Building a Safe Outdoor Zone for a Cat Family: Step-by-Step Guide

Multi-cat households across Australia face unique challenges when it comes to outdoor access. Whether you've adopted a bonded pair, run a foster home, or simply have a growing feline family, creating a safe outdoor zone where all your cats can enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and natural enrichment requires careful planning. This step-by-step guide will walk you through building the perfect cat-safe garden for Australian families with multiple feline companions.

Why Multi-Cat Households Need Secure Outdoor Spaces

Cats are territorial by nature, and in multi-cat households, access to outdoor territory can significantly reduce stress and inter-cat conflict. A safely enclosed garden provides:

• Individual territory – Each cat can establish their own preferred spots
• Escape routes – Subordinate cats can retreat from dominant housemates
• Environmental enrichment – Natural stimulation reduces behavioural problems
• Exercise opportunities – Essential for preventing obesity in indoor/outdoor cats
• Reduced veterinary costs – Contained cats avoid fights, accidents, and disease exposure

Australian cat behaviourists consistently recommend secure outdoor access as one of the best ways to improve quality of life for multi-cat households.

Step 1: Assess Your Property

Measuring Your Fence Line

Before purchasing any cat-proofing system, you'll need accurate measurements of your fence perimeter. The Oscillot measuring guide recommends:

1. Use a measuring wheel or long tape measure
2. Measure each straight section of fence individually
3. Note gate locations and widths separately
4. Account for corners and angles
5. Add 10% extra for cutting and adjustments

Alternatively, the online Cat Fence Calculator can help estimate your requirements based on property dimensions.

Evaluating Fence Height

Oscillot is designed for fences at least 1.8 metres (6 feet) in height. This is because cats can typically jump up to 1.8 metres without assistance. If your fence is lower, you may need to:

• Add fence extensions
• Install trellis with the Oscillot system
• Consider professional fence replacement

Step 2: Choose Your Fence Type Configuration

Oscillot is compatible with most Australian fence types:

Metal/Colorbond Fences

The ideal substrate for Oscillot installation. Stratco Good Neighbour fencing is particularly well-suited due to its clean lines and absence of internal posts and rails. The system screws directly into the fence top with no additional brackets required.

Timber Fences

Paling, lap & cap, and horizontal slat timber fences are all compatible. Timber installations require the included stainless steel brackets. Note: if your timber fence has posts and rails on the inside (the cat's side), you may need additional cat-proofing with polycarbonate sheeting to prevent climbing.

Brick/Masonry Walls

Concrete, brick, and rendered walls require masonry fixings (included with masonry kit selection). These installations are extremely secure and long-lasting.

Step 3: Select Your Colour and Kit Size

Oscillot paddles are available in eight powder-coated colours to complement your existing fence:

• Gun Metal Grey – Most popular, suits Colorbond and modern fences
• Satin Black – Contemporary look for darker fences
• Slate Grey – Neutral tone for timber fences
• Primrose – Classic cream colour
• Rivergum – Green-grey for garden blending
• Merino – Warm off-white shade
• Banyan Brown – Natural timber tones
• Off White – Bright, clean appearance

Kit Sizing for Multi-Cat Households

Larger cat families typically benefit from maximum outdoor space. Popular kit sizes for Australian properties include:

Property Type	Recommended Kit	Price (AUD)
Townhouse courtyard	20-30 metres	$726-$1,040
Standard suburban block	40-60 metres	$1,298-$1,749
Large family home	80-100 metres	$2,167-$2,749
Acreage/rural property	100-120 metres	$2,749-$3,355

Step 4: Prepare Your Yard for Installation

Remove Escape Aids

Before installing Oscillot, eliminate all "ladders and platforms" that could help cats bypass the system:

• Garden beds against fences – Lower soil level or relocate plants
• Trees near boundaries – Trim branches or install tree guards
• Sheds and outbuildings – Install Oscillot around shed rooflines if within 2 metres of the fence
• Hot water systems and air conditioning units – Add polycarbonate deflectors

Check Gate Security

Gates are common weak points. Ensure:

• Gates close automatically with self-closing hinges
• No gaps exist at the bottom or sides
• The Oscillot system continues across gate tops without breaks
• Arched gates are levelled with polycarbonate sheeting

Step 5: Install the Oscillot System

Tools Required

• Drill/driver with appropriate bits
• Tape measure
• Hacksaw (for cutting paddles to size)
• Ladder (stable, appropriate height)
• Safety glasses
• Spirit level

Installation Process Overview

1. Plan your layout – Mark post kit positions approximately every 2 metres
2. Install end posts first – Secure Dual Knuckle Post Kits at fence ends and corners
3. Insert paddles – Slide paddle ends into post kit bearings
4. Work section by section – Continue around the entire perimeter
5. Cut final pieces to fit – Trim paddles as needed for odd-length sections
6. Test all paddles spin freely – Ensure bearings aren't over-tightened

The comprehensive Installation Guide provides detailed instructions for all fence types.

Step 6: Create Enrichment Zones Within Your Secure Space

For multi-cat households, maximise the value of your secure outdoor zone by adding enrichment:

Vertical Space

• Cat trees and climbing structures
• Elevated platforms and shelves
• Multiple perching spots at different heights

Ground-Level Features

• Tunnels and hiding spots
• Scratching posts and logs
• Cat grass and safe plants (catnip, cat thyme)

Comfort Elements

• Weather-protected resting areas
• Fresh water stations (multiple, spread throughout)
• Shaded spots for Australian summer heat

Step 7: Introduce Your Cats to the Secure Zone

First Introduction

After installation, introduce each cat to the system individually:

1. Hold your cat securely and approach the fence
2. Allow them to place a paw on the paddle
3. Let them feel the paddle spin
4. Repeat for each cat in your household

Supervised Access Period

For the first week:

• Allow outdoor access only when you can supervise
• Watch for any escape attempts
• Note any weak points that need addressing
• Ensure all cats return indoors safely

Full Access

Once confident the system is effective:

• Install a cat door for independent access
• Maintain visual checks of the fence line weekly
• Continue monitoring inter-cat dynamics outdoors

Australian-Made Quality and Support

Every Oscillot system is manufactured in Adelaide, South Australia, using high-quality extruded aluminium paddles and hardwearing acetal plastic components designed to withstand Australian weather extremes. The system includes:

• 3-Year Manufacturer's Warranty
• 60-Day Money Back Guarantee
• Free Shipping Australia-wide
• Endorsement from Companion Animal Network Australia and AWLQ

For multi-cat households ready to provide their feline family with safe outdoor enrichment, explore the full range of Cat-Proof Fence Kits or contact Oscillot for personalised recommendations.