How to Keep Your Cat Safe Outdoors with Netting in Melbourne

While netting is typically used to keep away harmful pests including birds and other wild animals, when used properly it can be just as effective at keeping animals in (like your cat!).

In today's article we're going to discuss the use of outdoor netting to help keep your pet safe. You may see this netting referred to elsewhere as outdoor cat netting, cat safety netting, cat enclosure netting, or even in some places as a catio.

We'll discuss your options for installation as well as the pros and cons of each. We'll also mention some creative solutions for families that don't have access to a backyard to install their own pet enclosure.

As a quick disclaimer, while DIY installation is doable, we do recommend you seek professional help for the safety of your pet as well as your home.

What is Outdoor Cat Netting and Why Would I Want to Install it in Melbourne?

Outdoor cat netting is netting specially treated to stand up to Melbourne's abusive climate. Strong, durable, and UV resistant, outdoor cat netting, when properly installed, is designed to keep your pet protected for years to come.

If you're new to owning a cat or you have always kept your cat indoors, you may wonder why an outdoor cat enclosure or outdoor cat netting is even a thing. While cats do commonly live indoors and do just fine in an indoor environment, as descendants of predatory species, animal experts actually recommend cats get regular outdoor time.

This outdoor time not only allows them to enjoy the sun and fresh air (which does wonders for their mood and overall health), it also allows them the opportunity to engage in play and predatory behavior in a more natural environment. This helps keep them mentally occupied, reducing stress and boosting overall cognitive health which helps your cat live a longer, healthier life.

According to Orchard Road Animal Hospital, without exposure to the outdoors your cat may suffer from depression, obesity, and other health issues. But according to the RSPCA of NSW, letting your cat roam free with wild and diseased animals, in an environment with cars and other hazards can be dangerous. That makes it hard to let them out on their own.

While the outdoors is great for cats, Melbourne is home to some dangerous and disease carrying wild animals. By installing a protective enclosure for your cat, you keep them safe from harmful pests and predators that call Melbourne home.

What Options Do I Have for Cat Enclosure Netting in Melbourne?

In Melbourne there are many options depending on how much space you have and wish to allocate to your pet. These include dedicated space options which create an enclosure specifically for your cat, and hybrid space options which turn your backyard or balcony into a space for your cat that is still usable for you and your family.

Dedicated Space Options

If you have a backyard available you can dedicate a section for use specifically as a cat enclosure. Inside this area you can include toys, climbing elements, and other things specifically for your cat. A dedicated space like this is nice for a cat enclosure because it keeps your cat safe from any hazards that might already be in your backyard like children's toys, yard equipment, or lawncare chemicals.

If you live in an apartment building and do not have a backyard available, you can create a dedicated space on a balcony, or if no balconies are available, you can create a dedicated window enclosure space for your cat to get fresh air and sunlight while enjoying the sights and sounds of the outdoors. While they may not be able to run and play, this kind of enclosure will still give them a mood boost and help keep them healthy.

Hybrid Space Options

Hybrid space options allow you a bit more customisation as well as more space for your cat to run and play.

If you have a backyard available you can dedicate your entire backyard or a large space directly attached to your door for a hybrid cat enclosure. This makes it easier to let your cat in and out of the house to enjoy their outdoor enclosure as much as they desire. However, depending on your desired use of the space, this could create a need to install a door which means you will need to be mindful of using this door while your cat is enjoying their outdoor safe space.

If you live in an apartment building or other style of home and you only have a balcony available, you can also have your balcony converted into an outdoor cat enclosure. This allows your cat to enjoy fresh air, sunlight, and more space. At the same time a larger space like a balcony makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend.

Professional vs. DIY Installation

With so many products available online you may be tempted to purchase a kit and install it on your own, and while it is easy to install many of the kits you can find online, an improperly installed enclosure can quickly become dangerous for your pet.

That's why we recommend you seek professional help before installing any sort of cat netting or cat enclosure. Professional installers will ensure all anchor points are secure and there are no gaps for your cat to get out or other animals to get in.

If you're considering installing your own cat netting or cat enclosure, give Melbourne Bird Solutions a call. We specialise in all kinds of netting including bird netting, safety netting, and cat netting. We can come out and give you a free quote at a fair price that makes sense for your budget so you and your pet can have peace of mind.

What to Expect: Cat Netting Installation Cost in Melbourne

The cost of cat netting installation in Melbourne varies based on several factors including the amount and type of netting used, the size of the enclosure, and any other special considerations.

Because all netting solutions need to be tailored to your specific situation, it's hard to offer a price without professionally inspecting the area you intend to install your outdoor cat enclosure and drafting proper installation plans.

If you're considering investing in an outdoor safety enclosure for your cat, contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.

For more than 5 years, Melbourne Bird Solutions has been Melbourne's outdoor netting experts of choice. Our customers choose us because all of our work is compliant with local regulations, we offer completely transparent pricing (no surprise fees, what you are quoted is what you pay), and we ensure minimal disruption to your home.

Ready to create a safe space outdoors for your cat? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and we'll take care of the rest.

FAQs

What is outdoor cat netting and why is it popular in Melbourne?

Outdoor cat netting in Melbourne is a strong and durable mesh netting designed to create a safe enclosure for your cat. It allows cats access to fresh air and nature, while allowing them to exercise without risk of escaping or being harmed by wildlife.

How does cat safety netting help keep my cat secure?

Cat safety netting in Melbourne helps keep your cat inside your property boundaries, keeps them from falling from high places (or getting stuck), and it keeps them out of traffic and other dangerous areas.

Can cat enclosure netting be installed in different property types?

Yes. Depending on your property type cat enclosure netting in Melbourne can be custom fit to houses, courtyards, backyards, and apartment balconies. We create a custom plan for each space.

Is cat proof balcony netting durable in Melbourne weather?

Yes. We only use the highest quality of weather and UV resistant cat proof balcony netting in Melbourne. This ensures the netting stands up to Melbourne's crazy weather and with proper installation it can resist wear from sun, wind, and rain for years to come.