How High Does a Cat Fence Need To Be?

This post first appeared on ProtectaPet here.

We all know that cats have “nine lives”, but have you ever pondered how far yours can jump? The distance a cat can jump is determined by a variety of factors, including age, weight, agility, and overall health. Furthermore, a smaller kitten may not be able to jump as high as an adult cat, and some kinds of cats with lower statures may not be able to jump as high as others.

Read more about different factors that establish your cat´s jump height on this article by PetKeen.

Because your cat’s springy hind legs, muscular muscles, and long, sinewy tail help cats balance and land on their feet, it’s not a good idea to discourage them from jumping. If you don’t want your cat leaping on the refrigerator or countertops, for example, you can redirect her jumping to more acceptable spots. Meanwhile, because jumping is ingrained in your cat’s DNA, having designated jumping locations might help keep her happy.

HOW HIGH CAN CATS JUMP FROM THE GROUND?

An adult cat’s average height is somewhere between 1 foot or 30 centimetres.

The average healthy adult cat can jump up to six times their height in a single jump (measured from the ground to their shoulders), which is anywhere between 150 cm (4.9 feet) and 180 cm (5.9 feet), but surprisingly some will reach the jump height of 8 feet or 240 centimetres!

However, small, elderly, or sick cats will not be able to jump that high.

Watch this video of cats jumping in action!

CAN A CAT JUMP OVER A 5 FOOT FENCE?

A healthy cat can leap over a fence that is between 6 feet and under. This implies that if you want to keep them safe inside your yard, you’ll need a cat fence barrier. Keep in mind that cats’ paws and claws have been developed to allow them to climb with ease.

For that reason, most of the time cats will not leap over fences; instead, they will seize the top, pull themselves up, and cross. To grab the top edge, all they have to do is jump or climb high enough. Of course, a cat can climb as high as it wants if the fence has gaps, such as chain link or chicken wire.

Therefore, any construction in your backyard should be carefully examined.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT CAT FENCING?

First things first, it is important to create the space that will be suitable for you, other household members, your cat and other pets you might have.

Successful “cat fencing” requires a mix of height and a way to restrict the cat from grabbing the top. A six-foot fence with a “cat-proof” feature is normal, as long as it is not too close to any furniture for cats to jump over. Because cats climb directly up the fence, the most basic element is a horizontal barrier at the top that points inward and is broad enough for them to not grab the far edge. It is ideal if it is soft or malleable so that it does not seem secure, as they will not attempt to climb it.

DIY KITS FOR FIRST-TIME CAT FENCERS

Depending on the height of your pre-existing fence,  ProtectaPet offers DIY kits for fences or walls that are 6 feet or taller, an extra long kit for 5-6 feet boundaries, and an extension kit for fences or walls 3 feet or taller.

Alternatively, where there is no pre-existing boundary, you can take a look at ProtectaPet’s enclosures and catios – to help you find exactly what you were looking for.