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Cats are natural climbers and they will try to scale any obstacle, including chain link fences. Cats have been known to be curious creatures who love exploring their surroundings for a long time.
Chain link fences are an excellent place for them to explore because the sharp edges of the fence don’t hurt or scare them. However, some people advocate for chain link fencing as the best option for cat containment, citing its sturdy construction and the belief that cats find it unpleasant to jump or climb.
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Why Cats Climb Chain Link Fence?
Some people believe that Cats climbing up chain links fences is an indication of anxiety or fear, but the real reason for this behavior likely varies from kitty to kitty and will depend on its individual personality and behavioral history. Here we tried to explain a few reasons why they climb up the fences.
Curiosity
Cats are naturally inquisitive creatures. They like to explore their surroundings, including climbing up to look at things from a better perspective. Not only is the fence easy to climb, but it also gives cats a good view of what’s going on around them.
Hunt The Prey
Many people believe that cats climb chain link fences because they are trying to get a better view of the surroundings. Cats usually hunt by stalking their prey, so climbing up a fence gives them an advantage over the target.
It’s Fun
Cats climb chain link fences because they enjoy the sensation of climbing. Cats have a high level of activity and need to keep their energy levels up. Climbing chain link fences feels like a fun game to them, and they tend to do it more often when there is something new or exciting in their environment.
How Does The Cat Climb Chain Link Fence?
Cats are able to easily scale chain link fences due to their flexible spine and muscular body. Their climbing ability is based on two principles: trajectory and locomotion. Trajectory refers to the cat’s original path as it climbs, while locomotion refers to how quickly the cat moves up or down the fence.
Cats are able to climb chain-link fences by using their powerful hind legs and flexible spine. They use their front claws to grip the fence and then push themselves up with their back legs until they reach the top. Once they’re at the top, they can pull themselves over either horizontally or vertically.
Cats usually climb chain link fences quickly because the metal is too thin for the cat to latch onto. When a cat jumps onto the fence, its claws catch on the links and it pulls itself up. If a cat were to latch onto the links, its claws would get stuck and it would be unable to get over the fence.
Tips To Keep Cat From Climbing Chain Link Fence
Keeping your cat from climbing up a chain-link fence can be done in a variety of ways
Install a security system:
A security system will help keep your cat out of reach and may also discourage other animals from trying to cross the fence. There are different types of security systems available, so consult with a reputable dealer or manufacturer to find the best solution for your needs.
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Provide plenty of outdoor toys:
If provisioning your yard with plenty of outdoor toys is not enough to keep your cat occupied, try using a fence-mounted cat tower.
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Keep the fence away from gates and windows:
If your cat is able to make it past the fence, it will likely try to get inside. Keep the fence at least 2 feet away from gates and windows to prevent this from happening.
Close up any openings in the fence:
If a cat does manage to get through the fence, close up any openings using weatherproofing or a netting system.
DIY Cat-Proof Chain Link Fence
A DIY cat-proof chain link fence can be made from many different materials, but in most cases, it is made from chain link fence sections and heavy-duty hardware. There are a few things that you will need in order to make a DIY cat-proof chain link fence: a saw, a hammer, a screwdriver, a wire brush, and a drill.
The first step is to measure the desired area and then cut the chain-link fence sections to the desired length. The chain-link fence sections should be cut at a slight angle so that they can be bent into a curved shape.
The next step is to attach the chain link fence sections to the heavy-duty hardware. The chain-link fence sections should be attached at a 90-degree angle to the heavy-duty hardware so that they form a “U”-shape.
The last step is to add a decorative element to the DIY cat-proof chain link fence. This can be done in a number of ways, but one popular way is to add wire mesh to the top of the U-shape.
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Conclusion
Cats can easily climb chain link fences if they are motivated enough. Old, unfit cats may struggle to get up the fence, while young and fit cats will usually manage quite easily. Older mesh-type fencing is more difficult for a cat to scale than newer wire or flexible plastic fences because the spacing between bars is greater.
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