Budget Pet-Proof Fencing for Large Dog and Houdini Cat
I live on a very steep, forested, one-third of an acre block in the foothills of Mt Dandenong, Victoria. My dog is allergic to the part of the garden (fenced) that was his, my cat is craving to feel the grass and soil under her feet as a catio (enclosed patio) does not offer exploration opportunities.(Nor do cat runs.) I have called cat and dog fencing specialists for quotes for a side garden to the side of the house but they don't like the steepness and insist on using their particular and expensive materials. I have called fencing specialists. Same thing. I have recently found a fantastic cat-loving carpenter who understands but the cost is still high. Options I have looked into: 1.8m chain mesh fence for dog, separate under verandah cat run (like a cage in a part of garden nobody visits), now pine pickets with Oscillot roller blades or wire tunnel at top of pine pickets. The other garden which worked for my previous dog and older cats with loose chicken wiring at the top but that looks ugly and like a prison. I am seriously thinking of enrolling at TAFE to become a fencing specialist myself but that doesn't help my dog and cat right now. Any budget-conscious options out there? It is my local council's regulation that cats must be kept within their owners' properties. And no, my neighbour will not have a bar of this. (Last year my rotting wrap-around veranda was magnificently replaced by two skilled and competent builder-carpenters who brought contemporary and natural to a run-down cottage; after the fence I need to renovate my dysfunctional bathroom-laundry and then grungey, original 1970s kitchen ... so I have a lot on my plate!!) By the way there are overhanging trees so a wire netting roof would not survive falling branches during the dramatic storms we get here. Any tip would be much appreciated.
Comments (9)
PRODr Retro House Calls
4 years agoYour slope isn't going to change, neither is your neighbour, so you will always be fighting your fencing. Like family, you can't choose your neighbours. If I had a busy-body neighbour that was going to make my life difficult for me caring for my pets I would consider moving to a home where it was easier to keep control.
Best of luck,
Dr Retroof Dr Retro House Calls
siriuskey
4 years agoI could ask my Nephew what he used, he sectioned off an area with a low voltage single wire approx 18inches off the ground, they only had to touch it once to not repeat. I think getting in touch with a good country pet shop will help, I have heard of a collar that's picks up a frequency when close to a boundary, not sure of cost though.
lyricallyrebird
Original Author4 years agoThank you for that suggestion; I have read about it before but not keen on electronic devices for animals. I have just discovered a company in the US which produces diy fence extension kits for cats and dogs. Pity nothing similar here but greatly relieved to find something that would work. Thanks for your suggestion, much appreciated.
oklouise
4 years agowhile living on acreage our little dog escaped into the bush and was badly hurt several times and also went missing for days so options were to keep her inside or try electric fencing designed just for dogs ...the electric cable is buried just below the surface or can lay on top of the ground and the dog wore a radio collar that emitted a warning sound if she came too close .only took a few days for her to be trained and could happily use the whole house yard without any problem ..the system was several hundred dollars but much cheaper than vet bills and so much better for her safety and our peace of mind
lyricallyrebird
Original Author4 years agoThank you, oklouise, but not happy about electronic devices for humans as well as for animals. I'm glad your dog is safe, though.
julie herbert
4 years agoHi fantastic, what a fabulous outcome for you all and what a wonderful Company to come to you and design such a great space, yes Freedom for all.
lyricallyrebirdOriginal Author