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Fences - Cats - DIY?
A friend of mine has one of these fences that's about 178cm (5'10")
tall: http://stratco.com.au/products/fenci..._neighbour.asp She wants to stop her cats getting out, and other cats getting in. I know full well that there are numerous commercially available products that will stop cats (along with other animals) climbing fences. I'm sure they do work, but they're all fairly pricey, particularly if attempting to cover a significant length of fencing. I'm now thinking about trying a home-rigged set up. I'm considering getting a whole heap of empty 2 Litre plastic softdrink bottles (Soda bottles to any USA readers), then cutting off the base and neck of the bottles, then cutting them lengthwise, then siliconing them to the tops of the fence so the sides of the bottles "curve downwards" from the top of the fence. I'm thinking this curved plastic will be too smooth and slippery for a cat to get any grip with it's claws. I have no problem with spending some time getting this to work, but I want to keep the cost down, so spending lots of $$$ isn't happening. I was wondering if anyone has attempted anything like this, and if they can offer any advice. Thanks. To any cat "lovers" out there, my friend isn't getting rid of her cats, nor is she trapping/baiting any of the cats in her suburb. |
#2
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Fences - Cats - DIY?
Gas Bag wrote:
A friend of mine has one of these fences that's about 178cm (5'10") tall: http://stratco.com.au/products/fenci..._neighbour.asp She wants to stop her cats getting out, and other cats getting in. I know full well that there are numerous commercially available products that will stop cats (along with other animals) climbing fences. I'm sure they do work, but they're all fairly pricey, particularly if attempting to cover a significant length of fencing. I'm now thinking about trying a home-rigged set up. I'm considering getting a whole heap of empty 2 Litre plastic softdrink bottles (Soda bottles to any USA readers), then cutting off the base and neck of the bottles, then cutting them lengthwise, then siliconing them to the tops of the fence so the sides of the bottles "curve downwards" from the top of the fence. I'm thinking this curved plastic will be too smooth and slippery for a cat to get any grip with it's claws. I have no problem with spending some time getting this to work, but I want to keep the cost down, so spending lots of $$$ isn't happening. I was wondering if anyone has attempted anything like this, and if they can offer any advice. Thanks. To any cat "lovers" out there, my friend isn't getting rid of her cats, nor is she trapping/baiting any of the cats in her suburb. I have a friend who built a, "cateo" for his cats, and covered it with chicken wire fencing, which lets in the fresh air and sunshine, but keeps the cats from getting out. This was fairly easy and inexpensive for him to do. and his cats love spending time out there. He can also grow flowers out there..... |
#3
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Fences - Cats - DIY?
On Aug 12, 5:28*am, Gas Bag wrote:
A friend of mine has one of these fences that's about 178cm (5'10") tall: http://stratco.com.au/products/fenci...bour/good_neig... She wants to stop her cats getting out, and other cats getting in. *I know full well that there are numerous commercially available products that will stop cats (along with other animals) climbing fences. *I'm sure they do work, but they're all fairly pricey, particularly if attempting to cover a significant length of fencing. *I'm now thinking about trying a home-rigged set up. *I'm considering getting a whole heap of empty 2 Litre plastic softdrink bottles (Soda bottles to any USA readers), then cutting off the base and neck of the bottles, then cutting them lengthwise, then siliconing them to the tops of the fence so the sides of the bottles "curve downwards" from the top of the fence. *I'm thinking this curved plastic will be too smooth and slippery for a cat to get any grip with it's claws. *I have no problem with spending some time getting this to work, but I want to keep the cost down, so spending lots of $$$ isn't happening. I was wondering if anyone has attempted anything like this, and if they can offer any advice. *Thanks. To any cat "lovers" out there, my friend isn't getting rid of her cats, nor is she trapping/baiting any of the cats in her suburb. ****I guess my reply didn't make it into the NG, but it gave me a chance to realize that it was x-posted. I'm posting only to rec.gardens. Here's message: On Aug 12, 5:32 am, Gas Bag wrote: - Show quoted text - As the owner -- more like servant -- of cats these many years, I have to agree that almost nothing will stop them getting over a fence. You might be in for some frustration trying workabouts like you suggest. Have you checked out DIY electrical deterrents? Also spraying fences with whatever animal smell is most repulsive to cats? Last, it's been suggested that turning a hose on the invading cat repeatedly and forcefully might get it to reconsider whether it's worth entering the premises. This is about keeping cats from getting IN Keeping them from getting OUT is a whole nother ball-game. I never had any luck, even blocking up every possible exit point. If your situation lends itself to creating a cat-run with chicken wire, at least the cat can get some outdoor R&R. Good luck; you're going to need it! HB |
#4
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Fences - Cats - DIY?
In article
, Higgs Boson wrote: On Aug 12, 5:28*am, Gas Bag wrote: A friend of mine has one of these fences that's about 178cm (5'10") tall: http://stratco.com.au/products/fenci...bour/good_neig... She wants to stop her cats getting out, and other cats getting in. *I know full well that there are numerous commercially available products that will stop cats (along with other animals) climbing fences. *I'm sure they do work, but they're all fairly pricey, particularly if attempting to cover a significant length of fencing. *I'm now thinking about trying a home-rigged set up. *I'm considering getting a whole heap of empty 2 Litre plastic softdrink bottles (Soda bottles to any USA readers), then cutting off the base and neck of the bottles, then cutting them lengthwise, then siliconing them to the tops of the fence so the sides of the bottles "curve downwards" from the top of the fence. *I'm thinking this curved plastic will be too smooth and slippery for a cat to get any grip with it's claws. *I have no problem with spending some time getting this to work, but I want to keep the cost down, so spending lots of $$$ isn't happening. I was wondering if anyone has attempted anything like this, and if they can offer any advice. *Thanks. To any cat "lovers" out there, my friend isn't getting rid of her cats, nor is she trapping/baiting any of the cats in her suburb. ****I guess my reply didn't make it into the NG, but it gave me a chance to realize that it was x-posted. I'm posting only to rec.gardens. Here's message: On Aug 12, 5:32 am, Gas Bag wrote: - Show quoted text - As the owner -- more like servant -- of cats these many years, I have to agree that almost nothing will stop them getting over a fence. You might be in for some frustration trying workabouts like you suggest. Have you checked out DIY electrical deterrents? Also spraying fences with whatever animal smell is most repulsive to cats? Last, it's been suggested that turning a hose on the invading cat repeatedly and forcefully might get it to reconsider whether it's worth entering the premises. This is about keeping cats from getting IN Keeping them from getting OUT is a whole nother ball-game. I never had any luck, even blocking up every possible exit point. If your situation lends itself to creating a cat-run with chicken wire, at least the cat can get some outdoor R&R. Good luck; you're going to need it! HB Try http://www.catfencein.com/ -- Welcome to the New America. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA736oK9FPg or E Pluribus Unum Green Party Nominee Jill Stein & Running Mate, Cheri Honkala http://www.democracynow.org/2012/7/13/green_party_nominee_jill_stein_running |
#5
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Fences - Cats - DIY?
On 8/15/2012 2:01 PM, Bill Graham wrote:
Gas Bag wrote: A friend of mine has one of these fences that's about 178cm (5'10") tall: http://stratco.com.au/products/fenci..._neighbour.asp She wants to stop her cats getting out, and other cats getting in. I know full well that there are numerous commercially available products that will stop cats (along with other animals) climbing fences. I'm sure they do work, but they're all fairly pricey, particularly if attempting to cover a significant length of fencing. I'm now thinking about trying a home-rigged set up. I'm considering getting a whole heap of empty 2 Litre plastic softdrink bottles (Soda bottles to any USA readers), then cutting off the base and neck of the bottles, then cutting them lengthwise, then siliconing them to the tops of the fence so the sides of the bottles "curve downwards" from the top of the fence. I'm thinking this curved plastic will be too smooth and slippery for a cat to get any grip with it's claws. I have no problem with spending some time getting this to work, but I want to keep the cost down, so spending lots of $$$ isn't happening. I was wondering if anyone has attempted anything like this, and if they can offer any advice. Thanks. To any cat "lovers" out there, my friend isn't getting rid of her cats, nor is she trapping/baiting any of the cats in her suburb. I have a friend who built a, "cateo" for his cats, and covered it with chicken wire fencing, which lets in the fresh air and sunshine, but keeps the cats from getting out. This was fairly easy and inexpensive for him to do. and his cats love spending time out there. He can also grow flowers out there..... i built one of these too. 12x12x8' with lots of internal ramps. i had to use thin plywood for the first couple of feet to keep the rattlesnakes and coyote's out, and it had a chickenwire roof to keep the owls and hawks out too. |
#6
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Fences - Cats - DIY?
Gas Bag wrote:
She wants to stop her cats getting out, and other cats getting in. To any cat "lovers" out there, my friend isn't getting rid of her cats, nor is she trapping/baiting any of the cats in her suburb. Anyone who cares about their cats doesn't let them out. |
#7
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Fences - Cats - DIY?
On Thu, 16 Aug 2012 20:59:00 -0400, Brooklyn1 Gravesend1 wrote:
Gas Bag wrote: She wants to stop her cats getting out, and other cats getting in. To any cat "lovers" out there, my friend isn't getting rid of her cats, nor is she trapping/baiting any of the cats in her suburb. Anyone who cares about their cats doesn't let them out. Like most absolute statements, that's nonsense. Cats enjoy being outdoors and if we really care about our cats we want them to be happy. Safe counts but so does happy. Sometimes there is no option, like when you live in an apartment in a city. But I rigged the fence in my little backyard so the cats can't get out and I let them out whenever I'm able to - of course I must be home. Sure there is some risk. Maybe some critter left a hole in the fence - raccoons and possums can do that. Maybe one will climb a tree and jump into the next yard. I try to minimize that risk by putting Loc8tor tags on their collars. But like any knowlegable cat owner I use breakaway collars so even that isn't foolproof. But they love lying on the cool earth under the evergreens, or eating the grass or some bug. Or they just hang out on the deck and sniff the air. Of course I don't use any pesticides or other poisons. Once or twice a year one will catch a bird. Sometimes I'm quick enough to save the bird. They are just so proud when they get one though. I make it up to the birds by feeding them all winter and even putting up a heated birdbath. For me, the small risk that something will happen to them is more than offset by the enjoyment they get by being "free" outside. I've had eight cats during the 16 years that I've had this fenced in yard. Four have died, but none because they were allowed to go out. Four are still enjoying the yard and will do so today when I get home. |
#8
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Fences - Cats - DIY?
On Aug 17, 7:08*am, dgk wrote:
On Thu, 16 Aug 2012 20:59:00 -0400, Brooklyn1 Gravesend1 wrote: Gas Bag wrote: She wants to stop her cats getting out, and other cats getting in. To any cat "lovers" out there, my friend isn't getting rid of her cats, nor is she trapping/baiting any of the cats in her suburb. Anyone who cares about their cats doesn't let them out. Like most absolute statements, that's nonsense. Cats enjoy being outdoors and if we really care about our cats we want them to be happy. Safe counts but so does happy. Sometimes there is no option, like when you live in an apartment in a city. But I rigged the fence in my little backyard so the cats can't get out and I let them out whenever I'm able to - of course I must be home. Sure there is some risk. Maybe some critter left a hole in the fence - raccoons and possums can do that. Maybe one will climb a tree and jump into the next yard. I try to minimize that risk by putting Loc8tor tags on their collars. But like any knowlegable cat owner I use breakaway collars so even that isn't foolproof. ***My cat specializes in losing breakaway collars with the name tags I paid to have made. I finally gave up. He's chipped, so if he's found and the finders have enough sense to call the local shelter, he could potentially be located. One thing: I was warned a few years ago to KEEP HIM INDOORS on Halloween; black cat. So I bring him in during the day, set up food and toilet, and don't let him out till next day.- But they love lying on the cool earth under the evergreens, or eating the grass or some bug. Or they just hang out on the deck and sniff the air. Of course I don't use any pesticides or other poisons. Once or twice a year one will catch a bird. Sometimes I'm quick enough to save the bird. They are just so proud when they get one though. I make it up to the birds by feeding them all winter and even putting up a heated birdbath. ***Hah! Me too! I saved a bird just the other day and confined it briefly until it settled down enough to fly away. [Censored] generations of mocking-birds have been teasing the cats all these years, and some of them go too far! For me, the small risk that something will happen to them is more than offset by the enjoyment they get by being "free" outside. I've had eight cats during the 16 years that I've had this fenced in yard. Four have died, but none because they were allowed to go out. Four are still enjoying the yard and will do so today when I get home. FOUR CHEERS! I view with dismay the idea of cooping up an animal in an unnatural environment just for the selfish enjoyment of the owner! If that goes for cats, which I've had all my life, imagine how much more it goes for dogs, especially HUGE dogs shut up in a small apartment, and afforded only a daily walk by the perhaps conscientious but normally busy owner, employed or not. HB |
#9
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Fences - Cats - DIY?
dgk wrote:
Brooklyn1 wrote: Gas Bag wrote: She wants to stop her cats getting out, and other cats getting in. To any cat "lovers" out there, my friend isn't getting rid of her cats, nor is she trapping/baiting any of the cats in her suburb. Anyone who cares about their cats doesn't let them out. Like most absolute statements, that's nonsense. Cats enjoy being outdoors and if we really care about our cats we want them to be happy. Safe counts but so does happy. What good is a "happy" cat flattened with tire tread impressions... cats are happy indoors... you're an imbecile. |
#10
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Fences - Cats - DIY?
"Brooklyn1" Gravesend1 wrote in message ... Gas Bag wrote: She wants to stop her cats getting out, and other cats getting in. To any cat "lovers" out there, my friend isn't getting rid of her cats, nor is she trapping/baiting any of the cats in her suburb. Anyone who cares about their cats doesn't let them out. I agree there. It saddens me to get the mail now. Every few days there is a new poster of a missing cat on the mailbox. I constantly see cats roaming the neighborhood and frequently we see them in our backyard at night. I don't know who owned the black one with white paws but I saw it at the side of the road. Looked pretty dead. Not only do we have some wild drivers on this street but I think there are also coyotes. Some were spotted not far from here. |
#11
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Fences - Cats - DIY?
"dgk" wrote in message ... On Thu, 16 Aug 2012 20:59:00 -0400, Brooklyn1 Gravesend1 wrote: Gas Bag wrote: She wants to stop her cats getting out, and other cats getting in. To any cat "lovers" out there, my friend isn't getting rid of her cats, nor is she trapping/baiting any of the cats in her suburb. Anyone who cares about their cats doesn't let them out. Like most absolute statements, that's nonsense. Cats enjoy being outdoors and if we really care about our cats we want them to be happy. Safe counts but so does happy. Sometimes there is no option, like when you live in an apartment in a city. But I rigged the fence in my little backyard so the cats can't get out and I let them out whenever I'm able to - of course I must be home. Sure there is some risk. Maybe some critter left a hole in the fence - raccoons and possums can do that. Maybe one will climb a tree and jump into the next yard. I try to minimize that risk by putting Loc8tor tags on their collars. But like any knowlegable cat owner I use breakaway collars so even that isn't foolproof. But they love lying on the cool earth under the evergreens, or eating the grass or some bug. Or they just hang out on the deck and sniff the air. Of course I don't use any pesticides or other poisons. Once or twice a year one will catch a bird. Sometimes I'm quick enough to save the bird. They are just so proud when they get one though. I make it up to the birds by feeding them all winter and even putting up a heated birdbath. For me, the small risk that something will happen to them is more than offset by the enjoyment they get by being "free" outside. I've had eight cats during the 16 years that I've had this fenced in yard. Four have died, but none because they were allowed to go out. Four are still enjoying the yard and will do so today when I get home. Cats do love that but... Unless I had the money to build a very specific type of cat enclosure, I wouldn't let my cats outside. Would have to be something to keep them very safe. But even with something like that, the cat could get fleas or maybe eat a bird or a rodent and then maybe get worms. Our baby cat has had two kinds of worms now. I don't know how she got them. She lives indoors. She did have the lung worms when we got her. Not sure about the round worms unless perhaps she got them from eating a bug. She and mom did get a moth in here just prior. |
#12
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Fences - Cats - DIY?
"Brooklyn1" Gravesend1 wrote in message ... dgk wrote: Brooklyn1 wrote: Gas Bag wrote: She wants to stop her cats getting out, and other cats getting in. To any cat "lovers" out there, my friend isn't getting rid of her cats, nor is she trapping/baiting any of the cats in her suburb. Anyone who cares about their cats doesn't let them out. Like most absolute statements, that's nonsense. Cats enjoy being outdoors and if we really care about our cats we want them to be happy. Safe counts but so does happy. What good is a "happy" cat flattened with tire tread impressions... cats are happy indoors... you're an imbecile. Yes. I saw a bumper sticker online that said, "I'd rather be inside and fat than outside and flat." I am sure that my momma cat was probably outside at some point in her life. She and her babies were found in an abandoned house and they had to get food from somewhere. But now she never tries to get out. Never. She is perfectly happy as a house cat. Now the baby? Well she isn't actually a baby any more since she is over a year old but... She is the one they named that phrase after about how curiosity killed the cat. She is very interested in the garage for some reason. I don't want her out there because there are all sorts of little hidey holes and some are up high. She can jump up high. We did once have a rat get in there during the winter and it died somewhere in the wall. Would be horrible if she were to suffer the same fate. So I will walk her out there in my arms and show her around. Nothing of interest to her, I wouldn't think. Just some canned goods, soda pop, Christmas lights, a few tools... But one day she came very close to getting to the outside! Apparently I did not shut the door from the laundry room fully and she pushed it open. She was walking very slowly and cautiously towards the opening of the garage. Mom was in the laundry room looking very worried and calling to her. Luckily I was able to pick her up and bring her back inside. |
#13
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Fences - Cats - DIY?
On Sat, 18 Aug 2012 00:21:27 -0700, "Julie Bove"
wrote: "Brooklyn1" Gravesend1 wrote in message .. . dgk wrote: Brooklyn1 wrote: Gas Bag wrote: She wants to stop her cats getting out, and other cats getting in. To any cat "lovers" out there, my friend isn't getting rid of her cats, nor is she trapping/baiting any of the cats in her suburb. Anyone who cares about their cats doesn't let them out. Like most absolute statements, that's nonsense. Cats enjoy being outdoors and if we really care about our cats we want them to be happy. Safe counts but so does happy. What good is a "happy" cat flattened with tire tread impressions... cats are happy indoors... you're an imbecile. Yes. I saw a bumper sticker online that said, "I'd rather be inside and fat than outside and flat." I am sure that my momma cat was probably outside at some point in her life. She and her babies were found in an abandoned house and they had to get food from somewhere. But now she never tries to get out. Never. She is perfectly happy as a house cat. Now the baby? Well she isn't actually a baby any more since she is over a year old but... She is the one they named that phrase after about how curiosity killed the cat. She is very interested in the garage for some reason. I don't want her out there because there are all sorts of little hidey holes and some are up high. She can jump up high. We did once have a rat get in there during the winter and it died somewhere in the wall. Would be horrible if she were to suffer the same fate. So I will walk her out there in my arms and show her around. Nothing of interest to her, I wouldn't think. Just some canned goods, soda pop, Christmas lights, a few tools... But one day she came very close to getting to the outside! Apparently I did not shut the door from the laundry room fully and she pushed it open. She was walking very slowly and cautiously towards the opening of the garage. Mom was in the laundry room looking very worried and calling to her. Luckily I was able to pick her up and bring her back inside. Domestic cats live happily indoors, they do fine with a window but mostly they need cat companionship so always have at least two, preferably from the same litter. Contrary to what many believe cats are not loners, they are very social, moreso then dogs. Cats live a shortened life outdoors, they are more likely to become road kill than wild animals as domestic cats don't possess nearly the same level of survival skills. Feral cats have excellent survival skills outdoors but they don't live long due to poor diet and disease. There are many types of outdoor cat enclosures but none protect against deadly parasites and poisonings (cats will catch and eat insects that contain insectide), and outdoor animals of all kinds are very susceptible to overspray from thoughtless gardeners, you won't know until it's too late. I can go on but bottom line is giving a cat a good home means keeping it indoors. The pinheads who put cats outdoors are simply too lazy and cheap to deal with cat litter, with the low IQ rationalizing about cats are happier outdoors, BULLSHIT, the morons are happier with cats outdoors because the cheap lazy *******s don't need to buy and deal with cat litter. Cats are very happy indoors, even in a small apartment, again all they need is a window and a playmate. Many of my neighbors let their cats out, invaribly I'll see them flattened on the road. My cats never go out... however I do have a feral cat living in my barn, can't get close enough to know if Newt is a boy or a girl, I bring it food and water every day and eventually plan on capturing and bringing it to a Vet. This is Newt heading back home to his barn a few minutes ago for breakfast, Newt runs off when I approach to put out food, photographed at 600', a very good looking cat: http://i48.tinypic.com/nwzmf9.jpg http://i49.tinypic.com/o074ub.jpg Earlier this morning, the twins: http://i46.tinypic.com/zmqf4.jpg http://www.vetinfo.com/indoor-outdoo...xpectancy.html |
#14
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Fences - Cats - DIY?
dgk wrote:
On Thu, 16 Aug 2012 20:59:00 -0400, Brooklyn1 Gravesend1 wrote: Gas Bag wrote: She wants to stop her cats getting out, and other cats getting in. To any cat "lovers" out there, my friend isn't getting rid of her cats, nor is she trapping/baiting any of the cats in her suburb. Anyone who cares about their cats doesn't let them out. Like most absolute statements, that's nonsense. Cats enjoy being outdoors and if we really care about our cats we want them to be happy. Safe counts but so does happy. Sometimes there is no option, like when you live in an apartment in a city. But I rigged the fence in my little backyard so the cats can't get out and I let them out whenever I'm able to - of course I must be home. Sure there is some risk. Maybe some critter left a hole in the fence - raccoons and possums can do that. Maybe one will climb a tree and jump into the next yard. I try to minimize that risk by putting Loc8tor tags on their collars. But like any knowlegable cat owner I use breakaway collars so even that isn't foolproof. But they love lying on the cool earth under the evergreens, or eating the grass or some bug. Or they just hang out on the deck and sniff the air. Of course I don't use any pesticides or other poisons. Once or twice a year one will catch a bird. Sometimes I'm quick enough to save the bird. They are just so proud when they get one though. I make it up to the birds by feeding them all winter and even putting up a heated birdbath. For me, the small risk that something will happen to them is more than offset by the enjoyment they get by being "free" outside. I've had eight cats during the 16 years that I've had this fenced in yard. Four have died, but none because they were allowed to go out. Four are still enjoying the yard and will do so today when I get home. Hear, hear! I agree with you 100%. I lost one outside cat in my entire life, and even he enjoyed being outsidfe in the neighborhood so much, that if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing. Some cats are just naturally gregarious, and keeping them locked up inside a house would be a crime. There is more to life than just breathing, as Patrick Henry would tell you. The joy and friendship my B-K gave to others in the neighborhood, (even the dogs) made his freedom mandatory.... |
#15
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Fences - Cats - DIY?
Brooklyn1 wrote:
dgk wrote: Brooklyn1 wrote: Gas Bag wrote: She wants to stop her cats getting out, and other cats getting in. To any cat "lovers" out there, my friend isn't getting rid of her cats, nor is she trapping/baiting any of the cats in her suburb. Anyone who cares about their cats doesn't let them out. Like most absolute statements, that's nonsense. Cats enjoy being outdoors and if we really care about our cats we want them to be happy. Safe counts but so does happy. What good is a "happy" cat flattened with tire tread impressions... cats are happy indoors... you're an imbecile. Everyone, and everything, dies., What's important is enjoying what little time you have. This is true for me, and also true for my cats. Only a stupid liberal would trade freedom for a longer life, and then have the gall to impose their poor choice on the rest of the world...... |
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