Assisting cats back over a wall into our yard

[freoblue]

Hi all, looking for help from fellow cat lovers. We've recently moved home with two Maine Coon x Ragdoll cats. An unfortunate change in circumstances meant we moved the girls from a very large garden to a home with practically no garden. Previously, we had a chip controlled cat flap that was locked at night, the cats are used to being in all evening, but they were allowed to roam in the garden during the day and given the size of it, they never strayed.

Upon moving we have kept them inside fully for three weeks and allowed them to venture out for around half an hour per day. We have tried to contain them to the yard with all kinds of cat proofing, but all in vain. They are literally going straight over the wall which is much higher on the outside than on the inside. While it's not at all ideal that they are venturing out onto the verge and we will continue to seek strategies to contain them, our immediate concern is their inability to get back in once out there.

We are on a corner block and once they get out there, they literally panic and are loathe to run around to the front door as it's very exposed. Once at the front door, they also seem unable to jump back into the courtyard. As we search for methods of containing them, we'd also like to provide an opportunity for them to get back in on the unfortunate off chance they do get out. A catflap in the gate would signal an exit to them also, which we don't want, and we are afraid that any 'steps' or ladder type of structure would invite burglars. We also don't want any signal to them that there is an easy 'out' option - just something that will save them if they do get out.

Has anyone had any experience with this issue?

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi, as I see it you have a couple options. You can keep them inside and give them lots of enrichment, cat trees, cat wheels, etc. Or, you can go out with them on leashes and harnesses. Another possibility could be taking them out further in an enclosed pet buggy.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi and welcome to TCS! You could also consider building or buying a catio/cat enclosure.
Cat Enclosures - Freedom Without The Risks For Curious Cats - TheCatSite
Building A Cat Enclosure - A Creative Project for Cat Lovers - TheCatSite

 

[freoblue]

Thanks for your replied. We have invested in loads of toys and leashes/harnesses and they are working to really keep them entertained. In four weeks they have really acclimatised to their new surroundings and are much less interested in going out. My fear is if they get let out accidentally. They are homebodies and don't want to stray really, but not having any access back into the house is a worry. They are really stranded beyond the wall and it will distress them. We're just not sure what we can attach that will enable the cats to climb but not a human.
Unfortunately, there isn't room for a cat enclosure, as the small courtyard is the access point from both the front and back of the house.

 

[Furballsmom]

Can you post a photo or two? I'm having trouble envisioning the situation.

 

[iPappy]

Hi!
When you said "practically no garden", do you have any outdoor space at all? You mentioned that they climb the outdoor walls/fences. Could you enclose a section of this, cover it, and keep it as a cat-safe outdoor space as FeebysOwner mentioned?

 

[freoblue]

There is a path that leads from the front to the back of the house. This is direct access from back to front and has no house access. Enclosing it would require us to either enclose the front or back door, and block access from front to back. We also have a dog who needs to access the front of the house. I'll take some photos today and post. I really appreciate the replies. We are currently looking at creating a trellis style pergola that will still enable pedestrian/dog access, but prevent the cats getting up to the wall.