Claire Thompson
Chicken wire is a popular material used to keep cats in or out of enclosed spaces. It is often used to build catios, which are outdoor cat enclosures that provide cats with fresh air and stimulation without the dangers of cars or predators. Chicken wire can also be used to deter cats from entering gardens, flower beds, and vegetable patches. While chicken wire can be an affordable option, there are concerns about cats getting their claws caught in the wire, so it should be used with caution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To keep cats in or out of a designated area |
| Installation | Tack wire to fence, flush with sides of the gate but 3-5" below the wire on the adjacent fence. Install brackets and securely fasten wire to them using ties or wire. |
| Materials | Chicken wire, brackets, ties or wire, nails or screws, cable ties |
| Cost | Chicken wire is a less expensive option than welded steel mesh |
| Safety | Cats can get their claws caught in chicken wire, especially if the holes are larger than 1 inch. |
| Supervision | Chicken wire is best used in spaces where you can supervise the cats |
| Alternatives | Nylon netting, welded wire fencing, motion detection system that shoots water |
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What You'll Learn
Using chicken wire to cat-proof existing fences
Chicken wire is a great option to cat-proof your existing fences. It is inexpensive and easy to work with. To get started, you will need to purchase enough chicken wire to cover the perimeter of your fence, plus an additional 3 feet for each gate. It is recommended to use wire that is at least 18 inches wide, but 24 inches or wider is ideal. You can choose from a variety of materials, including plain galvanised steel or PVC-coated chicken wire. The PVC-coated option is preferable if you are concerned about your cat's claws getting caught in the wire.
Once you have the necessary materials, you can begin installing the chicken wire. Start by tacking up the wire so that it is flush with the sides of the gate and 3 to 5 inches below the wire on the adjacent fence. This will ensure that your cats cannot escape through the gap between the gate and the fence. Next, install the brackets to secure the wire in place. You can either use the chicken wire itself to hold the brackets in place or fasten the brackets directly to the fence using nails or screws.
After the brackets are installed, fold the wire over the top of the bracket and secure it in place using cable ties or wire. Don't forget to install corner brackets as well, which will help to judge how much wire needs to be folded over on each side. Finally, unroll the overlap on each end of the wire to seal any remaining gaps and tie it in with the rest of the fence.
If you are concerned about your cats climbing the chicken wire, you can add shelves or platforms to give them an alternative place to climb and lounge. You can also reduce the noise caused by climbing by attaching a small piece of plywood wrapped in a towel or "fluffy" cloth to the wire with zip ties. This will help to muffle the sound and provide a more peaceful environment for you and your neighbours.
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How to install chicken wire
Chicken wire can be an effective way to keep cats out of your garden or a specific area, such as a flower bed or vegetable patch. It can also be used to create a "catio", a safe outdoor space for your cats. Here is a guide on how to install chicken wire:
- Prepare the Area: Before installing the chicken wire, decide on the area you want to cover or enclose. Ensure you have enough wire to cover the desired area. For a fence, measure the perimeter and add 3 feet per gate. If you are covering a flower bed or vegetable patch, ensure you have enough wire to cover the length and width of the bed, plus some extra for securing it in place.
- Select the Right Type of Chicken Wire: There are different types of chicken wire available, such as plain galvanised steel wire or PVC-coated wire. Consider the size of the holes in the wire; smaller holes (around 1 inch or 13mm) are recommended to prevent cats from getting their claws caught and to avoid grass getting caught in the wire. For a catio, you may want to use welded steel mesh for added strength, especially if there are coyotes or other predators in your area.
- Install the Brackets: Attach brackets to the fence, posts, or other structures in your selected area. Space the brackets appropriately, allowing for the wire to be secured between them. You can use nails or screws to attach the brackets, but this may leave more holes when the fence is taken down. Alternatively, you can use the chicken wire itself to hold the brackets in place by sliding the bracket through a hole in the wire and then under it.
- Attach the Chicken Wire: Unroll the chicken wire and secure it to the brackets using cable ties or wire. Ensure the wire is taut and flush with the sides of any gates or adjacent fences. If installing against a fence, position the wire 3-5 inches below the wire on the adjacent fence to prevent gaps. For a flower bed or vegetable patch, you can peg the wire to the ground or bury the edges of the wire to prevent cats from squeezing underneath.
- Seal Gaps and Corners: Overlap the ends of the chicken wire and unroll any extra wire to seal gaps. For corners, it is easier to wait until the sides are done before installing corner brackets, as this allows you to judge how much the wire needs to be folded over. Ensure all gaps are covered to prevent cats from squeezing through.
- Consider Cat Climbing and Noise: If you are creating a catio or enclosing an area where cats will be present, consider adding shelves or structures for cats to climb on. This can reduce the noise caused by cats climbing on the chicken wire, especially at night. You can also add baffles (small pieces of plywood wrapped in cloth) to reduce the noise.
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Chicken wire as a deterrent for flower beds
Chicken wire can be an effective deterrent to keep cats out of flower beds. It is also useful for keeping dogs from digging and sitting on newly planted young plants. Chicken wire can be used to cover the flower bed, suspended an inch or two from the ground, and pegged down. The wire should have holes small enough that cats cannot get their claws caught or their heads stuck. One-inch holes are recommended. PVC-coated chicken wire is preferable to plain galvanized steel, as dogs and cats can walk over it without getting their claws caught.
Chicken wire can also be used to cover raised flower beds. However, some people have reported that cats still dug holes and defecated in the flower beds even with the chicken wire in place.
Chicken wire can be attached to an existing fence to create a "cat-proof" fence. The wire should be flush with the sides of the gate but 3-5 inches below the wire on the adjacent fence. Brackets can be used to hold the wire in place, either by sliding the bracket through a hole in the wire and then "under" it (between the wire and the fence) or by fastening the brackets directly to the fence using nails or screws. The wire is then folded over the top of the bracket and secured with cable ties or wire.
Chicken wire can also be used to create a "catio" or outdoor cat enclosure. This allows cats to enjoy the outdoors without the danger of cars or other hazards. However, some cats may try to climb the chicken wire, which can be noisy and annoying for neighbours. To prevent this, shelves or cat towers can be installed to give cats different levels to lounge on.
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Chicken wire for catios
Chicken wire is a popular option for catios due to its low cost and ease of installation. However, it is important to note that chicken wire is not very strong and may leave jagged edges when cut, which could be dangerous for both you and your cat. It also may not be able to keep out small pests like mosquitoes, rabbits, and mice.
When installing chicken wire for a catio, it is recommended to use wire fencing material that is 24" or wider, but at least 18" wide. You will need enough wire to cover the perimeter of your fence, plus 3 feet per gate. It is also important to subtract 1 foot from the length of each roll, which will be folded over and overlapped.
To install the chicken wire, you can use brackets to secure it to the fence. One method is to slide the bracket through a hole in the wire and then under it, so that when the wire is tacked down, the bracket is held firmly in place. Another method is to fasten the brackets directly to the fence using nails or screws, although this may be more work and leave more of a mess when the fence is taken down.
Once the brackets are secured, fold the wire over the top of the bracket and secure it using cable ties or wire. It is recommended to use galvanized steel chicken wire with 1-inch round holes or PVC-coated chicken wire with half-inch holes to prevent your cat's paws from getting caught. Additionally, the PVC-coated option may be preferable if you have plants nearby, as the plain galvanized steel mesh may catch on them.
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Chicken wire alternatives
Chicken wire is a popular option for cat-proofing your garden or balcony. However, it may not be the best option for everyone. Cats can sometimes get their claws caught in chicken wire and seriously hurt themselves, especially if they climb on it. They can also bend, push through, or chew through chicken wire over time, especially if they are determined.
If you are looking for alternatives to chicken wire, here are some options:
- Welded wire fencing: This is a stiffer and sturdier option compared to chicken wire. It is more expensive but may be a better choice if you need to span larger areas.
- Nylon mesh: Nylon mesh can be a good alternative to chicken wire, but some people worry that cats may chew through it. It is also more expensive than chicken wire.
- Cat netting: This is a good option for outdoor enclosures, as it is durable and weather-resistant. It can be painted to your liking and is an efficient way to keep cats off balcony railings. However, it tends to be pricier and more complex to install than simpler netting alternatives.
- Electric fence wire: If you have a problem with bobcats or feral cats, an electric fence wire along an ordinary fence will make them run away.
- PVC-coated mesh: This is a weather-resistant option that can be painted to your liking.
- Physical barriers: If you want to deter cats from entering a specific area, you can try physical barriers such as holly clippings and big stones.
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Frequently asked questions
You need enough to cover the perimeter of your fence, plus 3 feet per gate. You should subtract 1 foot from the length of each roll, as this will be folded over and overlapped.
Chicken wire with 1-inch holes is preferable, as cats can get their claws or heads caught in 2-inch wire. Plain galvanised steel chicken wire is cheaper than PVC-coated wire, but cats may get their claws caught on it.
First, tack up the wire so that it is flush with the sides of the gate, but 3-5" below the wire on the adjacent fence. Install the brackets, then securely fasten the wire to the brackets using ties or wire. Unroll part of the overlap on each end to "seal" the gaps.
You can add shelves to your catio so that your cat can climb and lounge at height. You can also add a baffle to reduce the noise of your cat climbing the wire.
