Bengals are active athletic cats with lots of energy to burn off. Soon after Lily arrived I began to think about how I could give her more freedom while at the same time keeping her safe. We extended the run of our existing cattery and built a large rustic treehouse which she really enjoyed and could often be found sunning herself on the roof on hot days. As Baz grew up to be a power pack on legs I began to think about giving them even more space. My cattery is on one side of our garage - on the other side was a good sized partly concreted yard which contained the dogs kennel and run and where our few ancient hens lived happily pecking away in the dirt in areas where the old concrete had crumbled away.
This yard was also the home of the oil tank, septic tank covers and a considerable amount of accumulated junk - in other words a a bit of a mess. The idea of transforming this glory hole into a beautiful escape proof garden where the Bengals could spend their days began to form in my mind. Once an idea has taken hold I do not hang about and in no time at all the dog and hens were relocated and the old kennel dismantled and rubbish burnt.
......working until dusk to put the new fence up....
....laying paving and foundation for water feature.....
......a large sand pit works as a litter tray....
......cat proof netting in place on top of fence.....
......an excited Baz patrols his new territory....
....and tells the world how much he likes it..
......Tia tries out her claws....
....Twinkle's kittens enjoying their new freedom..
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Our thanks for their help with the project go to the following:
WILCOX GARDENING
16, London Rd, Woore, CW3 9SQ Tel. No. 01630 647593
- for the enthusiasm and expertise of Trevor and his staff throughout the construction of the garden.
CRYSTAL PALACES FOR PETS
St Mary,s Garage, St Mary,s Rd, Ramsey, Cambs, PE17 1SL
Tel. No. 01487 815909 Email: mail@palacesforpets.com
- to Roz and Steve for providing the cat proofing kit. This is the best method of making a garden cat proof that I have come across. It is easy to put up, strong, unobtrusive, inexpensive and requires little maintenance. So far it has passed the test - no escapees and also no invaders from the local moggy population.
THE PET FRIENDLY GARDEN by Richard Barrat (Pan Books)
- a very useful book for anyone contemplating a garden for their cats. Full of useful ideas including information about choice of non-poisonous plants.