brackets are available to attach to fences or walls to support wire mesh and netting for cat fences.
You can cover the wooden structure with chicken wire or welded wire mesh. The wire mesh should be securely stapled to the wooden frame or attached to the metal brackets. The wire mesh should not exceed 16 gauges (1.6mm), and it shouldn’t be longer than 2.5cm (1in). These meshes are less expensive than wire mesh, but they are not as durable. The mesh should measure 2.5 cm (1in) in diameter. Smaller cats and kittens may be able to get stuck in a mesh that is larger than necessary. Chain link fencing mesh is flexible enough that it can snare a cat’s head.
Professionally constructed wire fencing or netting must be secured with section connections. You can weave a lightweight stretcher wire through the mesh, or tie it to the wire at regular intervals not exceeding 25cm (10in), preferable.
No matter which side of the wiring is attached, most cats can climb any type of fence or wooden post. The 16 gauge wire mesh is strong and provides an area for active cats to climb. A cat can only handle the first horizontal overhang. It can’t take the second drop-down. It must be kept in its own yard. The wire should not be tied to any other structure, such as a wooden frame or stone or brick wall. It should be buried at least 10cm (4in). You should also make sure it is buried as deep as possible as other animals could attack the wire and gain access to your cat run.
This fencing style can be modified to make it more attractive and deter outside cats from entering your garden. A cat can jump up on the fence from branches or trees within 2.5m (8ft) of it. A nearby tree could allow an unwelcome cat to enter. It can’t escape then! If the horizontal section is 45 degrees upwards, cats are less likely to jump on a slanting surface.
Garden gates should be treated in the same way. Any gaps below the gate should be filled. To fill in any gaps below the gate, you can use paving stones to raise the ground. You can also add extra crossbars or wiring to the gate to reduce the gap. Extra fences that open onto roads may need planning clearance.