Catio Fencing: How to Pick the Right Fencing for your Catio

Barrington, Illinois

Catio Fencing

Catio fencing is one of the most important elements when constructing a Catio. Cats, being the curious climbers they are often find ways to jump, climb or leap out of spaces.

Catios, made to be a place of comfort and security for cats, thus must be equipped with the best fencing. Choosing the right fencing ensures the safety and well-being of the cats while also protecting them from outside concerns such as predators, bugs, or thieves.

At Cat Topia, we offer four kinds of fencing: a black vinyl mesh wire pet fencing, a pet screen, or galvanized steel fencing, and a critter fence.

In this article, we will cover each fencing looking at its durability, style, cost, longevity, resistance to critters and insects, and the overall comfort for the cats.

Catio Fence 1: Black Vinyl Mesh Wire Pet Fencing

Is it durable?

Durability

Is it stylish?

Style

Is it expensive?

Cost

Will it last?

Longevity

Is it resistant to critters?

Resistance to Critters

Is it resistant to insects?

Resistance to Insects

Is it adapted to a Cat?

Overall Comfort

Durability: Black vinyl mesh wire fencing is highly durable because it is coated with vinyl which helps protect it from rust, corrosion, scratches and any other damage that could be made from cats. It will ensure keeping your cats safe inside their Catio from outside elements.
Style: Not as industrial looking as Galvanized steel fencing, but still has an artisanal look.
Cost: This is one of the more affordable fencing options Cat Topia offers.
Longevity: With proper care, this fencing can last 10+ years.
Resistance to Insects and Critters: The fencing itself is resistant to larger animals such as reptiles, and birds, but with its large meshed design insects can get in and out easily.
Overall Comfort for Cats: This fencing is known to be a high quality fencing used by animal lovers to help keep them safe inside their enclosure. Overall, cats will be untroubled and comfortable inside a Catio built with this fencing.

Catio Fence 2: Cat Resistant Pet Screen

Is it durable?

Durability

Is it stylish?

Style

Is it expensive?

Cost

Will it last?

Longevity

Is it resistant to critters?

Resistance to Critters

Is it resistant to insects?

Resistance to Insects

Is it adapted to a Cat?

Overall Comfort

Durability: Pet screens known to stand up to the wear and tear of climbing cats. They are constructed from a solid polyester material that will stand up to cats’ scratching.
Style: If you do not like the artisanal look of traditional wired fencing, but prefer a sleek finish, a pet screen could be for you. The mesh is much denser compared to other fencing, but still allows visibility for the cats to see outside of the Catio.
Cost: More expensive than Black Vinyl Mesh Wire and Galvanized Steel fencing but has many added beneftis such as its resistance to insects and cat scratching.
Longevity: Considering normal wear and tear, this should last 8 to 10 years.
Resistance to Critters and Insects: Resistant to bugs, insects, reptiles, and rodents. This is great news for the kitties! If you live in an area with coyotes or other large predators we would recommend pairing this pet screen with another fencing option.
Overall Comfort for Cats: This fencing is rated very high in this category because not only is it built to keep insects and bugs out, but also has UV protection. It is made from strong vinyl polyester making it more resistant to tears from claws or climbing. This product is designed with animals in mind so we know the kitties will be happy and comfortable with this choice.

Catio Fence 3: Galvanized Steel Fencing

Is it durable?

Durability

Is it stylish?

Style

Is it expensive?

Cost

Will it last?

Longevity

Is it resistant to critters?

Resistance to Critters

Is it resistant to insects?

Insects

Overall Comfort for Cats

Overall Comfort

Durability: Steel is known to be one of the most durable materials for fencing. It is resistant to corrosion and mold which makes it a great fencing choice for a Catio.
Style: This fence is your typical chain link fence. It has an industrial look to it, but no bells and whistles.
Cost: This fencing is a very affordable choice for a Catio. It is less expensive than the pet screen or the black vinyl mesh wire fencing.
Longevity: Steel, being a compound metal, can resist to elements for many years and will stand the test of time! This fencing could more than 10 years.
Resistance to Insects and Critters: This fencing is great for keeping other critters out of the Catio such as predators for cats (coyotes, foxes, racoons). However, galvanized steel fencing will not keep insects or bugs out of the Catio.
Overall Comfort for Cats: Cats will feel at home in a Catio that has galvanized steel fencing. They can see outside very easily, feel the elements and have a true sense of being in the nature. However, it is important to note that this fencing is not built with a cat in mind like the pet fencing or pet screen.

Catio Fence 4: Black Steel Critter Fence

Is it durable?

Durability

Is it stylish?

Style

Is it expensive?

Cost

Will it last?

Longevity

Is it resistant to critters?

Resistance to Critters

Is it resistant to insects?

Resistance to Insects

Is it adapted to a Cat?

Overall Comfort

Durability: Built from a very strong plastic that is non-toxic to all animals, this fencing is very durable (corrosion-proof) flexible and strong.
Style: This fencing is black with smaller grids. It is simple and sleek looking.
Cost: A bit more expensive, but it keeps all critters out of the Catio.
Longevity: With proper care, this fencing can last 30+ years.
Resistance to Insects and Critters: With its smaller mesh designs and strong material, this fencing ensures that critters such as deer, birds, and rodents will stay out of the Catio!
Overall Comfort for Cats: Like the Cat resistant pet screen, we give this a high rating in the comfort category because it ensures the safety of the cat from all predators and outdoor critters.