cat secure fence (Colorado Springs: contractor, live in, fencing)

[mjkbelford]

Anyone have a recommendation for a company that installs the "cat secure fence"? Thanks

[Sonic_Spork]

I assume you're trying to keep your cat in, not other cats out.

Did a quick Google and came up with Greater Colorado Springs Fence Installation | CK Fence & Design Greater Colorado Springs Fencing Contractor

and apparently Petsmart has fencing products, but I don't think they do installation. The key thing from what I saw on the show "My Cat From Hell" (love that show! Jackson is brilliant!) you need to make the top foot or so of the fence angle inwards 45 degrees so that as a cat climbs vertically, they look up and see that and can't climb past it. You also need to make sure there are no nearby objects to allow a cat to jump up on top and over, one must never underestimate the climbing and jumping abilities of a determined feline.

I'd stay away from the invisible or electric varieties. Maybe contact a fence company, see about perhaps a mesh-covered chain link with the proper top angle or something. Shouldn't be too hard.

[mjkbelford]

Thanks..... I tried the vet and Petco....don't think they knew what I was talking about...Yes, I am trying to keep my cats in my yard and out of the neighbors flower beds....

[Fullback32]

I wonder if any such thing would actually work with cats? They are very clever animals!

[Sonic_Spork]

Well, on the aforementioned show, there was a cat that was escaping the fenced and screened patio area by climbing over a trellis, and was in fact menacing the neighbors and their pets (he was a large, violent cat.) The owners had tried putting those spikes you use to keep birds off of buildings up at the top, but it did not deter the cat.

Jackson Galaxy, who is totally pro at figuring out cats' needs, motivations and issues, had them remove the bird spikes and instead put the aforementioned piece of fencing at a 45 degree angle inwards, which they also do at zoos and animal sanctuaries to keep in climbing and jumping animals, and it worked quite well.

[Sonic_Spork]

One thing just occurred to me about the cat fence though...if you live in an area prone to visits from wild animals, they may have difficulty escaping your fence also (easier to get in, than out.) This could create a dangerous situation with a trapped wild creature if you happen upon it. I would for instance NEVER install such a fence if I suspected a mountain lion might be in the vicinity...which of course is entirely possible in areas of the Springs.

[mjkbelford]

Oh I only hope I have such good success...My neighbors are now trapping the roaming cats in my area....I have tried a cat run, but the cats hate it. The only wild animals in my area are squirrels and I believe they can climb anything. I have a fencing company coming in a couple of days to see if they can solve my problem...keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks!

[mjkbelford]

I should mention all my cats are ferrel cats that I trapped, had spayed and neutered. They are somewhat tame, but mainly with me. They prefer to be outside. One will even go out in the snow to poo in real dirt...crazy cat..

[Sonic_Spork]

LOL! Well, good for you for rescuing these animals and giving them a better shot at a happy life. Good luck with the fence!