How to Keep Cats From Jumping the Fence? 5 Vet Tips

I know cats are very tough to handle and hard to discover their own world. While their adventurous air is what makes them so adorable, they can also be difficult to keep safely contained in your yard.

The view of their kitten balletically ascending a fence is a sight to behold, particularly for those who will spend the remainder groaning.

After all, fences are meant to set boundaries. Even if to a cat, they are yet another problem to be leapt over. 

If you do not create a safe space for your cat outside, then your pet is at serious risk for harm and can get into trouble all by failing to leave the house.

In this guide, we will go over how to keep cats from jumping the fence and give you some practical solutions to keep your cat safe and stuck in your yard.

Learn why Cats Jump Fences

Cats don’t jump fences out of nowhere to mess with their humans. it’s usually driven by something. 

Cats are natural explorers. They have instincts that tell them to explore what’s out there in the world around them that isn’t their immediate environment.

To them it’s not a barrier, they simply see a fence as an invitation to find out what is on the other side. Cats are territorial animals, and their territory is not even limited to your yard.

In order to patrol their domain (or in pursuit of a bird or small rodent that they see as a potential prey item), they may jump fences. 

Bored cats are mischievous cats. If your feline is not stimulated enough, they may jump fences in order to find entertainment or get excitement from somewhere else. 

Evaluating Your Cat’s Behavior

If your cat is the one jumping, the first step is understanding your cat’s motivation. 

Note the times and places in which your cat jumps fences. Does this happen at specific times of day or in certain parts of the yard? 

Check also external causes that might be inspiring your cat to escape, such as next door cats, wild animals, or exaggerated sounds.

Occasionally some cats will jump over the fence, but others do it all the time. Knowing the frequency of the behaviour will help you know what to do. 

A Safe Space for Your Outdoor Cat

Something as simple as having a well designed outdoor space will dissuade your cat from jumping fences. 

We will also see ideas on how to design a stimulating environment using the criteria listed above. 

Giving your cat plenty of toys, climbing structures, and hiding places will keep them entertained within the yard. 

Because cats love climbing and because climbing a fence is not a solution, if you can, provide tall options such as cat trees and shelves. 

Create a safe haven for your cat by making sure your yard has little potential for danger in the way of toxic plants or sharp objects lying around. 

Deterrents for Fences That Might Be Jumped

In some instances, a fence itself may be the easiest way to circumvent a fence, and the best method of fence jumping may be to simply make the fence less desirable. 

Special attachments that make it hard for cats to cling to the top of the fence are created. 

A 45-degree overhang on the top of your fence will almost make your fence impossible to climb over for cats.  

Cylindrical devices that roll whenever a cat makes an attempt at climbing them make it impossible for a cat to maintain a grip. 

Behavioural Customer Training

Behavioural refers to ascent training, ascent support training, and behavioural techniques, as the RadioNet project aims to do. 

One good long term solution is training your cat to stay in the yard. For staying within the boundaries, positive reinforcement. 

Give your cat a treat or some affection when they stay inside the yard as a reward for good behaviour. 

Use deterrents, such as motion activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices, to make your cat not approach the fence. 

Cats hate some smells, so if you mix in some citrus or vinegar spray near the fence, they will learn to stay away from the fence. 

Also read: Why Do Cats Sleep by Your Feet? Vet 5 Surprising Truth

Role of the Outdoors

The great thing about this is that it can reduce your cat’s urge to escape when she’s outside to play. 

This way you can spend time outdoors with your cat and be able to observe their behaviour and intervene in case your cat tries to jump the fence. 

If you teach your cat to walk on a leash, you give them the freedom to go outside without being in danger. According to research performed at the University of Leeds, it takes our brains:

Give your cat supervised outdoor time, it can help your cat to feel happy with the boundaries of your yard over time. 

Also read: Why Do Cats Lick Their Paws? 5 Vet-Approved Explanations

Alternatives for cats with a more active way of life

If your cat is one that is particularly active or determined, other solutions may be necessary. 

There are a couple of ways you can go about it when it comes to building a catio or enclosed outdoor space for your cat. 

A catio is an outdoor structure fully enclosed for your cat that lets them enjoy fresh air, and sunshine, but without having the risk of escape. 

If you lack outdoor space, indoor climbing structures, tunnels and interactive toys can give your cat the stimulation it needs, without ever having to leave the inside of the home. 

There are some things like Interactive Toys and Puzzles that are currently being selected (invested in) when considering my Elder Daughter’s baby shower wishlist. 

Keeping your cat mentally and physically active with puzzle feeders and automated toys can pay off by keeping your cat less inclined to escape. 

Also read: Why Do Cats Attack Their Owners? 10 Vet-Approved Ways

Preventing Fence Jumping in Multicat Households

For more than just one cat, the interactions of cats with one another can influence fence jumping. 

Make sure all cats in the house feel comfortable, and know they have space of their own to keep out of each other’s way and leaving attempts due to this competition are rarer. 

Space several food bowls, litter boxes, and sleeping areas so resource problems do not occur.

Cat behaviour can encourage other cats to behave like them, so tackling the behaviour of the dominant cats will help keep the whole group safe. 

Also read: Will Cats Kill Rats? 5 Vet Tips on Feline Hunting Skills

Regular Exercise and Enrichment are Important

A great way to keep your cat active and not bored is a great way to stop unwanted behaviours. 

Play sessions, if only once or twice daily are interactive activities that will allow them to burn off excess energy that would otherwise be spent on fence jumping. 

Feather wands, laser pointers and other toys can satisfy your cat’s need for hunting without taking your arm off. 

A daily routine should you establish it, will help your cat feel secure and less interested in finding adventure in other places. 

Also read: Why Won’t My Cat Drink Water? 7 Hidden Health Issues

When Should You Get Professional Help?

In the case that it does not come to an end, sometimes fence-jumping behaviour might need to involve an expert. 

If you cannot figure out which, or if there is any underlying issue, like an anxiety, or a medical condition, that’s causing your cat’s peculiar behaviours, then a professional can help with that. 

If your cat has been doing a lot of excessive fence jumping, that could be a sign that your cat is stressed or anxious, and it should be taken care of ASAP. 

Tailor the solutions to your ‘own’ cat. Ultimately, each cat is unique and so may require a specific approach to their behaviour. 

wrap up on How to Keep Cats From Jumping the Fence

To keep your cat from jumping over it, you’ll need to combine knowledge, imagination, and endurance.

You can provide your cat with a safe, stimulating environment where we address the root causes of their behaviour and create ways to meet their natural instincts without compromising your cat’s security.

Just remember, you’re trying to find a balance between the freedom you want to give to your feline friend and their safety.

There are certain strategies it’s best to take that will protect your cat and allow you to build a relationship based on trust and care, all while fostering a relationship where your cat will happily thrive.

Also read: Why Is My Cat Ignoring Me? 7 Hidden Reasons Explained by Vet

FAQ: How to Keep Cats From Jumping the Fence