Yes. When designed properly, a cat enclosure offers a safe way for cats to enjoy the outdoors without exposure to common risks such as traffic or getting lost. Enclosures are widely used for indoor cats, rescue cats, and cats living in higher-risk environments.

Researchers at the University of Lincoln interviewed more than 400 cat owners who introduced an outdoor cat enclosure for their cats. Both cats who had previously been used to free-roaming and indoor cats showed improved behavioural scores.

Professor Mills said: “Many owners feel conflicted about letting their cat out, because they worry about the risks, but feel their cat would appreciate being out. Understandably many owners will keep their cats inside, but our work shows that there is a practical alternative that works, and yes, the cats do benefit from being outside, and even more so when that outside environment is protected.”

The only sure-fire way to ensure your cat won't venture further than your garden is to use a cat containment system. Cat Fence Barriers are the easiest method to convert your entire garden into a cat safe territory, if you have suitable pre-existing fencing or walls.

Whether you have small garden or a large garden, there are lots of options for making your garden cat proof. Cat fence barriers are a neat and simple solution to giving your cat access to the whole garden. Or, if you have a small garden, you could consider an outdoor cat run or catio.

Neighbourhood cats do have the physical ability to jump into your garden from on top of your fence. However, most cats will see that there is no exit from the garden and choose not to enter. Our customers report that neighbour’s cats tend to choose not to enter their gardens because they cannot see an escape. If you are leaving your garden unsupervised while going on holiday for instance, it is a good idea to leave an escape route for any cats that might enter (a wheelie bin against the fence is a good solution).

Cats are agile and can easily scale fences or walls that are 1.8m+ from ground height. Some people try to train their cat to stay in the garden to keep them safe but the most effective solution is to use a cat fence barrier around the perimter of your garden, enabling you to sit back and enjoy the garden with your cats, safe in the knowledge that they can't wander.

Approximately 4% of veterinary appointments for cats are attributed to injuries sustained in road traffic collisions. Cats face an increased risk of injury under certain conditions, such as having black fur, making them less conspicuous to drivers. Additionally, cats under two years of age, who are less experienced in crossing roads, and unneutered cats, which are more prone to roaming, are at a higher risk of being involved in such incidents.

Researchers at the University of Lincoln interviewed more than 400 cat owners who introduced an outdoor cat runs for their cats. Both cats who had previously been used to free-roaming and indoor cats showed improved behavioural scores.

Professor Mills said: “Many owners feel conflicted about letting their cat out, because they worry about the risks, but feel their cat would appreciate being out. Understandably many owners will keep their cats inside, but our work shows that there is a practical alternative that works, and yes, the cats do benefit from being outside, and even more so when that outside environment is protected.”