The world outside your house can be a dangerous place for a cat, but you can make it safe for your kitty to enjoy your yard with the help of an invisible fence. What are the best invisible fence systems that are designed with cats in mind? While it’s true that invisible fences are most frequently used with dogs, we’ve worked to find the best invisible fences that are suitable for a cat’s unique requirements. These reviews will help you find the most cat-friendly invisible fence so your little backyard lion will stay safe, secure, and close to home.
This is our pick for the best overall invisible fence for cats. It is a wireless invisible fence system so there are no boundary wires to bury. Place the transmitter indoors and get wireless coverage around the perimeter of your property. The collar adjusts to a size small enough for cats (5 pounds, 6-inch neck). You can choose 5 static levels or a tone-only mode for correction. You can expand the coverage area and number of cats with the purchase of additional base units and collars.
This well-priced system may be the best invisible fence for cats for the money. There are no boundary wires or even a transmitter box to set up. This simple and unique wireless system uses GPS positioning technology in the collar. The collar is small enough to fit cats 5 pounds and up and is powered by rechargeable batteries. It includes small boundary flags with a mint scent that pets find unappealing.
This is a traditional wired invisible fence system that is primarily designed for dogs and larger properties. It is known for its quality and durability. The included collar might be a little large for cats, but you can adjust the collar size or switch the band out for a new one. The system is American made and the manufacturer offers 7 days a week customer support.
This invisible fence system is one of the very few that’s designed specifically for cats. It includes a lightweight collar that is small enough for older kittens and smaller-sized adult cats. It is not meant for very young kittens. It also has elastic in the collar that will stretch and allow your cat to escape if it gets caught on something. Cats that stray close to the barrier will receive a warning tone.
A traditional invisible fence system that is suitable for cats over 5 pounds. Contains a transmitter, collar with a rechargeable battery, and the fence wire. The system can be expanded up to 25 acres with additional wire, and more pets can be added with the purchase of extra collars.
The PetSafe Elite Little Dog In-Ground Fence can be a good choice for cats because of the collar. It is slim and light, designed for dogs that are as small as, or even smaller, than cats. This is not a wireless system so you will need to install the in-ground wire. Also keep in mind that the collar battery is not rechargeable on this model, so battery replacement is needed.
Pros
Small, lightweight collar
Expandable up to 25 acres
Reflective collar strap for better night visibility
The Pawz Away system is specifically designed for indoor use and is not a traditional outdoor invisible fence. It is more of a pet barrier that works almost like an invisible fence for small spaces around your house. You can set one or more up in places that are off-limits for your cat. It also works to keep dogs away from your cat’s food and litter box areas.
Pros
Small collar size fits cats 5 pounds and up
Good for indoor-only cats
Adjustable barrier range
Cons
Batteries are not rechargeable
Not suitable for outdoor use
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Invisible Fence For Your Cat
Before you decide on any invisible cat fence, there are a few important considerations to remember. Most invisible fence systems were created with dogs in mind, often large dogs. Product descriptions and customer reviews are largely dog-focused, so finding information on their effectiveness with cats can be challenging. Cats can also be more difficult to train than dogs, and this can apply to invisible fence training as well. You may find that a physical enclosure (often called a “catio”) may be a better choice than an invisible fence to keep your cat contained outside. Many veterinarians and animal welfare experts suggest that cats should be indoor-only pets. Many dangers face outdoor cats that even invisible fences cannot eliminate. Parasites, other animals, cars, and other hazards can harm outdoor cats. If you do choose to let your cat spend time outside, be sure that it is spayed/neutered and up to date on vaccines and parasite protection.
Final Thoughts
You’re ready to give it a go and try an invisible fence for your cat. Let’s recap our top reviews for invisible fences for cats. As you’ve probably noticed, PetSafe makes a large variety of popular invisible fence systems. Several are designated for both dogs and cats, mostly because of collar size. The PetSafe Stay & Play Compact Wireless Dog & Cat Fence is a top pick because it has a collar that is small enough for cats and because it is wireless. This means that you won’t have to spend time setting boundary wires into the ground. The PetSafe In-Ground Cat Fence is a good choice if you are looking for an invisible fence specifically designed for cats. It has a small, elastic collar that stretches for safety. Whatever fence you decide to try, remember that training is a big component of invisible fence success, so be sure to review all training materials and always be patient with your cat.
