Cat Proofing the garden

The garden involved was a standard detached back garden, taking into account one side return to the back door it covered approximately 17 6ftx6ft  panels.  I knew I wasn't happy for the boys to be roaming the streets, even though we lived at the end of a Cul de Sac there were too many cars around, free access to a canal and lock where our original cat had cut open a 6 inch gash in his stomach, and it had a public footpath straight down the side of the house.

Angled metal brakets and soft small square netting

We had kept our three cats in intending to keep them as house cats however on reading a forum where cat proofing was mentioned and visiting a show where cat proofing of different types were on display I realised it was an option. One system was exceptionally neat and preferred however when we got a quote it was an exorbitant price, £3,400 for supplying, fixing and fitting. How do they get any customers?? I then got a quote from a company that fitted brackets and netting around the top of the fence and this brought the price of cat freedom to within reason, especially as I felt it was a good use of some of my mother's estate, she would have appreciated it. At £680 and one days fitting we accepted the quote. All we had to do was send photos and from this he was able to tell us if any work needed to be done before he came, and oh yes it did. We set about cutting excess ivy down from the top of the panels and generally pruned down to around two foot below the top of the trellis and panel.

Side gate with Protectapuss protection.

The gentleman from 'Protectapuss' came promptly and carried on working consistently throughout the day. It was interesting to note that he had been a High School teacher but when this sideline took off he decided to continue with this line of work. I can only describe him as a 'gentle man'. At the end of the day we perused the whole garden for weak areas and found none, he kindly left a bit of everything for running repairs if they were needed. The cat proofing extends over a shed as well as a side gate, which has  a neat method of entry.

That evening the cats went out for the first time without us observing them and guarding weak areas. Harvey, as was typical of him, tested the proofing quite a few times. I could see the netting vibrate from inside the house when he had an escape bid. The next day he tried a few less times and since then has only tried the netting occasionally. We've had the proofing in since early April and we can state it has been a complete success and in fact it has all the benefits in that it is not overly obtrusive at all, we don't get any territorial issues from neighbours cats as they can't get in,  nor do we get their 'gifts', and the cats feel very secure in their terratory.