How To Install Cat Netting To Keep Your Fur Kid Safe

Does your kitty have a propensity to escape the house or yard and get up to all sorts of mischief? Mischief that could put their lives at risk? You may not want to make yours an indoor cat just yet, but need a way to contain them for their own safety. Here’s where cat safe netting in NZ comes in!

Think of your cat as a giant bird and cat netting as the barrier that contains them. With netting, they can still go outside and see the sights and sounds around them, but they can’t escape and hurt themselves. Here’s what else you need to know …

What’s cat netting?

Cat netting is strong, lightweight netting that’s used to keep cats safe. It can be put up to enclose a balcony, patio, or other outdoor space so that they can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine without the risk of escaping, falling or getting injured. Cat netting in NZ is also often used to create catios – outdoor enclosures that provide cats with a safe and stimulating place to play.

Cat safe netting is made from a variety of materials and is typically black or green to blend in with the surroundings. You can generally get it by the metre and it’s easy to install around a wall, railing, post, or tree.

If you’re looking for a way to keep your cat from escaping, getting lost, or hurting themselves, cat netting is the purr-fect solution. It’s also a good way to protect them from dogs, other cats or getting hit by a car.

Speaking of, ever wondered why do dogs chase cats? We tell you why and what you can do about it.

Why cat netting in NZ?

Keeping your cat safely contained has several benefits – for you, your cat, and New Zealand’s wildlife:

• Cats can get into a lot of trouble outdoors, such as getting hit by cars, attacked by dogs or other cats, or getting lost. Netting keeps them from getting out and befalling those dangers.
• Cat netting is vital if you live in a high-rise building where you cat could fall. They say cats have nine lives and they do have the miraculous ability to land on their feet most of the time, but falling from a high place can still seriously injure them. By the way, here’s how to know if your cat’s leg is broken.
• Your kitty cat may be cute and fluffy, but they’re also natural predators. Cats can have a devastating impact on Kiwi wildlife populations. Netting prevents them from hunting and killing birds and native animals. (PS – Be sure to check out the NZ cat bylaws in your area, too).
• If you have other animals in your yard, such as dogs, netting can protect your cat from them. This is especially important if your cat is small or timid.
• Cats love to dig and scratch, and they can wreak havoc on your plants if they’re not contained. Netting can help keep them out of your plants and prevent them from being damaged. There are also many poisonous plants for dogs and cats that netting will protect them from.
• Cats are curious creatures, and they love to explore. If your garbage bin isn’t properly secured, your cat could get into it and eat something that could make them sick, such as one of these things that can poison your pet.

Do it yourself cat netting in NZ – How?

Here are the steps on how to put up cat netting:

1. Measure the area you need to cover. Make sure to add a few centimetres of extra netting all around so you have enough to work with.
2. Erect stakes or poles if necessary. This is what you’ll secure the netting to.
3. Cut the netting to size. Use a sharp pair of scissors or a utility knife.
4. Attach the netting. You can use wire, zip ties, or even magnets to attach the netting to the area you wish to enclose. Just be sure it’s secure so your cat can’t escape.
5. Check the netting for any gaps. Cats are small and agile, so they can squeeze through even the smallest of gaps! Make sure the netting is fastened properly and there are no holes or tears.
6. Let your cat explore! Once you’re sure the netting is secure, let your fur kid out to enjoy their new safe space. Just be sure to supervise them at first, until they get used to the netting.

What’s the best material to use?

The best material for cat netting in NZ is polyethylene. It’s a durable material that’s resistant to tearing and punctures. It’s also weather-resistant, so it can withstand the elements. Polyethylene netting is also relatively inexpensive, making it good value for money.

Here are some other materials that are suitable:

• Vinyl: Vinyl netting is durable and weather-resistant. It’s not as strong as polyethylene, but it’s unlikely to tear if your cat scratches it.
• Metal: Metal netting is the strongest and most durable option. However, it’s also the most expensive.
• Fiberglass: This is a good compromise between durability and cost. It’s stronger than vinyl netting, but not as strong as metal netting.

Can cats climb netting in NZ?

Yes! Cats can climb netting. They’re very good at climbing in general and will try to scale just about anything, including netting. Speaking of, if you’ve ever wondered why do cats land on their feet, we’ve got the answers.

This is why it’s so important to make sure your cat safe netting is tightly secured right to the top so that there are no open spots they could climb out of.

Here are some tips for keeping your cat from escaping their netting:

• Secure the netting to the ground so that your cat cannot dig under it.
• Make sure the netting is tall enough so that they can’t jump over it.
• Check it regularly for any holes or tears.
• Supervise your cat when they’re outside so that you can intervene if they start to climb the netting.

Can someone install it for me?

Not keen on the DIY route? There are numerous companies in New Zealand that can come install cat netting for you. Here are some options:

Catnets NZ: A national company that specialises in the sale, installation and repair of cat netting in NZ.
Catfence NZ: They offer cat containment systems including cat fences, cat runs, and cat netting.

If you’d like to find out more ways to keep your cat’s movements curbed, check out our piece on how to stop a wandering dog or cat.

Speaking of prowling cats, here are some more resource your should check out:

• Tips to Find Your Lost Pet on a Holiday Road trip
• Tips and Tricks to Stop Your Cat Catching Birds
• What to Do If You Find an Injured Animal

Give your cat a soft landing

As much as we can do to protect our cats, accidents and illnesses still happen. Despite the high volume of cats in NZ, our research tells us that around 3 out of 4 Kiwi pet parents don’t have pet insurance.

If this is you, think twice. If your cat gets hurt or falls ill, with pet insurance you don’t have to make the difficult decision about whether you can afford to pay for their treatment.

PD Insurance is an award-winning brand that offers value rich, month-to-month cover for cats and dogs. Click below for an affordable quote today.