Cats are safest when they’re kept indoors. But if your cat loves to be outside, a cat fence can keep them safe. Cat fences are easy to build so cat-proofing your backyard to let your cat spend time with you outside will be easy!
You have several options for a cat fence, including fences you build yourself or cat-proof fences that you add to your existing fence or patio. Here are our favorite DIY cat fence plans that you can put together over a weekend to turn your backyard into a feline oasis.
The 5 DIY Cat Fence Plans
1. DIY Cat Fence by Katzen World
| Materials: | DIY kit, mesh |
| Tools: | Cutting shears, drill, screwdriver, staple gun, staples, hammer |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This DIY Cat Fence comes with full instructions. The tutorial walks you through every step and includes details on how to work with what’s already in your backyard, such as gazebos, decks, fences, playsets, and more. It also covers how to prepare the area, how to measure, and how to choose the best material. You need some basic DIY knowledge, but it’s a snap otherwise.
2. DIY Roll Bar Fence by Your Sassy Self
| Materials: | 2 sizes of PVC pipe, steel wire, L-brackets, wire anchor locks |
| Tools: | Tape measure, screwdriver or drill, wrench, saw, bolt cutters |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This DIY Roll Bar Fence keeps cats from being able to climb over the top. It’s not a full fence, but it can be added to an existing fence to make the backyard safer. The roll-bar top spins, making it impossible for your cat to grab the top and escape. This is a really handy option if you want to cat-proof your current fence instead of replacing it.
3. Build Your Own Catio by The Dog People by Rover.com
| Materials: | Premade catio (optional), wire mesh, weather-resistant wood, screws or nails |
| Tools: | Saw, screwdriver or drill, hammer, wire cutters, tape measure, level |
| Difficulty Level: | Hard |
This Catio is a patio for your cat to enjoy the outdoors safely and securely. You can build your own with this tutorial. It also keeps wildlife out. Catios may be freestanding or attached to your house, so your cat can go out through a window or cat door on a catwalk. You will need some basic DIY carpentry and planning skills to do this one, so keep that in mind.
4. Existing Fence Conversion System by Purrfect Fence
| Materials: | Galvanized steel mounting brackets, conversion arms, mesh, cable ties |
| Tools: | Wire cutters |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This Existing Fence Conversion comes with extensions to turn your existing fence into a cat-proof barrier. You just have to attach steel brackets to your fence posts and cover them with mesh to keep your cat contained and keep other animals out. You can buy the individual parts and create your own fence conversion.
5. Freestanding Cat Enclosure System by Purrfect Fence
| Materials: | Wire mesh, PVC fence posts, access gate |
| Tools: | Hammer, wire cutters |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Like others on this list, the Freestanding Cat Enclosure uses wire mesh to keep your cat inside your backyard. It doesn’t take a lot of DIY knowledge to construct this yourself. You just have to put posts to attach the mesh and make sure your mesh reaches a height your cat can’t climb easily (about 6 feet). Your cat may still climb, but the mesh isn’t ideal for climbing, and your cat will give up.
Why Build a Cat Fence?
We know from watching our cats that they have a natural curiosity and most of them love to be outside. Animals, like children, are susceptible to being stolen, injured, or abused. Cat fences and catios are great ways to let them explore and remain safe. It is also a safer alternative to let them socialize with other animals without the fear of getting attacked or injured.
In addition, building a cat fence can help your pet stay lean and healthy by providing a safe environment for stretching and exercising. Did you know that, in the U.S., approximately 58% of cats are overweight or obese?
Why not give your cat “a home away from home.” You may want to build a cat fence just because you love them and want to give them a space all their own to hang out and observe the scenery, play with their toys, or just laze around and soak up the sun.
DIY vs Buying a Cat Fence
Whatever your reason for getting a cat enclosure, you will need to decide if you want to buy a premade or build it yourself.
If your budget allows and your building skills are weak, buying a premade product may be the way to go. In most cases, it will ensure that the pieces fit together well, and hopefully, it is sturdy and secure. This may also be a good idea for you if your time is limited.
However, if you are a DIY’er, building a cat fence or catio should be a fun experience. There are so many options for design. Do you want to choose a different material than provided in the plans? You may prefer vinyl over wood. The choice is up to you. Not only does it allow for limitless ideas, it’s also a fun project for an individual, a couple, or the whole family. You can then tell your cat that it was “made with love,” just for him or her.
Conclusion
Letting your cat outside with you is a fun experience for both of you, but not if your cat gets lost in the neighborhood or runs into busy roads. These DIY cat fences can help you keep your cat safe and secure in your backyard, so you can take in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors together.
See Also:
- 7 Awesome DIY Slow Feed Cat Bowl Plans You Can Make Today
- 9 DIY Cat Bunk Bed Plans You Can Make Today
Featured Image Credit: rihaij, Pixabay
