What does safe cat proofing look like?
- Jun 27, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 5, 2024
Cats are inquisitive creatures and love to explore. If you have an indoor cat and like to get some fresh air, your nosey kitty can easily jump or fall out of windows and balconies. Unfortunately we see this very regularly, and although not all falls are fatal, it can be very dangerous and cause long-term injury or they can get lost or hurt.
We are an indoor first cat charity, due to the health and safety risks cats face in a busy urban setting such as London and even outside of London. We regularly see cats who have had terrible run-ins with other animals, cars, and even malicious humans and we always consider the wellbeing of the cat as a priority. Did you know that there are over 230,000 cats run over in the UK each year? This has increased 4 times since lockdowns started. Unless a cat has a very good reason to be outdoors, we will rehome them to indoor homes or homes that have a cat proofed garden, catio or balcony. This is something that is assessed during the foster period or if they have been indoor cats before coming to us.
Based in London, and with lots of our adopters short of outside space, we have put together some guidance on cat-proofing solutions for different spaces. This is also required from all adopters and we will ask about your set-up to ensure your kitty is kept safe.
Top tips
Don’t leave the cat unattended in outside cat-proofed areas during the settling period and regularly monitor afterwards
Supervised walks outside should be done with a harness if the garden is not cat proofed and ONLY if it is in your private garden, please be aware that cats can get scared by a sudden noise and can get lost
Harness walks outside a private garden can be dangerous, we have sadly seen cases of cats getting lost or being attacked by dogs
Cats can climb up fences unless they are properly cat proofed and will not just stay in an area
All cat proofing has to be sturdy enough for cats trying to climb or escape
Check cat proofing regularly to ensure nothing has been damaged or become loose
Consider speaking to a professional first as they know kitties' usual escape routes!
Guide to buying what's suitable for you
Buying guide for garden cat protection solutions & estimates
Here are a few set-ups:
Please select the type of outdoor space you are looking to cat proof:
Balconies - with ceiling and rail - drilling required
No gaps and must be stretched taught
Use of cable ties, pegs, tension wire, staples and/or nails
Netting can’t be loose/baggy, the net should be able to resist a cat climbing the net
Strong material, plastic/white/nylon netting is not sufficient. Wire will provide better protection and stop your kitty or other animals chewing through
Photos from: https://protectapet.com
Options
ProtectaPet balcony enclosure kit (requires drilling)
Installation video
Manual to install
Terrace or balcony with no ceiling
No gaps and must be stretched taught
Use of cable ties, pegs, tension wire, staples and/or nails
Netting can’t be loose/baggy, the net should be able to resist a cat climbing the net
Strong material, plastic/white/nylon netting is not sufficient. Wire will provide better protection and stop your kitty or other animals chewing through
Poles need to be sturdy and withhold wind and weight
Minimum height 6ft the angles need to be the same degree as the fencing option, which I think might be 45 degrees.
Photos from: https://protectapet.com
CATIO
Protect a Pet Catio frame
Safe Cat UK - bespoke catio https://safecatuk.co.uk/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/4wire-Catio-Lean-Waterproof-Enclosure/dp/
pole system
no drill Installation
Installation video & OTHER IDEAS
Coming to the market from ProtectaPet:
Balcony with ceiling - No drilling required
Protect a pet CAT BALCONY FRAMED ENCLOSURE KIT
Available in 1, 2 and 3 sides.
Gardens without a fence (enclosures)
No gaps and must be stretched taught
Use of cable ties, pegs, tension wire, staples and/or nails
Netting can’t be loose/baggy, the net should be able to resist a cat climbing the net
Strong material, plastic/white/nylon netting is not sufficient. Wire will provide better protection and stop your kitty or other animals chewing through
Cat Fence Netting
When a big tree leaves the hole, this can also be dangerous. An option is to place a flexible mesh in the middle of the tree, between the branches, to avoid the possibility of them trying to escape through it.
Photos from: https://protectapet.com
Options:
Installation video:
Gardens with an existence fence
Post-Mounted Frame fixing brackets
Netting can’t be loose/baggy, the net should be able to resist a cat climbing the net
Strong material, plastic/white/nylon netting is not sufficient. Wire will provide better protection and stop your kitty or other animals chewing through
Photos from: https://protectapet.com
Options:
Installation video:
Windows
Anything that opens more than 1cm will need to be cat proofed. Especially windows that cats may easily get access to e.g. where there is a sofa or furniture where the cat could easily reach the window.
If there are windows like this in your home and you do not have the possibility of changing them, we recommend placing protection that occupies the opening space. In this way, we will reduce the temptation and risk of them trying to enter.
Photos from: http://www.luccalaloca.es/el-sindrome-del-gato-paracaidista/
Pivoted windows: Can open both from the bottom or the side:
Sash windows: sliding up to open, sometimes with weights on the inside. Sometimes open from the top too. Slider jammers are a good option for cat proofing these. You should not leave the cat unattended and only open 2 cm
Skylights: on ceilings, usually top floors. When open, 2 open areas are exposed.
Alternatives to avoid any problem with the 3 types of windows seen above:
Options:
Childproofing Mesh Window Guard https://www.amazon.com/
Pet Proof Window Screen Replacement https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B1S8NJ1?tag=
Window childproofing
A variety of different window mesh sizes
Fireplaces & woodburners
You’ll know by now that cats will climb on anything around your home, and aren’t always aware of the dangers of fires and chimneys. We have included some surround to stop your cats jumping on a hot stove, getting too close to an open fire, or climbing up the chimney.
Examples:
For a large fireplace or wood-burning stove, you can add a large surround. Make sure it covers the top of the stove as pets can get their feet burnt badly.
More Protection (on top):
Use a larger surround screen that covers the entire area
When the fireplace is not in use:
We have a couple of cat proofing partners who have kindly given your kitties a discount, and every purchase also helps us save more cats.
DISCOUNT CODES:
ProtectaPet
We receive a 10% donation on online shop orders using our affiliate link for ProtectaPet. Spend £400 or more online, and you receive £50 off your order. Get in touch with us for a discount code, if you order from the installation team.
Flat Cats
For Flat Cats window screens, use 6M78RGD4 to get 25% off on their website https://www.flat-cats.com. We receive £5 for every order.
How Can You Help Us?
L.I.C.K is a volunteer run charity, no one gets paid!
Every donation big or small allow us to do our work and care for all our cats and kittens.
All donations go towards medical costs.
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