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

[LorenClayton]

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.

[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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[LorenClayton]

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]

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]

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.