How to Keep Cats From Jumping Fence (And Why They Do It)

As much as we love their sense of adventure, watching your cat scale your yard fence and escape into the unknown isn’t a ton of fun either. So if you’re wondering how to keep cats from jumping fence, here are some practical steps you can take. (And where a cat GPS tracker can be a lifesaver in emergencies.)

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Why is my cat jumping the fence?

Cats are natural explorers, and their instinct to explore can be triggered by:

• Curiosity and adventure
  Some cats just love to explore and see what’s beyond their usual territory. Supervised outdoor time is a great way to help them explore safely with you around to intervene. (And gradually help them venture out by themselves.)
• Hunting instincts
  If they spot birds, insects, or small animals outside the yard, your cat’s prey drive might kick in and lead them to make a jump over the fence.
• Mating behavior
  Intact female cats go into heat once they’re 6 months (and sometimes even earlier!) Meaning they’re more likely to roam in search of a mate. Else, intact male cats might sniff out a female in heat and escape to go find her.
• Boredom
  A cat without much to keep them occupied indoors or in your backyard might seek excitement elsewhere. Make sure yours has plenty of toys, puzzle feeders, and even a few hours of cat TV to keep them entertained.
• Stress or fear
  Loud noises, other animals, or even changes in their environment may drive them to seek a new hiding spot – sometimes too far for safety from your fence.

💡A cat GPS tracker can be a potential lifesaver if your cat has jumped the fence and is nowhere in sight. Just hit “LIVE” from your Tractive app and get to tracking their movements in real-time right away.

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How to keep cats from jumping fence: 6 practical tips

1. Make the fence less climbable

Cats are incredible jumpers, so a short fence won’t do much to stop them. Ideally, your fence should be at least 6 feet tall to make it harder for them to leap over.

We’d also recommend you use smooth materials if you’re still setting things up. If your fence has horizontal beams or rough surfaces, your cat can use them as footholds. Rather, a smooth, vertical surface like metal, plastic, or vinyl can make climbing difficult. Angle the top inward by installing a slanted inward extension at the top of the fence (around 45 degrees.) This makes it harder for your cat to grab onto anything and climb over.

Finally, remove anything that helps your cat to climb. Cats are excellent problem-solvers and will use objects near the fence to gain height before making a jump. Check your yard for:

• Trees or branches hanging over the fence 
  Trim them back to prevent an easy climbing route.
• Patio furniture, garbage bins, or planters placed too close to the fence
  Relocate them to a safer spot so your cat can’t use them as a step up.
• Storage sheds or walls that act as launch points
  If your fence is near another tall structure, install deterrents or barriers to limit access.
• Ladders, stacked wood, or any other objects leaning against the fence
  These can act as stepping stones for your cat. Store them away from the fence line.

2. Install cat-proofing devices

Next on our list of tips for how to keep cats from jumping fence: anti-jump devices. Here are a few that can help.

• Cat fence toppers
  Rolling bars or curved extensions can make it nearly impossible for cats to get a grip and pull themselves over the top of the fence.
• Netting or mesh barriers
  A flexible net at the top of the fence can deter cats from attempting to climb over.
• Deterrents
  Double-sided tape, motion-activated deterrents, or aluminum foil can help if your cat tends to use a specific spot to climb. Similarly, devices like air sprayers or ultrasonic deterrents can startle your cat away from fence-jumping spots. Just make sure to use one that’s approved by your vet.

Read more: 8 Cool Cat Fence Options To Keep Your Buddy Safe Inside

3. Keep your cat occupied

Cats often jump fences out of boredom, so keeping them entertained within your yard can reduce their desire to escape. Set up scratching posts, resting spots, climbing structures, cat trees, and cozy hiding spots in your yard. Interactive toys, tunnels, and food puzzles are also good ideas.

Next, spend time with your cat in your yard and don’t skip out on playtime together. This can help them associate this area with positive experiences and make them less likely to sneak out elsewhere.

Finally, consider building a catio. It’s a secure outdoor enclosure that can give your cat safe outdoor access without the risk of escaping. You can buy or DIY one yourself with some material, including old dog crates. For colder months, a heated outdoor cat house can be a better option.

4. Use a harness when out together

If you’re not comfortable letting your cat roam freely, consider using a cat harness and leash. This allows them to explore safely while staying under your supervision. Start with indoor “practice walks” and give your cat plenty of time to get used to wearing the collar first.

💡 In an emergency, a collar with an ID tag prevents your cat from getting mistaken as a stray. Even better, a microchip can help a vet or animal shelter identify you as the owner. (And isn’t likely to fall off your cat’s collar or get smudged.)

5. Reward your cat when they do stay in the yard

Your cat might just have gotten used to you yelling their name or chasing them (basically, giving them attention) only when they’re perched on the fence or about to escape. Make sure you’re also praising, giving them treats, and patting them plenty when they DO behave. Meaning, staying within the yard without trying to sneak out.

6. Use a cat GPS tracker as an emergency measure

Even with all precautions in place, some cats are determined escape artists. That’s where a GPS tracker can step in. With your trusty Tractive device strapped to your cat’s collar, you can now:

• Track their real-time location
  So you can find them quickly before they have a chance to escape – especially if you live near a busy street.
• Get alerted if your cat tries escaping
  From your Tractive app, you can set up a “safe zone” around your home or backyard. Now if your cat tries sneaking past it, your tracker sends you an escape alert to help you pick up on it earlier.

• Figure out your cat’s territory
  So you can figure out whereabouts you cat is likely to explore and stay within – and if they’ve ventured outside of their regular territory.
• Understand where your cat spends most of their time
  From your cat’s Heat Map & Location History. So in an emergency, like if they’ve gone missing, you now know where to look first.

By securing your yard, keeping your cat busy, and using a GPS tracker for added security, you can greatly reduce the chances of them escaping. Every cat is different, so you may need to experiment with multiple strategies to find what works best for your feline friend.

Track your cat wherever they go

Get real-time location information, wherever they go. Find out when they go somewhere they shouldn’t, with Virtual Fences. And discover their favorite spots with Territory.

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And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.