Advice for Cat Owners 147
● Strategically placed bushes and solid fencing may help to deter other cats from
entering your garden, but completely preventing other cats from getting onto
your land is difficult. Cat-proof fencing can be used, but unless the area is totally
enclosed (Fig. 10.3) fencing will not completely prevent other cats from getting
in and once in the area they will not be able to get out. It is anecdotally reported,
however, that neighbouring cats are much less likely to return if they have
entered the area and then not been able to get out again until released. Fencing
can be erected to keep other cats out, but because this can only be effective by
having an overhang on your neighbour’s side of the fence or having alterations
made to their side of the fence, this can only be achieved with the neighbour’s
permission.
● A major source of stress for resident cats is having neighbouring cats looking
down on them from elevated positions. Preventing or discouraging other cats
Fig. 10.3. If an area is completely enclosed with a roof, this will also prevent other cats
from entering. Photo courtesy of Protectapet (www.protectapet.com).