Dear Most Esteemed and Knowledgeable Kitties:
Are invisible fences safe for cats? I let my cat out on a harness and leash but she gets tangled in it and can "escape" from it.

Thanks,
~Pam

Siouxsie: We don't know if invisible fences are safe for cats, Pam, but we'd recommend against using one for a cat. For one thing, you're not likely to find a cat who will enjoy the relatively large (in proportion to the size of a cat) "zap box" that is attached to the collar in order to make the invisible fence work.

Thomas: Secondly, the odds of an invisible fence effectively keeping a cat within your yard are slim to nonexistent. Your cat will go where she wants to go, electric shock or no. In a worst-case scenario, the invisible fence might actually keep her from returning home after she crosses it going out! Also, unlike dogs, your cat is able to climb trees in order to get herself out of the zap range of the invisible fence.

Dahlia: Finally, the only truly safe collars for cats are designed to "break away" if the animal gets tangled up in something. If your cat gets hung up in a branch, the collar will open and it and the zap box will be left on the ground, thereby rendering your invisible fence useless. If you want to let your cat go outdoors but you still want to keep her within a certain area, there are other, more effective options.

Siouxsie: There are several companies that make outdoor cat enclosures. These come in a variety of materials from mesh and lightweight poles to traditional wood and chicken wire. If you look in the back of Cat Fancy magazine, for example, you'll see a number of ads (complete with illustrations) for a few of these cat enclosure kits.

Thomas: If you're on a limited budget and you (or a friend) is handy with tools, you can build your own outdoor cat enclosure for much less than you'd pay to order one of these kits. The illustrations in the magazine will show you the general idea of how to construct such an enclosure.

Dahlia: You'll want the enclosure to have several levels so your cat can enjoy climbing and basking in the sun. You'll also want a shaded area so that if it gets too hot, your cat can rest in a place that's a bit cooler.

Siouxsie: Another option we've seen advertised in the back of Cat Fancy is a product called Cat Fence-In. This device attaches to the top of existing wood, masonry, wire or chain link fences and keeps cats from being able to climb over and escape. It also keeps other cats out. It comes with tree guards to keep your cat from being able to climb to freedom.

Thomas: You would, of course, need to have a fence in order to use this product. If you live in a suburban area, you might enjoy having a little fenced-in courtyard where you can enjoy being outdoors and having some privacy.

Dahlia: Even out in the country, a fenced-in yard can be a nice addition. You can keep flowers and they'll be safe from deer and other animals that might nibble on them. It'll keep skunks away from your home. And once again, the privacy factor is a bonus.

Siouxsie: If you do a web search for "outdoor cat enclosures" or a similar term, you'll come up with a large variety of options.

Thomas: We recommend that before you invest in a particular product, you do your research. Ask the sales rep for referrals from people who have purchased the enclosure, or do online research for consumer reviews of the products.

Dahlia: Outdoor cat enclosures can be quite expensive. But again, some online research will probably reveal "how to" guides for building your own outdoor cat enclosure.

Siouxsie: Your cat will thank you for giving her a space where she can wander around outdoors at her leisure and be safe at the same time.

Thomas: If you let your cat out, don't forget to use flea and tick preventives. Nobody enjoys an infestation of fleas!

Dahlia: Also, if you keep your cat in your yard, please don't use chemical fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn or garden. These products can poison your cat as well as the bugs and weeds you're trying to control. And there are plenty of ways you can keep aphids off your flowers without using poisonous pesticides.

Siouxsie: We hope this helps, Pam. Please let us know which option you decide to use and how it works out for you. Your feedback will help other readers with similar questions.

Got a question? Need some advice? E-mail us at advice@paws-and-effect.com. None of the material in this column is meant to be a substitute for regular veterinary care.