What to do?

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MaisyMay
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Joined: Sat Mar 23, 2019 7:11 pm

What to do?

Post by MaisyMay »

We have recently moved to a house with plenty of land however next to a wide straight country road which people fly down. We have lost 2 cats to getting hit within the last year. I can't keep losing cats to cars however im not sure what options I have.

Firstly, I dont feel I can have an indoor cat, my family feel its cruel (i know many happy indoor cats however, i believe its the owners decision - they know what their cat wants, so im not hating on it i just feel its not for our family) and I just dont think theyd get enough simulation around the house or we wouldnt provide them with enough!

I know people suggest keeping them in at night however both cats were hit during daylight so i dont think that will help either. I've thought about rescuing perhaps an older cat or a lazy cat thats not too interested in going too far outside but i know it only takes one trip down there to get hit and im fearful of it happening again. Anyone have any advice or ideas?
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Lilith
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Joined: Sat Dec 20, 2014 8:00 pm
No. of cats in household: 1
Location: West Yorks

Re: What to do?

Post by Lilith »

Hi and welcome :)

I'd personally recommend a secure area, or, if you're flush, secure the whole garden. I lined my fence with mesh and just bent it over; anyone zooming up the fence comes up against a barrier. Obvious 'ladders' such as climbing shrubs had to go, and any visiting cats have to be helped out or provided with a proper ladder so as to prevent them being trapped (but luckily - paws crossed - I don't have many visitors.)

This has worked really well. Losing a sick/elderly cat at the end of its life is heartbreaking enough without losing them to the road :(

To give you an idea of what I did, here is an advert (admin please remove if inappropriate) - I swear I've no connection with this firm, not even as a customer, but the photos are nice and clear, showing the 'lip' over the fence and also separate enclosures -

https://protectapet.com

Good luck and pray heaven no more deaths.
MaisyMay
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Joined: Sat Mar 23, 2019 7:11 pm

Re: What to do?

Post by MaisyMay »

Thanks for the reply! I definitely think a secure area could be an option, however the house is surrounded by the garden (its like an old cottage farm style) and the fencing isnt exactly fencing! Its more of just an indication of where the boundary is (like a plank of wood running across with gaps under and over!). So id maybe have to consider fencing off a certain area but itd be away from the house so not quite sure if id be able to make that work!

Im glad you found a way to keep yours safe & i hope they're well! Within a year ive gone from 5 cats to 1 (two elderly due to illness/age, two to road)
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mr_frisky
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No. of cats in household: 3
Location: Surrey

Re: What to do?

Post by mr_frisky »

Have a look at this thread maybe. Lots of us have cat-proofed to a certain extent.

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=577&p=3906#p3906
Wirralonian
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Joined: Thu Dec 24, 2015 3:23 pm

Re: What to do?

Post by Wirralonian »

Hi
I'm not sure if the other responses have already provided a solution for you but I just thought I'd ask if you've given any thought to cat runs, which can be as big or small/expensive/inexpensive as you want and can also be customised to your needs and which mean your cat can still be outside but is totally safe. I've posted a couple of links below (hope that's ok and they won't be removed, I'm not affiliated with any of the sellers/companies) but there are lots of different sites sell and make cat runs. Really hope you resolve your problem as I'm very lucky that my cat won't even contemplate going outside but if she did I'd be constantly worried so I totally understand how you feel, good luck! :)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Catio-Cat-Ru ... 35902?var=

https://www.weld-mesh.com/blog/category/cat-run

https://www.omlet.co.uk/shop/cat_produc ... xtensions/

https://www.manomano.co.uk/hen-house-25 ... t0QAvD_BwE
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