Jumping over the fence seems like a simple enough task for a cat, but for owners of a fenced-in yard, it can quickly become a problem. A determined cat will find a way to get out and explore, and in the process, can damage the fence or escape entirely. However, there are several ways to deter your cat from jumping over the fence, and with a bit of patience and consistency, you can keep them safely inside your yard. This article will discuss how to stop a cat from jumping over the fence.
Jumping over the fence can be dangerous for cats, mainly if they are in an unfamiliar area or become injured while exploring. They may not be able to find their way home again, which is why it’s essential to teach your cat to stay close to the house.
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Why Does My Cat Jump Over the Fence?
Cats are known for their ability to escape. If they find a weakness in your barrier, they can wedge themselves under it and be gone before you know it. But, of course, their safety will always be your number one priority.
If you don’t want your furry friends running away, do everything you can to keep them contained. But if there’s a way for them to escape the yard without having to jump over fences or gates, take advantage of it!
Some cats jump over fences because they want to keep other animals out of their territory. This is especially true for cats who live with dogs, since they are used to sharing their space with them.
If you notice that your cat is only aggressive toward your dog when he’s outside, then this may be why he needs to jump over the fence. Providing separate outdoor spaces for both animals is an excellent way to avoid conflict.
A Stepwise Guide on How to Stop a Cat From Jumping Over the Fence
Step 1: Determine How and Why the Cat is Jumping
Cats are natural jumpers, and their jumping ability depends on a number of factors, including age, size, physical condition, and motivation. The distance they can jump is related to how high they can jump.
How often they will do it depends on what exactly motivates them. For instance, some cats find it very rewarding to climb up something tall, while some only like to be higher than ground level. How frequently they do it depends on how much their need is.
Step 2: Set Up a Fence
Cats are curious creatures, always trying to get into any open door or window. The key to keeping your cat in the yard is to fence up all openings. Cats will also use any introduction that you think is blocked, such as a small space under a fence, porch railing, or deck if nothing is controlling them from going under it.
If you want to keep your cat in your yard, you need to block all the openings that they could use to get out. Cats are curious and will try to get into any open door or window. You can keep your cat from getting out by fencing up all the openings.
Step 3: Cover Up Other Openings
Cover up any other opening in the fence that’s smaller than your cat with fencing or lattice. You can also add a layer of chicken wire on top. Another option to try is covering up the openings with plywood and attaching a blanket over them. Cats don’t like the feel of something on top of their heads, so they’re not likely to go through it.
Step 4: Feed Your Cat on One Side of Fence Only
Feeding your cat on one side of the fence can be a great way to train them not to cross over onto another side where they might jump into the street and get hit by a car or stolen by someone else. However, if you feed your cat on both sides, this may confuse you, and your cat may try to do their business in one spot even when there’s no litter box available because that’s what they remember doing when there was food there before. So if feeding your cat indoors doesn’t work after a few days, move their food dish closer to the fence until they are eating right on the other side.
Step 5: Provide Your Cat with Other Satisfying Things to Do
Cats need mental stimulation just as much as regular exercise for their physical well-being. They also need entertainment because it’s natural to hunt/capture prey. So if you provide your cat with puzzles, boxes, or toys that are challenging, then you can prevent them from jumping onto your fence or over it by keeping their attention focused on these things instead. This way, when they get bored of what you’ve given them to play with, you can be sure they won’t go looking for another kind of “game” out in the street where there are so many dangerous things present that may harm them.
Step 6: Make It Difficult To Get Out Of The Yard
Adding a cover over an opening will make it difficult for your cat to get out, but not impossible if he tries repeatedly and stays determined. For instance, if you have a covered porch, then your cat may jump from there into the yard only to find that he can’t bounce back onto the porch because there’s no solid railing or wall next to it for him to climb up again. So instead, you can add a kitty condo or cat tree to the porch, so when your cat jumps down from there, he’ll be able to climb back up. This way, you won’t have to worry about him getting out and looking for adventure in the neighborhood.
Another option is locating things you don’t want your cat jumping onto in front of where they jump off from. So if you have a covered deck, for instance, and your cat likes to walk along the second-floor railing and then jump over it onto something on the ground level, then putting a plant or other decorative item there will prevent them from doing this because they will run into it instead. They may even decide not to go outside because their exit route has been blocked by something they can’t pass.
Step 7: Cat Repellent
Adding a motion-activated sprinkler to the yard is an excellent way to keep any cats from entering your property through that particular area. This can be especially effective if your neighbor’s cat comes into your yard and uses it as a litter box because it will scare them off before they’ve had a chance to do their business. Cat deterrent is also available in a noise emitting device that emits a sound only cats can hear. Again, this kind of device is especially effective if you have a neighbor’s cat who uses your yard as their litter box because it will scare them right away, and they won’t come back to do their business anymore.
You can check it out to Do a Sanitary Trim on a Cat
Step 8: Fix Any Issues That May Be Causing Your Cat To Want To Get Out
If your cat is going outside on his own, it may be due to some issue in the house or with you. For instance, there may not be enough litter boxes for him, which he feels he needs to go out of his way to find another one elsewhere. Or maybe there’s no scratching post available which he feels compelled to seek out and destroy some furniture. So make sure your cat doesn’t feel the need to go outside anymore by providing him with everything he needs. These steps will help in how to stop a cat from jumping over the fence.
What Is the Best Way to Stop a Cat From Jumping Over the Fence?
The best way to stop a cat from jumping over the fence is to keep the cat indoors. If the only time you see your cats outdoors is when they are jumping over your wall, it’s easy enough to train them not to do that by not giving them attention whenever they jump or by gently taking hold of their scruff and putting them back inside after they have jumped.
It depends on how persistent your cat is about getting outside. Some cats soon grow bored with looking at the same old scenery all day long, while others never seem to tire of exploring around the neighborhood. It works exceptionally well, as long as you consistently discourage your cats from jumping upon or over the fence.
Conclusion
We hope this article on how to stop a cat from jumping over the fence was helpful. Cats are great pets, but they can be a little hard to take care of. Luckily, there are some simple ways you can stop your cat from jumping over the fence and escaping into the neighborhood. If this sounds like something you need help with, contact us today for more information on how we can help!
