It is hard to be a pet parent. It can feel overwhelming to have so many choices when it comes to pet care. Pet owners all agree that safety is paramount for their pets. This is true for cats as well. Many cat parents are looking for ways to install cat proof fencing in their yard so that their feline friends can enjoy the outdoors.
There are many outdoor options for cats, which is a good thing. There are many factors that you should consider when choosing the best cat-proofing fencing for your cat. Most cat fences will not work on all cats. A roller system is one option for cat-proofing fencing.
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How do rollers work on cat proofing fencing?
Fence roller systems were originally designed to stop large predator animals from jumping over the fencing system. You may see them making DIY cat fence rollers. We are similar in anatomy to dogs so their method of scaling fences is very similar. They jump up and use their forward momentum as they climb up the fence. They can grab the fence with their front paws and push themselves up by using their back paws. The cat proofing fencing is protected by rollers at the top so the cat can’t grab it and climb over.
On the other hand they have very different abilities. They can stop their forward momentum and hold onto many surfaces with their claws prior to continuing their climb. They can pause to search for the “path that is least resistant” before they reach the top of the fencing and plan their next move. With this in mind many cat-proofing fencing systems were adapted from the original rolling system. There are now several options for cats to use.
This causes the tube to spin when the cat attempts to grab it. Some rollers have smooth outer tubing that is hard to grip while others have “paddles”, which make it more difficult for cats to grab a hold of the tube. The rollers are placed along the fencing top so that if your cat tries to grab on to it, the roller spins so that the fence can be climbed out of. They have nothing to hold onto and no place to go so they fall back to the ground.
What options do you have?
Rollers have been used with wild animals for many years. There are many DIY plans and tutorials available that make use of materials found in most hardware stores. Although DIY cat proofing fencing rollers can be more affordable, this requires the use of materials not intended for this purpose. Although DIY roller systems can be successful for some, it is possible to have unexpected results that could compromise the durability and effectiveness of your rollers.
Fencing Rollers for Cats: Their effectiveness
According to reports, commercially available cat-proofing fencing rolling systems have an 80-90% success rate for cats when installed correctly on all types of fences. Each cat has a unique personality and ability. Some cats might attempt to climb over the fence but give up after only a few attempts. Others may keep trying until they succeed. For cats with less athleticism or persistence, rollers are best suited on cat proofing fencing to make your fencing more effective for persistent cats; you can add polycarbonate material to the establishment or increase the height. Polycarbonate is a clear plastic sheeting that cat cannot reach, making it more difficult for them to scale the fencing system.
As with any cat-proof containment system you should remove anything like trees, outside furniture and garbage bins from the fence. These items are often used by persistent cats to escape from the yard. It is possible to move them safely away from any cat-proof fence solution, such as rollers. This will increase their effectiveness. Keep in mind that rollers can be accessed from corners and gates. These areas might require extra care when installing and preparing your fence with rollers.
