Our cats love to go outdoors and we don’t want to deny them that. On the other hand, we live on a busy road and need to keep them safe in the yard. We’ve been using the Cat Fence In System for years and we’ve never had a problem. It’s a very simple design: brackets at an angle the cat can’t jump on, plus netting.

The catch is: You must be diligent about maintenance. The few times our cats got out was because they found holes or tears in the netting that were overlooked. Squirrels can chew their way through and if a cat has something tall nearby to stand on (think: tool shed, tree) they can chew or jump over the netting as well. It’s a good idea to loosen the brackets during the winter (if you’re keeping your cat in) because heavy snow can bend them. You should also keep an eye on the screws because they loosen or rust. In other words: check it often!

Make sure the bottom of your fence is cat proof also. We use mesh where the fence doesn’t meet the soil. As with the netting, this should be check regularly as wild animals often dig holes under fencing.

Keep a close eye on the little rascals the first few times you let them out. Cats are crafty and they will think of things you haven’t!

Cat Fence In System
DIY Cat Fence
Purrfect Fence
Just 4 Cats
Cat Fence

I’m not one to give advice on this subject because I’ve yet to conquer the problem; however, I am an expert in TRYING to work it out.

Over the years, I’ve had cats that are pe-ers and scratchers and dogs that are chewers. The cats definitely do more damage than the dogs.

DOGS GONE WILD

Two words for dogs who chew: Bitter Apple. Nuf said.

Dogs nails, even when clipped, can scratch floors. Area rugs are a good solution, but if you have cats who pee, not such a good idea.

If you’re a dog owner undergoing renovation and putting in new floors, try to use hardwood. Reclaimed (you weren’t thinking of NEW wood, were you?) pine is lovely, but it scratches when you look at it.

WHEN CATS ATTACK

For scratching: Well, they DO like to scratch. Make sure you have one or two scratching posts around for them. Of course, they like your furniture better. You can buy big sheets of double sided adhesive tape at pet supply stores. This is better for molding as it won’t stick too well to furniture. It works, but it will need to be changed every so often as the tape collects dust and fur.

Cats don’t like the feel or sound of tin foil. This solution has not worked for me for the simple fact that I can’t figure out how to keep it in place.

The balloon trick: If your cat is ripping up your couch, try taping balloons in the area. Mylar works like tin foil. Regular balloons…..they go to scratch, pop one and well……

Peeing: Does someone have advice for ME?

If your cat is urinating outside the litterbox, the first thing you need to do is take kitty to the vet! It could be a sign of a potentially serious health problem.

Some people swear by Feliway, a pheromone that is sprayed around pee spots. It actually has had the opposite desired effect in my house.

Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract litter is specially formulated for cats who don’t like using their boxes. It really works! But…I stopped using it because I’m not sure how environmentally friendly clumping litter is. It can also be harmful to dogs who eat it as it will set up in their stomachs. (I know I’m not the only one with dogs who partake in kitty treats!) Furthermore, it starts to stink if not cleaned regularly.

CLEANING:

Nature’s Miracle enzymes for floors, etc. Don’t dilute and use it before other cleaners. There are other enzymes out there, but this seems to work best.

Odorz Out for furniture and carpets. It soaks up the moisture. Just vacuum it up.

ODOR:

I’ve been through a few ozone units. They seem to work for awhile, but the ozone cards wear out.

Right now I have the Brookstone Pure Ion purifier and I’m pretty happy with it. Sharper Image carries similar models.

Worst comes to worst, if you are trying to sell or rent a place that reeks of cat pee, you’ll have to cut away at soiled sheetrock and plaster. Get behind molding and floors in the bad spots. Some corners of flooring may also need to be replaced.

More info:

Planet Urine
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