If you are a cat owner who would love to let your cat enjoy the great outdoors but are concerned about the risks involved, there is a way to cat-proof your backyard and keep your cat contained by putting up a cat fence.
There are a few fencing options that you can set up yourself—some fences that are already existing in your yard and others to build completely from scratch! We rounded up five easy DIY cat fence plans that you can put up over the weekend. Your cat will be frolicking around in the grass before you know it!
DIY Cat Fence Plans (For Existing Backyard Fences)
If your backyard is already fenced, most of the work of building a cat fence is already done. If your fence is at least 5 feet tall, all you have to do is add to it to ensure that your cat can’t climb out.
1. Bracketed Mesh
| Materials | Galvanized-steel 3”x3” mounting brackets, galvanized-steel fence conversion arms, polypropylene mesh or chicken wire, outdoor cable ties |
| Tools | Wire snips, cable tie tool |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
There are numerous variations for creating a bracketed mesh add-on to your existing fence. The basics involve attaching steel brackets to your fence posts that angle toward your yard and covering them with steel mesh. This ensures that your cat can’t climb over the mesh and provides an effective solution for keeping them contained.
You can purchase several kits at your local hardware store that include all the parts that you need to create this cat fence. How much this project will cost and how many materials you need will depend on the size of your fence.
2. Cat Rollers
| Materials | 3-inch rollers, steel wire, L-brackets, anchor locks |
| Tools | Tape measure, screwdriver or drill, wrench, hacksaw, bolt, or wire cutters |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
Cat rollers are essentially the same design as coyote rollers. They do a great job of keeping wildlife out of your yard and a great job at keeping your pets in. The rollers are placed along the top rail of your fence. If your cat decides to jump on it, the roller spins, essentially causing your cat to lose balance and fall off.
Rollers can be made from metal, PVC, or wood and can be purchased online. They’re relatively easy to attach and will prevent animals from coming in or getting out of your yard.
DIY Cat Fence Plans If You Have No Fence
3. Mesh Fencing
| Materials | Chicken wire, access gate, PVC fence posts |
| Tools | Zip tie cutter, hammer |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Fences made from chicken wire or mesh netting are relatively easy and inexpensive to make. You’ll need to put up posts to attach the wire and ensure that your mesh reaches 6 to 7 feet high.
While it’s a guarantee that your cat will attempt to climb the mesh, it won’t hold their weight well enough. When your cat realizes that the fence isn’t stable, they’ll stop climbing. You will have to attach the fence to the ground so your cat can’t climb under, and if you have trees in your yard, make sure no branches are hanging over the enclosure that can be used as escape routes!
If you’re not feeling handy, you can purchase pre-made versions of mesh cat enclosures.
4. Catio
| Materials | Wood frame pieces, wire mesh or chicken wire, zip ties |
| Tools | Saw, screwdriver or drill, nail gun, wire cutters, pliers |
| Difficulty | Easy |
If you’re low on space or simply don’t want to build a permanent structure, try building a catio. These plans can be adapted to fit on a deck or balcony and in a backyard. By using wood framing and sturdy wire, you can create a three- or four-sided enclosure for your cat outside. If you’re really creative, you can attach it to your house so your cat can come and go out a cat door whenever they want.
5. Enclosed Deck
| Materials | Steel posts, chicken wire or wire mesh, zip ties |
| Tools | Wire cutters, pliers |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
If you have a balcony or deck, you can use extended fencing on your railing to enclose it as a cat-safe space. Use chicken wire or mesh attached with zip ties to close gaps in your railing, then extend your railing using a fence extender.
The best thing about enclosing your deck is that it also keeps birds safe away from your cat. This DIY option works for apartment dwellers too!
Conclusion
The best way to keep your cats safe in your backyard depends on the type of outdoor space you have. However, there is no guarantee that cat fencing will keep your cat contained. Cats are expert climbers, jumpers, and diggers, so you’ll need to make sure your enclosure is extra-secure before letting your cat outside.
Most of these DIY plans require a certain level of handyman skills. However, several outdoor enclosures can be purchased pre-made if you don’t feel that you’re up to the task. But it’s definitely worth it to give your cat access to the fresh air and mental stimulation that comes with being outside.
Featured Image: SariMe, Shutterstock
