Ok, we have decided for now that we will not get another kitten. It makes me feel very sad when I see cats here there and everywhere but I don't feel I would ever be able to relax and would constantly worry if he or she were out of sight... Indoor cats not an option and cat proofing the garden unlikely to happen either, expensive and very awkward with fences not being ours and the shape of our house..

Thank you everyone for your advice tho, it is much appreciated x

u could try putting a reflective collar on it so if it does go near roads at least your giving driver a better chance of seeing it, coz theres not rele a way u can stop it from wondering. good luck with it

Unfortunately, I would not allow my cat out of the house. My husbands mother/father learned the hard way when their cat had been poisoned and die there shortly after. Its not safe to allow cats outside. The Toronto humane society here is constantly warning people about allowing their pet cats out, and well not adopt out any of their cats to anyone that allow them outside.

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This is a wind up right lol?

I think its impossible to teach a cat road safety, they are either street smart or they are not, and they only get it wrong once. In built up areas I just would not let a cat out, it only takes a distraction and it can lead to a cat dashing under the wheels of a car, unecessary tragedy.

Anyone putting their own life at risk to try and road train their cats is just daft imho.

Izzie

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I have been considering copying a breeder friends of mines ideas for the back garden. She has cat pens etc, but she also has 2 rescue cats which are used to having free run in the gardens and wide world. its hard to explain so if this makes no sense whatsoever i am sorry.

Both of ours gardens are fairly small and securely fenced - 6ft high and oblong in design.

The first thing she did was to attatch some extra wide guttering upside down about 4 ft up the fence - its harder for the cats to get over.

The 2nd thing she did was to attatch horizontal poles along the top of the fence - on these she has put lots of wide pipes. The pipes are free moving and so if the cat makes it over the guttering they cant get a purchase on the spinning pipes.The pipes roll as the cat tries to clamber over so its just impossible for them. Its a simple design and so far her wandering cats havent got out (12months) and no more strange cats have been able to get in either . So if her girls are in the run, and in call she doesnt have a bunch of toms sitting outside the pen prowling!

Downside is that she now cant have any climbing plants on her fences.

I'm seriously considering it as it would be ideal for me. My garden is tiny, and my cats are indoor cats. They come out in the garden with me on harness's but its not the same thing. I couldnt put a pen up as I only have one window to my living room and the patio doors and its north facing so very dark anyway. My garden is also so tiny lol, the only other soloution is to pen the whole thing.

Hope that gives you an alternative for giving your cats some freedom without them getting out far

Hi,

I think that sounds like a great idea, I think if a cat is made nervous about jumping on fences they soon get used to staying in the garden.

Obviously your neighbours have to be considered if its a party fence, I had really horrible neighbours in the UK who were really awkward with things like that.

Izzie

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A young cat or a wise old cat can equally get knocked down at some point if they are allowed to wander. I would seriously think of a harness or a cat run of some sort if you are considering getting another.