How to Secure Your Garden for Pets When You're Away for the Holidays
The Australian holiday season brings excitement, travel plans, and often the challenge of ensuring your beloved pets remain safe while you're away. Whether you're visiting family in Queensland, exploring the Victorian coastline, or heading overseas, leaving your cats behind can be stressful—especially if your garden isn't properly secured. This comprehensive guide will help Australian pet owners prepare their outdoor spaces to keep cats safe during the holiday period.
Why Holiday Garden Security Matters for Australian Pet Owners
During the Christmas and New Year period, Australian households experience significant changes in routine. Pet sitters, family members, or neighbours may be looking after your cats, and even the most reliable caretakers can accidentally leave gates open or fail to notice an escape attempt. According to Australian RSPCA statistics, the holiday period sees a notable increase in lost pet reports.
Free-roaming cats face numerous dangers beyond the fence line, including:
- Vehicle accidents on busy Australian roads
- Dog attacks from neighbouring properties
- Cat fights with strays or territorial neighbourhood cats
- Exposure to infectious diseases like FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
- Consumption of toxic substances including 1080 baits in rural areas
- Impoundment by local council rangers
- Heat stress during Australia's summer holiday period
The Oscillot Solution: Australia's Original Cat-Proof Fence System
Oscillot was invented in South Australia by filmmaker Paul Bok in 2006, specifically designed to address the unique challenges Australian cat owners face. Unlike cages, netting, or electric fences, Oscillot provides an unobtrusive, humane solution that maintains your garden's aesthetics whilst keeping your cat safely contained.
How the System Works
Cats use a jump-grab-climb technique to scale fences. Oscillot counteracts this by installing spinning aluminium paddles along your fence line. When a cat attempts to grab the fence top, the paddle spins, preventing them from gaining traction—safely returning them to the ground in their own yard.
Key features that make Oscillot ideal for holiday security:
- No maintenance required while you're away – The system works automatically 24/7
- Weather-resistant components – Built to withstand Australian conditions from coastal humidity to outback heat
- Silent operation – Won't disturb neighbours or cause stress to pets
- No electricity needed – Completely passive system with no ongoing costs
Pre-Holiday Security Checklist for Your Garden
1. Audit Your Fence Line
Before installing any cat-proofing system, conduct a thorough inspection of your entire fence perimeter. Look for:
- Gaps between fence panels or at ground level
- Loose palings or damaged Colorbond sheets
- Areas where cats could dig underneath
- Gates that don't close securely
2. Eliminate "Ladders and Platforms"
Even with Oscillot installed, cats can use nearby objects to bypass the system. Remove or relocate:
- Garbage bins positioned near fences
- Garden furniture or barbecues
- Building materials or stored items
- Overgrown shrubs and bushes near the fence line
3. Address Tree Access
Australian gardens often feature gum trees, grevilleas, or other native plants that provide excellent climbing opportunities. Consider installing tree guards around trunks near the fence, or removing overhanging branches that could allow escape.
Choosing the Right Kit Size for Your Australian Property
Oscillot Cat-Proof Fence Kits range from 2 metres to 120 metres, with popular sizes for typical Australian backyards including:
| Kit Size | Sale Price (AUD) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| 30 metres | $1,040 | Small townhouse yards |
| 50 metres | $1,485 | Average suburban blocks |
| 80 metres | $2,167 | Larger properties |
| 100 metres | $2,749 | Quarter-acre blocks |
Preparing Instructions for Your Pet Sitter
Once your Oscillot system is installed, prepare comprehensive instructions for whoever will be caring for your cats:
- Gate Protocol: Emphasise that all gates must remain closed at all times
- Visual Checks: Ask them to visually inspect the fence line daily for any damage
- Introduction Period: If your cat is new to the system, explain how the spinning paddles work so they understand the containment method
- Emergency Contacts: Provide your vet's details and your own contact information
Installation Before the Holidays
Oscillot is designed for easy DIY installation, requiring only basic tools and a few hours of your time. However, if you're short on time before your holiday, recommended installers are available across Australia, including in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.
The system comes with all necessary components including:
- Aluminium paddles (standard 2-metre lengths, can be cut to size)
- Dual Knuckle Post Kits with weather-resistant bearings
- Appropriate fixing screws for your fence type (Metal/Colorbond, Timber, or Brick/Masonry)
- Comprehensive installation guide
Peace of Mind with Australian-Made Quality
Oscillot is 100% Australian designed, owned, and manufactured in Adelaide, South Australia. Every kit comes with:
- 3-Year Manufacturer's Warranty – Any faulty components replaced free of charge
- 60-Day Money Back Guarantee – Complete confidence in your purchase
- Free Shipping across Australia
The system is endorsed by the Companion Animal Network Australia and the Animal Welfare League of Queensland, giving you confidence that you're choosing a humane, effective solution for your feline family members.
Conclusion
Securing your garden before the holidays isn't just about convenience—it's about ensuring your cat's safety and your own peace of mind while you're away. With an Oscillot cat-proof fence system installed, you can enjoy your Australian summer holiday knowing your beloved pets are safely contained in their own backyard, protected from the dangers that await beyond the fence line.
For more information or to calculate the right kit size for your property, visit the Oscillot Cat Fence Calculator or contact the team for personalised advice.
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