Does Underground Cat Fence Work?

My husband and I moved to a farm about a year ago, we adopted two stray cats already living on that property, we took them to the vet and spayed both of them. They are adorable cats and we love them like our kids. A few months ago, my husband was killed so I have to move away to be closer to the city, my neighbours are taking care of the cats right now, once I find a house I want to take them back.

The problem is that my cats were always out-door farm cats, they love playing outside on our 70 acre property and hate to be locked inside. Although after they were spayed, they tend to roam a bit less. I am trying to come up with the best way to still keep them outside on the property of the new house, which is about 1/4 of an acre. Does anyone know if the underground cat fence will work. I know it works with dogs, but not sure whether it will work on cats (and hopefully it doesn't hurt as much). Here is one of the products I found on-line:

http://petsafe-warehouse.com/cat_prd...ent_system.htm

Or, should I try something else?

I just can't give up my cats but I also want them to be happy. Any suggestions you provide will be very much appreciated.

I'm sorry to hear about your husband My condolences.


If that fence involves electrical shock, I consider that abusive and don't recommend it. I know you feel your kitties need to be outside because they are farm kitties, but that's not necessarily the case. They will adapt to being indoor only kitties given time and patience. And if you are moving to an area closer to other people, that might be the better choice as there are many crazy people out there that will kill an innocent animal because they consider it to be a nuisance to them and their pretty roses. Not the mention the danger of being poisoned or hit by a car.

I suggest keeping the cats indoors once you move.

Aside from the shock, they would have to wear collars which are a danger in themselves, IMO. Have you looked at the other ideas for enclosing a smaller area next to the house? Maybe enclose a deck and/or garden where they would still have yard.
Here's a link to browse.

http://www.purrfectfence.com/outdoor_cat_enclosures.asp

P.S. Condolences on the loss of your DH

Condolences on the sad loss of your husband.

I hope you find your time here educational - and I hope you stick around; welcome to the Cat Site.

I think you would be better off considering the purrfect fence one of the other posts linked to - I don't think the underground fence is a good solution to your problem (cat collars are dangerous unless they are safety collars (whch will break free if the cat becomes caught on something)) and the type of deterents used by these sort of fences are typically cruel, and not something you would knowingly choose to inflict on your babies.

There is a lot about pet products that isn't obvious until you start to scratch the surface. These are sometimes quite insidious, like flea collars, for example.

When Michael died, we had 7 cats - four of them are kittens. I was traveling all the time, so Michael took care of all them. He was such a great caretaker.
Anyway, I don't know whether my remaining cats (one is 2yrs old, one is 1 year old) will be able to fit in the indoor lifesyle. I had to move and had to gavae away most of them, I was heartbroken

I also need to look for a new home, and a cat-friendly environment will be an important factor, just need to figure out what product works the best, the enclosure system seems way too expensive.

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Here is also the links to the story, one of the suspects was officially charged with capital murder yesterday.

http://www.hendersondispatch.com/art...ews/news02.txt

http://www.hendersondispatch.com/art...ews/news01.txt

I am so sorry to hear about your husband!

I know how hard it is to adjust outdoor farm cats to enclosed quarters. I have tried it with mixed results. Some cats take to it easily and others have a difficult time adjusting. I have 2 cats that still go in & out (I live on 3 acres in a semi-rural area but moved them from 10 acres in a very rural area).

I do have a friend that lives in a city who has made trade-offs in a similar situation (moving outdoor cats indoors). She has a yard with a very tall fence and allows her cats outside under supervision for play time each day. Daily visits has curbed their desire to be outside all of the time. It took about 3-4 months to adjust but they did adjust very well.

There is also the option for an outdoor cat enclosure. Or walks on harnesses.

I personally wouldn't trust an underground fence regardless of the price. The cats may not be able to get out, but those fences do not prevent other animals from coming in and tormenting (or injuring) your cats. I do know dog owners that dug them out because of this reason.

You know your cats best. I still have to suggest to try to keep them indoors, but have a good fall back plan in case they can't adjust. They might surprise you!

I have a female spayed cat who HATES staying inside! She is allowed outside during the day and at night she comes in.She will meow so loud to be let out during the night, it breaks my heart.But, right now is hunting season and I fear for her.So, she stays in at night.

They will adapt to being indoor only kitties given time and patience.

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Some cats just aren't happy being inside NO MATTER WHAT you do for them.Blaze is one of those.
You know your cats better than anyone here.So, you do what you think is best for them.