Holiday Travel? Here's How to Keep Your Garden Escape-Proof for Cats & Dogs

Australian families love to travel during the summer holiday period, with millions hitting the road for Christmas, New Year, and the long January break. But for pet owners, the question remains: how do you ensure your cats and dogs stay safely contained while you're away? This guide covers everything you need to know about creating an escape-proof garden that gives you peace of mind during your travels.

The Holiday Escape Problem in Australia

The holiday period is statistically one of the worst times for pet escapes in Australia. Factors contributing to this include:

• Unfamiliar caretakers – Pet sitters may not know your pets' escape tendencies
• Routine disruption – Cats and dogs become anxious without their regular family
• Gate traffic – Holiday visitors, deliveries, and tradespeople create opportunities
• Storm season – Summer storms can damage fences and frighten pets into fleeing
• Fireworks – New Year's Eve celebrations send countless pets bolting in terror

Local councils and rescue organisations report significant increases in impounded and lost animals during December and January. Prevention through proper fencing is far easier than the heartbreak of a lost pet.

Understanding How Cats and Dogs Escape

Cat Escape Behaviour

Cats are masterful escape artists who use a specific technique to scale fences: the jump-grab-climb method. They leap to the fence top, grab with their front claws, and pull themselves over. This is why traditional fences offer no barrier to a determined cat.

Oscillot specifically targets this behaviour. The system's spinning aluminium paddles prevent cats from getting the grip they need—when they place a paw on the paddle, it rotates, and they fall safely back into the yard.

Dog Escape Behaviour

Dogs typically escape through different methods:

• Jumping with momentum – Throwing themselves at the fence top
• Digging under fences
• Pushing through gaps or weak points
• Gate dashing – Bolting when gates are opened

Cat-Proofing Your Fence with Oscillot

Why Oscillot is Ideal for Holiday Security

The Oscillot system is particularly well-suited for holiday periods because:

• Zero maintenance – Works automatically with no intervention required
• All-weather operation – Functions in heat, rain, and wind
• No power required – Completely passive mechanical system
• Silent operation – Won't disturb neighbours or distress pets
• No harm to animals – Cats simply fall safely back to the ground

System Components

Every Oscillot Cat-Proof Fence Kit includes:

• Aluminium Paddles – High-quality extruded aluminium, powder-coated in your choice of 8 colours
• Dual Knuckle Post Kits – Weather-resistant acetal plastic housing stainless steel bearings
• Fixing Hardware – Appropriate screws for your fence type
• Brackets – Included for timber and masonry installations
• Installation Guide – Comprehensive DIY instructions

Australian Pricing and Availability

Kit Size	RRP	Sale Price
20 metres	$1,038	$726
40 metres	$1,855	$1,298
60 metres	$2,499	$1,749
80 metres	$3,096	$2,167

Dog-Proofing Considerations

While Oscillot is primarily designed and tested for cat containment, the system can contribute to dog-proofing in specific scenarios:

For Jumping Dogs

Unlike cats, dogs jump with forward momentum, aiming to throw their front paws over the fence top. For dogs that jump, Oscillot should be installed directly on the fence top, close to the outer edge, preventing them from gaining purchase.

Note: Oscillot has not been extensively tested for dog containment. Effectiveness varies based on dog size, breed, and determination. Always assess your individual dog's behaviour.

Additional Dog-Proofing Measures

Combine fence-top systems with:

• Underground barriers – Chicken wire or concrete footings to prevent digging
• Coyote rollers – For the determined jumper
• Self-closing gate mechanisms – Prevent gate-dashing
• Visual barriers – Reduce fence-line excitement from passing dogs or wildlife

Complete Holiday-Proofing Checklist

One Month Before Travel

• Install Oscillot cat-proof fence system
• Repair any fence damage or gaps
• Remove objects near fences that could aid escape
• Trim overhanging tree branches
• Test all gates for secure closure

One Week Before Travel

• Introduce cats to the Oscillot system if newly installed
• Confirm pet sitter arrangements and provide detailed instructions
• Update microchip details with current phone number
• Ensure council registration is current
• Provide recent photos of pets to caretaker

Day of Departure

• Walk the fence perimeter one final time
• Confirm all gates are secured
• Brief pet sitter on any last-minute concerns
• Ensure emergency vet contact details are prominent

What to Tell Your Pet Sitter

Prepare written instructions covering:

The Oscillot System

• Explain how the spinning paddles work
• Advise that no maintenance is required
• Note that the system is safe and humane
• Confirm pets should not be able to escape over the fence

Gate Protocol

• All gates must remain closed at all times
• Double-check before and after entering/exiting
• Do not prop gates open for any reason

Emergency Procedures

• What to do if a pet does escape
• Local council ranger contact number
• Veterinary emergency clinic details
• Your contact information while travelling

Why Choose Australian-Made Oscillot

Oscillot is designed, engineered, and manufactured in Adelaide, South Australia. Choosing Australian-made means:

• Local support – Adelaide-based customer service team
• Fast shipping – Delivered from Queensland distribution centre (3-10 business days nationally)
• Quality materials – Components designed for Australian conditions
• Supporting local jobs – Your purchase supports Australian manufacturing

Guarantees and Warranties

• 60-Day Money Back Guarantee – Full confidence in your purchase
• 3-Year Manufacturer's Warranty – Any faulty components replaced free
• Free Shipping – Australia-wide on all orders

Conclusion

Don't let worry about escaped pets ruin your holiday. With proper preparation—including installation of the Oscillot cat-proof fence system—you can travel with confidence knowing your cats are safely contained in their own backyard.

The investment in proper fencing pays dividends not just during holidays, but every day. Contained cats live an average of 8+ years longer than free-roaming cats, avoiding accidents, fights, diseases, and council impoundment.

Ready to escape-proof your garden before your next trip? Browse Oscillot Cat-Proof Fence Kits or use the Cat Fence Calculator to determine the right kit size for your property.