invisible fence....for cats?

[MakeupIsArt]

would it be safe to get an invisible fence for cats? my cats really enjoy the outdoors, and we dont want to have to worry about them being hit by cars or running away. is an invisible fence a possibility?

[ocean*girl]

I would probably talk to a vet, ones for dogs could be too strong (dogs are larger). They might make ones for cats or small dogs that might be OK. You could also consider trips outside on a leash or constructing an enclosed outdoor run.
I really don't want to sound preachy but cats do much better indoors.
best of luck!

[Elfs Mummy]

We have an enclosed run for our cats and they love it, it was really cheap and they speand hours a day in the summer outside in it. In the winter they hate going outside. When we used to have a rabbit groomer come she had 3 cats and she built the fences higher and then put something over the top so that they couldn't get out.

I think that cat runs are brilliant though

[Frumious Bandersnatch]

If there are areas away from roads, like gardens or forests or whatever (I don't know your location), your cats will explore those places and stay away from the roads, they're smart critters like that.

As for running away, do you have any reason to think they might? Have they gone out and gotten lost in the past? Once a cat becomes comfortable with going outside, they'll be able to find their way back from most places. If you have a cat flap and your cats seem to be able to return home without problem when they go out, you really don't have anything to worry about. Even without a cat flap, if they find their way to your windows or doors, they still should be fine.

It really depends on how residential your area is, if there's a garden for them to roam around in and maybe a few connecting gardens, your cats should be fine. Believe me, they'll appreciate the freedom. Getting lost or killed is always a possibility, but it's quite slim so I would try not to worry about it. Cats are generally pretty smart, they'll keep themselves out of trouble, but they do enjoy being able to get into scrapes.

I'd only consider having a run or an enclosure for them if there really wasn't a lot of space and you're very enclosed by roads. If you live on a main road, the dangers are a bit higher, obviously.

What I'm really trying to say is that cats are very proud creatures. I don't think there's any safety problems with enclosing/limiting the area they can roam around in, but I have a feeling a lot of cats might resent it.

I hope that helps, sorry for the rambling.

[SessyRocks]

I don't really like invisible fence for dogs, I don't think I'd try it on a cat. Um, I've heard bad things about invisible fences, such as if there's a tree or anything your cat can climb over it can get out of the invisible fence easily. Also, and this includes dogs, should something tempt the animal out of the invisible fence area, it may be too afraid to come back into the invisible fence area and then it will just run away. I suggest, if you have a fenced in back yard, that you build a fence topper. I found this website that talks more in detail about fence toppers: http://www.geneandpam.com/cats/fence/main.html However, I think the fenced runs are a great idea too. Especially if you don't have a fenced back yard.