Kitty Klips - The Cat Containment System

Fletcher and Peaches - 1989

Lista - 2007

Kitty Klips©
The Cat Containment System

If you decide to try the idea on your fence, please let us know how it works on your particular fence line with your particular cats.

The image on the right is of the side fence. Note that there is not a vertical Kitty Klip -- two big dogs lived next door and the cats were not inclined to go over this fence.

Specific Fence Types

Wooden Fences - Facing In

If you can see the 2x4 and 4x4 support posts on your wooden fence you will need to cut enough pipe to fit both the upper horizontal 2x4s, as well as the upper part of the vertical 4x4s.

To attach Kitty Klips© to the upper horizontal 2x4s, you will need to first measure the length of the 2X4s, between each of the 4x4s.

Make the cuts in the PVC pipe, removing approximately an inch of pipe along the horizontal. Then simply pry open the “klip” and slip it onto the 2x4. If the length of this Kitty Klips© is fairly long, you may need a second person to assist in this step. It is also helpful to wear gloves in order to prevent your fingers from getting pinched.

For the vertical 4x4s, you will only need to cover approximately 2 feet of surface toward the top of the fence. Following the same procedure, cut the pipe to length, make your additional length-wise cuts and “klip” onto the post.

We have received some input that at least one cat out there is a little Arnold Schwartzenkitty and can climb the single Kitty Klip©. If this is the case with your little monster, try adding a second piece of PVC (uncut) next to the PVC clamped around the 4x4. This makes the spot wider. Click here to see what we're talking about.

	Wooden Fences - Facing Out If your wooden fence faces the other direction and you can only see the flat side of the fence boards, then the Kitty Klips© should be slipped over the top of the fence line. In this case you will not need the extra lengthwise cut, as the Kitty Klips© will be fairly easy to attach to the thin boards.
	Walls If your wall is less than six inches wide, you can follow the same procedure as for the 2x4 sections of wooden fences. Measure the distance to be “klipped”. If it is longer than the length of the pipe, butt the pieces together. Make your length wise cuts, taking out the approximate 1” strip to assist in the “klipping” step. Wide Walls We have a 6-foot tall stucco wall about 8 inches wide, topped with 1 and 1/2 more feet of brick. The jumper was still able to make it over by snagging his claws into the bricks and climbing to freedom. The wall is too wide to allow the Kitty Klip© to be attached alone. In this case you will need to attach the Kitty Klip© to a heavy flat-bottomed object, such as a brick and place the Kitty Klip©, with its ballast, on top of the wall. If you have a long length of Kitty Klip©, use one brick every few feet. You could also buy a length or two of 2x4, attach the Kitty Klip© to the 2x4, and place the combined contraption on top of the wall. A determined cat may still be able to get over this approximately 8 foot wall, so some additional brain power may need to be invoked for these wide walls. Perhaps a moderately thick, but still flexible piece of Plexiglas could be inserted between the top of the wall and the Kitty Klip©. The draped Plexiglas should prevent escape.
	Chain Link Fence Using the same procedure as for a wooden fence that faces out, measure, cut and attach the Kitty Klip© to the top of the fence line. Although the cats can climb up the links, this is not the easiest thing in the world for them. Off balance somewhat to start with, their escape is thwarted when they reach the top and meet a 4 inch diameter hard plastic pipe they can’t get their claws into. Of all the fences tested, chain link is the weak link, but if the fence is high enough to start with, Kitty Klips© can prevent escape. Some cats can learn to master the art of climbing up the links of chain link fences and some special additions may be required for your cat(s). We suggest covering the links with something that will prevent the cats from getting their paws into the links. Perhaps some plexiglass attached to the fence and dropping approximately 1 to 2 feet down from the top will help. You might also consider inserting thin vertical slats into the fence links.
	Trees If you have a tree that sits close to your fence line, you will need to examine it carefully for kitty accessibility. By cutting various short lengths of Kitty Klips© and placing them around selected branches on the tree, you will cut off their escape route. This is another area where thin sheets of Plexiglas - thick enough to prevent sharp cat claws from penetrating - may be helpful in preventing escape.
	For ideas on keeping your cats occupied jump to Ideas for Cat Fun!
Most recent update 6/17/07	Copyright© 1996-2007 by 42nd Street Productions Kitty Klips was invented by Rick Barker Page created and maintained by Connie Terwilliger, Voice Over Talent and Writer