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How to build barrier between Colorbond fence and patio post to keep cat in?

Hello

I have a older cat who wanders (he is desexed) and would like to keep him safe in the back yard when I'm out. I'd like a budget DIY option if possible. The barrier would be around 3 M long, from the washing line post to the rear patio post, which would be on a slant, but I'm not concerned about what it looks like. There would need to be a latch or some way I can come and go. There's colorbond fence all around the house and at the moment he jumps over the front fence at the side (first photo), so I'd like to set up a barrier at the side / rear that I can rig up myself from materials I can carry home in my small car (Picanto).

Any suggestions welcome. Thank you.

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Comments

MitchellMc

Hi @LorenClayton,

Does the fence need to allow human access? If not, then it would be possible to add a wire cable between the posts at 1.7m and tension it with a turnbuckle. You can then use screen fencing across the span, attaching it to the wire with netting clips or cable ties.

For the bottom, it can be secured into your soil with tent pegs using the wire on the fence, or you could run another length of wire cable and attach as above.

Be sure to use cable ties to attach the sides to the posts so there are no gaps there.

It might be a stretch getting the 1.8m long screen fencing in your Picanto, but we do offer a convenient delivery service to get your goods home.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

LorenClayton

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/49940#Comment_49940

Thank you MitchellMc, that's a great idea. Yes, it has to allow human access for my mower and sometimes wheelbarrow etc to the front yard. I'm wondering if I really need the bamboo fence and whether just mesh and star picket fence posts or timber posts would work. Could you recommend some materials if that's viable please?

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/87080#Comment_87080

Evening @LorenClayton

Cats are escape artists... well so are doggos but definently cats have the upper paw....

It is a pretty popular topic for good reason, Keeping our furrry companions from turning into count dracula and safe is a good idea.

Here is one thread of questions that may help you out. The yard is similar to yours and I am thinking for the access part to actually install that flyscreen with the magnets down the center so you can walk through but it snaps close afterwards.

How to build a cat enclosure? by @Benk and the enclosure looks brilliant.

If you have any questions over the ideas then just ask 🙂 Will tag @Nailbag as well as his ideas on the cat enclousers are good as well 🙂

Dave

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/87080#Comment_87080

Hi @LorenClayton,

To add a gate, you would need to add at least one solid post to hang it from. You could concrete in a 100x100mm H4 Pine Post to hang a gate from.

If you'd like to use star pickets and mesh to create a barrier, you could give it a try, but I fear it wouldn't be effective for long.

Knowing how great cats are at climbing, I think you'd find a mesh fence would fairly quickly become an obstacle that just slows them down. The bamboo slats, running only vertically, would give much less ability for your cat to climb.

Allow me to tag @Jewelleryrescue to see if he has any other ideas to add.

Jacob

LorenClayton

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/109005#Comment_109005

Thank you Jacob Z. Yes, a gate it is I think.

LorenClayton

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/109003#Comment_109003

Thank you Dave1, and thanks for that link, there's a lot of options there. This might need the services of a contractor I think, if I want something permanent and reliable. Thank you to all.

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/121824#Comment_121824

Afternoon @LorenClayton

If you break down the project you could do it yourself. We have had members that have been impressed with themselves with the outcome of their projects 🙂 And yeah I get that a contractor could do a nice job of it 🙂 Maybe think of the possibilties you may want to expand the catio one day when you talk to a contractor 🙂 That way you get the best of now and in the future.

Dave

Nailbag

Hi @LorenClayton

Have you considered buying shade cloth by the metre and then fixing these strips with self-drilling metal screws to the metal fence. The cloth could be then stretched to other structures using the same fixing method.

Nailbag

LorenClayton

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/121824#Comment_121824

Hello

I have a front / side post & rail fence and I want to cat proof this. My senior cat easily scales these timber rails and hops over. What is the best option here? I don't really care about how it looks, I just want to keep the cat in. My preference is for something I can do myself but really desperate for any suggestions as cat is not happy being cooped up in the house with a tray.

Originally I thought I'd install a 2nd fence at the back but fixing this existing fence is probably the cheaper option. Thanks all.

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/129920#Comment_129920

Hi @LorenClayton,

I've just combined this post with your last one, as they provide context to each other that could be handy for any readers.

You might like to have a look at some of the ideas in this discussion: How to stop cats climbing fences.

I think @AlidaJayne's example of a reverse-angled mesh structure above the top of the fence and gate is likely a good option.

You could attach some of these Carinya 380 x 380mm Galvanised Angle Brackets to the uprights of your fence and gate, then attach wire mesh to the brackets using Jack Mesh Panel Fix Clips with a nut and bolt.

This would allow the gate to remain operational while creating a physical barrier preventing your cat from getting over the top.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1, @Noyade and @TedBear to see if they have any ideas.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

LorenClayton

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/135025#Comment_135025

Thank you Jacob. I think you've done it! That should work very well. I'll get those from Rothwell today. I promise to post back and let you all know how I go. It's also possible my cat is squeezing under the colorbond fence in places so I'll block those spaces with bricks as well.

Thanks again Jacob, brilliant reply!

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138399#Comment_138399

Good Morning @LorenClayton

I have seen the wire and conduit option to stop pets from going "over the fence" 🙂

A bracket either side of the panels of that fence including the gate itself.

Between the tips of the bracket you have a piece of conduit, Id actually suggest a larger conduit then smaller. (50mm plus) A wire is what is strung down the center of the conduit and fastened to the brackets either end, If a cat (or dog) tries to jump and lever thenmselves over the fence they hit the conduit with their paws and it turns, no traction as no grip. The wire has to be tight enough to support the conduit level. You should be able to spin the pipe easily.

Brackets only need to be the a little over the width of whatever pipe size you choose.

Dave

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