Cat proofing garden

[BCP]

Thank you so much Helen for doing that it helps a lot to know, now i can start finding the best sort of netting, I agree we may have to have the brackets closer than secure a cat ones in order to keep the netting tight.

BCP x

[Tiggy's Mum]

I just popped out with my tape measure, the netting is 3 foot deep so obviously extends 3 foot at an angle into the garden.  As I said my brackets are two fence panels (12 ft) apart but you might need them closer together for a DIY system.

[BCP]

Thank you Helen,

After a brief trip to homebase and b&q i think netting is better? My husband knows of someone who may be able to make the brackets if we can give him messurements etc?, so I might look into that I just need to work out how many we need, ie how far apart they going to be are etc?

BCP x

[Tiggy's Mum]

Yep, I think netting is better than a wire mesh as it's less rigid so gives them little or no support.  Maybe you could adapt the DIY version to use netting instead, one thing I would say about DIY compared to Secur-a-cat is that Secur-a-cat seems to overhang higher into the garden judging by the pictures from that magazine. Will measure it later for you if I get a chance.

[BCP]

Hi and thank you Helen,

I've had a look and its very helpful! I think it would cost too much to do it from secure-a-cat I've looked? our garden has a lot of fencing to do! I wonder if fine netting would be better than the clematis mesh that it suggests it might have strength to it for a cat to hang and try and climb netting doesn't? might go off and have a look in homebase/B&Q in a bit!

Thanks again. 

BCP x

[Tiggy's Mum]

  BCP

I have Secur-a-cat fencing which is a professional kit with everything you need that you DIY install - it's been up over a year now and has kept my two young, athletic cats safely in my garden so I'd highly recommend it.

If you want to totally DIY it then this might help, I scanned an article in a cat magazine which is a step by step guide to DIY cat proofing.

http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php/topic,6444.msg100236.html#msg100236

It might be different for a non Secur-a-cat DIY system but with Secur-a-cat the brackets are two fence panels apart, I'd think with a complete DIY system they'd need to be closer as the DIY system doesn't have the cord to keep it taught.

and let us know how you get on

[CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls]

I've just got my Secur-a-cat fence and have to say its well worth the money 

There is not much too it so it wont look horrid in the garden, just look like something thats done professional 

[BCP]

Hi, re cat fencing:

This is my first post so hi! I am very keen to keep my oldest cat in our garden from now on, almost 2 months ago he was hit by a car  although he was very lucky he lost his beautiful tail, I've been far too scared to let him out since, he drives us mad morning and night, luckily sleeps during the day, but I want him to be happy to go out and get some fresh air again when he wants too, I also have 2 indoor cats a Maine Coon and a Ragdoll which i would consider letting out when I'm at home.

I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of how far apart the brackets have to be in order to keep the netting taught and tight as we are hoping to be able to do this ourselves my Dad and brother are very handy at diy and it will save us money.

Also!
How long are the brackets-the bit that hangs into the garden? I've seen 2ft is this enough?
Are the brackets easy to buy? and where from?
Is salmon netting the best thing to use, (ive seen this on one site?)

Thank you ever so much!

BCP x

[Catnap]

Thank you all for your replies - still can't convince the OH so have agreed to wait til the Spring so we don't have to deal with all the leaves in Autumn .... then I'll just do it anyway!

[Maddiesmum]

  I always inspect the cat proofing every day too.

[Gail Bengal Slave]

Yes I have a mini dust pan and brush that i use in the bathroom to sweep up the kitty litter. The brush had a longish handel so this is used to get rid of the snow.

I to have found a couple of holes and have used cabel ties to  close them up. I also scour the netting making sure all is well. I look EVERY inch the mad cat woman 

I aslso worry about nextdoors plants that grown too close for my liking 

[moiramassey]

I confess to having a petrol leaf blower that should deal with any snow. However, I think the low-tech broom solution may be better!

I also walk the netting every day, usually with an entourage of cats! I have found two small holes over the three months, probably the local squirrels, and have closed them with the cable ties the Secruacat left me (they also left extra cord and netting).

[Dawn F]

we've got diy but if it snows I always rush out with the broom to get it off

[Gail Bengal Slave]

The only thing I worry about is the snow - that the netting sags and the arms might break under the weight. with Zubin hanging off the netting it has cause sagging in places. This REALLY worries me, I am forever checking for holes that may have appeared.

 I have had mine in place for three years this November. And every penny was worth it's weight in diamonds.

[moiramassey]

Sorry, I am down south, but here is my slideshow showing my Securacat installation.



Everyone who has visited has said how unobstrusive it is. I also kept a lot of my plants. I took down two trees and pollarded two others but managed to the rest (four others).

Before it was up my OH referred to it as 'Stalg Luft Kitty' but now it is finished no-one thinks it is worth even a joke!

P.S. I love the frost picture. Looking forward to similar this winter!

[Kirst]

oooh isnt it pretty with all the frost on it!!  The handsome cat in the garden adds to the whole effect!

[Gail Bengal Slave]

This is the best I can do. My secureacat fencing.




Zubin in the Frosty garden. -

[Maddiesmum]

Ask Roz, she will know

[Catnap]

Just wondering if anyone in the Glasgow/Renfrewshire/North Ayrshire area has installed the Securacat system and wouldn't mind me having a look?  Trying to convince the OH that it would be a good idea and not too unsightly - photos in the brochure aren't all that great.