Cat Containment: The Commercial Options in New Zealand

Cat fencing, and containment is rarely a topic in New Zealand. Start a discussion on most social media and the ignorant and aggressive comments will spew forth. I find it amazing that people will readily consider and purchase, chicken runs, dog-runs, and even rabbit or bird cages and housing, but almost go into apoplectic seizures of rage if you suggest an outside containment for their cats to enjoy and be safe in.

Although some Councils are beginning to talk about cat management, in the context of protecting native birds, they have only looked at microchipping, bylaws, and potential enforcement regimes (including trapping and killing roaming cats that are not able to be identified).

The options considered for, and by, cat owners are limited to keeping cats inside 24 hours, allowing them to free roam, or imposing a curfew (being kept inside at night). Clearly we have a long way to go when it comes to intelligent thinking about the welfare of our cats, and our wildlife.

So today let's look at commercial options for enclosures, and cat fencing. Both contain cats on their own property, increasing the welfare of the cats, and drastically reduce predation.  Both still give cats outside space, and even night time adventures if they are designed properly.

Enclosures 

Enclosures can be free standing (cages), or outdoor areas of the house or apartment (catios).  With a little planning, both are suitable for rentals.  

Cat Netting

In New Zealand

Cat net for home owners to create their own DIY solution from commercial components is available from Xcluder. While they don't provide either design, or build for home catio's or cat-fencing, not having to import the various components yourself is handy, and they do have a couple of pdf guides on the website.   https://www.xcluder.co.nz/products/catnet/

Import from Aussie

An easy option is to order from Aussie.  There are many specialist suppliers of netting, accessories and even custom kitset enclosures. Some of these suppliers also provide cat nets and accessories that will act as fence toppers to keep your cats in your yard.

• Happy Cat Enclosures
• Cat Pad Enclosures
• CatMax   
• CatNets NZ Info page

Cat Nets is one of the oldest suppliers to NZ.  They have a wonderful gallery to give you a wide range of ideas; both their packages and DIY solutions are shown.

All the designs, accessories, and even packages available.  Freestanding enclosures or nets and fencing parts to make your own cat-safe environment.  They have a page specifically for NZ cat owners, with all you need to know about importing, costs etc

Get a Builder

One option, if you want a custom set-up and don't trust your DIY skills, is simply to get a builder in! This, of course is very budget dependent but you may find if you are getting some rennovations done anyway or have a friendly builder looking for a few hours light work putting a small catio extension on, or enclosing your existing verandah in a framework and catnet or insect mesh will be the perfect solution for you and your cats. 

Dog-Runs

any google search will get you started

There are lots of kitset dog-runs available from all sorts of supplies.  Some already include shade or a roof across the enclosure making them perfectly suitable for cats.  

Add your own accessories - climbing trees, and beds to make it complete.  Others may be just the outer run walls, but these may be just the right size and shape for your yard (your price point).  Shade cloth is cheap by the metre - enclose the top and voila! your own cat enclosure. 

These are fully transportable, so if you are renting it should be no problem to put up if your landlord is okay with a pet. 

There is one very important warning with buying a dog run, instead of cat specific netting.  The size of the mesh used may be too large for cats and especially kittens.  A small cat or kitten may get it's head stuck in mesh that is too large, and there have been cases of cat being strangled to death if they climb and then slip.  The recommended size for cat wire mesh is 25mm (most chainlink type wire is 50mm!), for netting the recommended size is 19mm or smaller - this smaller size stops the cat or kitten getting their jaw into a gap and chewing on the netting and escaping, or getting stuck in it.

Fencing

Anti-climb Fence Systems

Generally anti-climb fence systems are one of two designs.  Either a rolling device at the top of the fence that stops the cats ability to get a purchase, or an overhanging addition that does the same, sometimes with the addition of a spring system that causes the fence topper to drop the cat back into the yard.

Oscillot  Uses a hexagonal type roller system, and provides custom build help.

I have seen plenty of good feedback and they may suit many new fence installations where you want a nice discreet look.  These type of fence toppers are almost invisible if you don't know what you're looking for, can sit at the top or below the fence-line so won't annoy the neighbours (if you've got strict rules), and are effective for most. The advice of the company will be important, as a fence topper does not help with under-fence excursions.  You may also need to get help if you have low fences along a particular border.

Again, if you prefer to DIY it, you can purchase the bits, and there are DIY versions made from PVC pipe to google.

***NO!!!!****  

Electric and Electronic Fencing

I DO NOT recommend, nor condone either of these options for cats (I'm not convinced they are a humane option for dogs).  They are all based on giving your pets an electric shock, either through a collar, or directly from a fence wire.

I noticed Smart Cats Stay Home - which is essentially an electric fence that attaches to your existing fence, is advertising within NZ. I also noticed that on their "How it Works" page, there is not a single mention of the fact that this is clearly an electric fence.  How it works, is by shocking your cat.

As with the other fence top options, this does nothing to stop a cat going under a fence, or through a gap, or even up a tree and over.

Even, if we assume that giving a cat an electric shock is something you can live with, you might also consider that doing so, is not guaranteed to keep a cat in.

If you look carefully at the Smart Cats installations, it is entirely possible that the cat will be able to grab the top of the fence, haul itself up and only touch the fence as it is about to escape.  When hit by the electric current you have a 50/50 chance that the leap this shock produces will cause the cat to fall back into your yard, rather than being propelled onto the other side.  If that other side, is near a road the shock may be sufficient to do exactly what you are trying to avoid, and send the cat helter-skelter into the path of a vehicle or instead of being able to safely walk the fence line, shot into the jaws of next door's dog.

This, is the least cat smart solution on the market, I'd recommend "no fencing" over this option!