Cat Advice

Black cat laying on sofa wearing cat fence collar

Cat Fence – how a cat fence saved my cat!

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Cat Fence Saved my Cats Life!

I wanted to take a moment to tell you all about how a Cat Fence saved our cat’s (Figaro’s) life. You may have heard them called containment fences or even electric cat fences.

Without our Cat Fence I really fear that Figaro would not be with us anymore and I would not be able to tell you all his tail.

Figaro came to us when he was 6 years old we rescued him from a local cat shelter. The whole family fell in love the second we met him. He was so handsome; his glossy black fur and bright shiny eyes. I couldn’t believe my whiskers when the lady at the cat shelter told us Figaro had been tricky to re home due to the colour of his fur. Would you believe that black cats aren’t as popular because they don’t look as good in ‘selfies’? At this point in time we all felt that our garden was safe and had not even considered a containment fence or cat fencing.

Figaro settled into his new home nicely. We kept him inside for a week or so but he was so inquisitive about the outside world. I couldn’t keep him indoors any longer. Figaro had missed his freedom being in the cat shelter and I couldn’t wait to let him explore the garden.

black cat wearing cat fence collar sat on tool box

Figaro helping with the DIY!

At first he stayed within the garden and loved lazing in the bushes and hunting mice. Over the next few weeks Figaro began to explore further afield. At first it was the neighbour’s garden, then a visit to the tabby cat down the road. His adventures grew longer and longer but he always bought himself home in time for dinner. We never knew quite how far he went but he always returned.

That dreaded moment when the cat did not come home!

Then it came that awful night he didn’t come home for his dinner. It was getting late and he still wasn’t home. I went into the garden and called him…nothing. I tried to tempt him with his favourite – Tuna! But still nothing. I decided to leave his cat flap open and went to bed, he would be home in the morning, I was sure.

Morning came and he wasn’t home. I searched everywhere for him. As the days went on I started to fear the worst. We lived a reasonable distance from a few busy roads and knew two families that had lost their fur babies in road traffic accidents. Trying to remain positive I decided to visit as many neighbouring houses as I could to ask if they had seen him.

There had been no sightings. One of my neighbours (who had previously lost several cats to the road) told me about this amazing device called a

A small lightweight collar that the cat wears and a wire installed around the garden. The cat is trained to know how the collar works and receives a warning beep followed by a small static impulse to stop them from straying outside of the garden. She let me feel the collar as I had visions of my cat leaping out it’s skin for it’s life. I have to admit that I was skeptical as to how it would work because when I felt the sensation it was very small and not at all how I imagined.

My neighbour told me it’s the only way she’s been able to have a cat again after the devastating losses of her other cats. It enables her cat to explore its natural environment but keeps them safe at the same time and gives you piece of mind – How amazing!

I walked home furious with myself that I hadn’t discovered Cat Fence before. If I had just known about it, Figaro would still be at home safe in his garden. I brushed a tear away as I reached my front door. How could I have let this happen? I was probably never going to see my beautiful boy again.

Several days went passed and I resigned myself that he was gone. It was the not knowing that hurt the most, had been injured, killed or had he just found a new family. I hope it was the latter.

The day I decided to research Containment Fences.

One wonderful day after turning the key in front door and letting myself in I heard his little meow.  He came straight over brushing against my leg and purring. Actually he looked fine, a little thinner and obviously relieved to be home. We had had a lucky escape and I vowed not to let it happen again. I went straight around to my neighbour and got the details for the cat fence Company. Within an hour I had booked for our new Cat Fence to be installed.

The installer was excellent and explained all about the cat fence to me. He did some indoor training with myself and Figaro which allows Figaro to learn about the “no go zone” before using it in the garden. After 20 minutes Figaro knew what the beep meant and he was no longer entering the “no go Zone”. We had to keep indoors for a few days to ensure that he really knew how the cat fence worked.

The gentleman explained that cats are very intelligent and pick things up quickly and that I would need to use Flags in my garden for the first few weeks to mark out the “no go zone” but could take them out once he fully understood.

cat fence training for containment fence is carried out inside using indoor unit.

Cat in training.

It’s been 4 years now since our Cat Fence has been installed and I am able to relax Knowing that Figaro will always be home for dinner. As I type this I can see him out of the window, happily hunting the mice in the sun and enjoying his freedom whilst being safely contained in his haven.

Thank You Cat Fence!

Labrador wearing an electric dog fence collar - these collars are also called containment fences

Are electric dog fences illegal?

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Are Electric Dog Fences Illegal? The UK Ban Explained for 2026

Are electric dog fences illegal in the UK? Electronic dog containment fences are not specifically banned in England as of October 2026. However, Wales prohibits collars designed to deliver an electric shock, including electronic containment collars, and Scotland has government guidance advising against their use. Much of the confusion comes from the proposed electric shock collar ban announced in 2018, which never came into force in England.

For a complete breakdown of the current legislation across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, read our UK Dog Fence Law Guide, which explains the rules for electronic containment systems and what they mean for dog owners.

For dog owners considering a hidden dog fence, understanding the difference between a remote training collar and an automatic boundary system is essential. This guide explains what the Government proposed, what actually happened and what the latest developments mean for dog owners.

Last reviewed: October 2026.

Why Did People Think Electric Dog Fences Were Going to Be Banned?

In March 2018, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) launched a public consultation on electronic training collars for cats and dogs.

The consultation considered devices that deliver an electric stimulus, including handheld remote training collars and electronic containment systems.

More than 7,300 responses were received. In August 2018, the Government announced that it intended to ban handheld remote-controlled electric shock collars in England but would not extend the proposed ban to invisible fencing containment systems.

This distinction was particularly important for owners using hidden dog fences to help keep pets away from roads and other hazards.

Read the official Defra consultation and Government response.

What Did the Government Actually Say About Invisible Dog Fences?

In its August 2018 announcement, Defra recognised the difference between remote training collars and electronic containment fences.

The Government stated that it did not intend to include invisible fencing containment systems in its proposed ban, although it would keep their use under review.

It also proposed strengthening welfare guidance around containment systems, including professional installation, appropriate training and use as a last resort.

These proposals were widely reported at the time, creating understandable confusion about what would become compulsory.

Did Professional Dog Fence Installation Become a Legal Requirement?

No. Although professional installation was proposed as part of the Government’s 2018 approach to animal welfare guidance, it did not become a general statutory requirement in England.

Dog owners are therefore not legally required simply by virtue of using an electronic containment fence to employ a professional installer.

Nevertheless, professional installation can offer practical advantages, particularly when positioning boundary wires, assessing the property, checking equipment and providing structured training.

Did the Electric Shock Collar Ban Ever Become Law in England?

No. The Government’s 2018 announcement did not itself change the law.

Further regulations were proposed in 2023 to prohibit the use of certain electronic shock collars in England, but the proposed ban did not come into force.

As of October 2026, England has no general statutory prohibition specifically banning electronic dog containment fences.

Owners must still comply with the Animal Welfare Act 2006, including requirements to avoid unnecessary suffering and meet their dogs’ welfare needs.

Will Electric Dog Fences Be Banned in 2026?

There is no confirmed ban on electronic dog containment fences in England as of October 2026.

However, the Government has indicated that the subject of electric shock collars remains under consideration.

Defra’s Animal Welfare Strategy for England, published on 22 December 2025, states that the Government intends to consult later in this Parliament on whether to ban electric shock collars.

The consultation will gather evidence and views to inform any future decision. Its eventual scope and outcome cannot be assumed.

Read the Animal Welfare Strategy for England.

What Is the Difference Between an Electric Dog Fence and a Remote Shock Collar?

Although both types of equipment may involve an electric stimulus, they operate differently.

Electronic dog fenceRemote training collar
Responds automatically to a defined boundary signal.Activated by a person using a remote transmitter.
Designed to help contain a dog within a designated area.Designed to influence behaviour through remote activation.
May provide an audible warning before a static stimulus.May deliver a stimulus when activated by the handler.
Usually requires boundary setup and familiarisation training.Does not require a fixed property boundary.

The distinction was central to the 2018 policy decision, but it does not mean containment systems are exempt from animal welfare requirements.

For a full explanation of the law across all four nations, see our UK Dog Fence Law guide.

Are Electric Dog Fences Illegal in Wales?

Yes, if the system uses a collar designed to administer an electric shock. The Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (Wales) Regulations 2010 prohibit attaching such a collar to a dog or cat, causing it to be attached or being responsible for an animal wearing one.

The prohibition includes shock-delivering electronic containment collars, not just handheld remote training devices.

Read the Welsh electronic collar regulations.

Are Electric Dog Fences Illegal in Scotland?

Scotland has not introduced an equivalent specific statutory prohibition on electronic dog containment systems. However, Scottish Government guidance advises against electronic containment systems and other aversive training methods.

Animal welfare legislation still applies, and owners must avoid causing unnecessary suffering.

Read the Scottish Government guidance on dog training aids.

Why Do Some Dog Owners Choose Electronic Containment Fences?

Owners sometimes consider electronic containment systems when conventional fencing is difficult, expensive or unsuitable for the property.

Common situations include:

  • Large rural gardens and country properties.
  • Dogs that repeatedly escape through gaps or beneath fencing.
  • Properties with open driveways.
  • Gardens where traditional fencing would significantly change the appearance of the landscape.
  • Homes close to roads or farmland.

However, electronic containment systems are not physical barriers and cannot guarantee that a dog will remain within a boundary. Owners must consider their dog’s welfare, temperament and individual circumstances.

What Should Owners Look for in a Professionally Installed Dog Fence?

Although professional installation is not a legal requirement in England, owners who choose an electronic containment system may benefit from experienced technical support.

At DogFence, we have supplied and installed DogWatch hidden dog fence systems in the UK since 2003.

Our professional installation service includes:

  • Property assessment: Planning the boundary layout around the garden, driveway and relevant hazards.
  • Boundary installation: Positioning the cable to suit the property and reduce the likelihood of accidental damage.
  • Receiver setup: Selecting and fitting appropriate equipment for the individual dog.
  • Boundary training: Introducing the dog to training flags and warning signals through a structured programme.
  • Ongoing support: Helping owners understand equipment maintenance, collar checks and training requirements.

DogWatch systems also incorporate features such as audible warnings and automatic safety shut-off functions. These features do not eliminate every welfare concern, so individual assessment and appropriate use remain essential.

Are Electronic Dog Fences Humane?

Electronic containment systems remain a subject of animal welfare debate. Some owners value their potential to reduce escapes, while animal welfare organisations raise concerns about fear, anxiety and aversive stimuli.

Professional installation alone does not establish that a system is humane or suitable for every dog.

Owners should consider physical fencing and other alternatives, use reward-based training wherever possible, monitor their dog’s response and seek qualified behavioural advice where appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Electric Dog Fence Ban

Are electric dog fences banned in England?

No. As of October 2026, electronic dog containment fences are not specifically banned in England. General animal welfare legislation continues to apply.

Did the Government ban invisible dog fences in 2018?

No. In 2018, the Government announced plans to ban handheld remote-controlled shock collars but specifically excluded invisible containment systems from the proposed ban. The proposed legislation did not subsequently come into force.

Is professional dog fence installation compulsory?

No. Professional installation is not a general statutory requirement in England. It was discussed in the 2018 policy proposals but did not become compulsory by law.

Are electric dog fences legal in Wales?

Shock-delivering electronic containment collars are prohibited in Wales under regulations introduced in 2010. The prohibition applies regardless of whether the shock is triggered by a remote control or boundary system.

Could the law change in the future?

Yes. Defra has announced plans to consult on electric shock collars later in this Parliament. Any future legislation will depend on the consultation, Government decisions and the parliamentary process.

Are underground dog fences the same as electric livestock fences?

No. Underground dog containment systems use a boundary signal detected by a receiver collar. Conventional electric livestock fencing uses an electrified physical fence. Their operation and relevant safety considerations differ.

The Bottom Line: Are Electric Dog Fences Illegal?

Electronic dog containment fences remain legal in England as of October 2026. The proposed 2018 ban did not become law, and professional installation was not made compulsory.

However, Wales prohibits shock-delivering containment collars, Scottish Government guidance advises against electronic containment systems, and animal welfare obligations remain important wherever dogs are kept.

For the most complete explanation, read our Are Dog Fences Legal in the UK? 2026 Law Explained guide.

If you are considering a hidden dog boundary in England, DogFence can explain how our professionally installed systems work, the training involved and the practical considerations for your property.

Give Your Dog Freedom. Keep Them Safe.

Considering a hidden dog fence? Talk to the DogFence team about professional installation, personalised boundary training and a system suited to your property.

Get Your Free Dog Fence Quote

Call 01628 476475WhatsApp Us

Some images in this article may be AI-generated for illustrative purposes.

This article provides general information rather than legal advice. Laws and government guidance may change.

cat safe outdoors with her cat fence

The results of the first study into electronic cat fences.

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So what is an electronic cat fence?

An electronic cat fence! Really, how does that work?

It’s actually a very simple but effective solution to keep cats safe in the garden and away from the roads. A simple transmitter is installed in the owners house. This transmitter is attached to wire that surrounds the property. A coded signal is sent through the wire. The wire can be installed above or below ground but it must form a continuous circuit. The signal that surrounds the wire is picked up by the cat fence collar. Should the cat approach the wire the cat fence collar activates by giving a high pitched warning beep. If the cat continues further the collar then sends out a mild static impulse (similar to a tens machine).

pt4 transmitter

The Cat Fence Transmitter

How does the cat know what to do?

Training, the Company that installs the cat fence system will also train the owner and cat. Training for the cat fence is carried out internally using a portable unit. Once the cat understand how to use the internal system the training continues outside. To assist the cat with the position of the cat fence temporary training flags are placed around the boundary.

cat fence training flags

Training flags to mark the boundary

 

How does the cat know what to do?

Training, the Company that installs the cat fence system will also train the owner and cat. Training for the cat fence is carried out internally using a portable unit. Once the cat understand how to use the internal system the training continues outside. To assist the cat with the position of the cat fence temporary training flags are placed around the boundary.

Similar systems have been used for dogs for over 40 years. Until recently the technology meant that the computer collars were too big for cats. The new cat fence computer collars are both sleek and light weight. Similarly, dog fence and cat fence training protocols are different. Working with animal behaviorists CatFence have developed a simple internal training protocol. Until 2013 there had been no official studies into using electronic fences for cats.

How do I know that the cat fence is safe for my cat to use?

The results of the long awaited study into containment cats using the electronic cat fence system were released in 2016.  Over a three year period the animal welfare researchers at the University of Lincoln, UK, studies all aspects of the fence. They assessed three groups of cats; those allowed to wander freely, those contained with the cat fence and those kept solely indoors.

The study found no evidence of long-term welfare problems for cats living using these fences. More interestingly they also noted that the cats who were able to roam freely in and out of their owners’ gardens had a more distant relationship with their owners.

“Taken together, the findings do not suggest that long-term (at least 12 months) exposure to the system had a significant negative impact on the behaviour and welfare of contained cats. Indeed cats subject to electronic confinement appear to be less neophobic than unrestrained cats.”

Naturally those cats that were left to wander were at more risk from injury or death when left to roam but indoor cats were also at risk. Furthermore the study noted that cats kept solely indoors where more prone to health issues.

cat in house

Keeping cats indoor can cause health and other issues

“In contrast, housing cats solely indoors to remove such risks is associated with increased prevalence of a range of health problems including obesity, Feline Urologic Syndrome and dental disease. Long-term exposure to common flame retardants widely used in homes may also have toxic side effects for cats.”

As cat all cat owners know they are an extension to your family. Sadly there are unscrupulous people around who will steal and sell on pedigree cats. In recent years there has been a surge in the ownership of high value pedigree and naturally this has also increased theft rates. By installing a cat fence an owner is able to allow their cat freedom but also keep a safe eye on them.

Protecting wildlife

Whilst protecting our pets is the primary reason to install a cat fence a bi-product is safety to wildlife. Using the cat fence system also protects wildlife from cats that hunt. In the UK we love our cats and own over 8.1 million but sadly they also do significant damage to our wildlife. Each year our domestic cats are responsible for the  death of 55 million small mammals and birds.

grey cat with cat fence collar

Flissy modelling her pink cat fence collar!

Without the amazing research from the team at Lincoln owners would be unaware of the benefits electronic cat fences offer. With the 300,000+ pets that get injured or killed on the UK’s roads increasing year on year cat fencing  gives owners food for thought.

cat laying in the road not contained by dog fence

How to keep your cat safe outdoors

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A new solution to keep  your cat safe outdoors

Cat are naturally active and love to do their own thing.  I’s a continual concern for owners as to how to keep their cats safe outdoors, particularly when they have unlimited access to the big wide world.  Unfortunately their tendency to wander leads to around 300,000 cat deaths on UK roads every year, a staggering number considering how much we take care of them when they are at home.

On top of the danger posed by roads, an outdoor cat also faces potential run-ins with other animals on neighbouring properties, dogs walking off the lead nearby, or bigger cats protecting their territory.

A cat’s natural prey drive will also drive them to explore further afield into tempting wildlife rich areas, such as woods or local parks.  Not only does this pose a problem to preserving local wildlife, but can also cause your kitty to take unnecessary risks dashing across busy roads to catch prey, or getting stuck in buildings or trees as they hunt.

cat safe outdoors

Enjoying the garden.

 

As a concerned cat owner, there are a couple of ways that you can keep your cat safe and sound. One solution is to set up a wire fencing system around your garden that is angled to stop your cat being able to escape.  However these are generally costly, can ruin the look of your garden and be an eye-sore to your neighbours.  Cats are also notorious escape artists and have been known to climb these fences to reach overhanging branches to make their getaway.

The other option is to try a CatFence, an invisible barrier system that trains your cat not to stray over a safe boundary you create.  Providing a stress free and safe environment for your kitty. A CatFence is revolutionary system to keep cats safe outdoors. The fence was trialed by Feline Friends a charity in Derbyshire.

This unobtrusive barrier is a hidden fence consisting of a central control box that transmits a coded FM radio signal through a boundary wire that has been laid around the property. To train your cat not to stray over this set boundary, they wear a computer collar that houses a tiny FM receiver.  As your cat moves towards the signal the collar emits an audible signal to indicate they should stop and turn back. If the cat continues towards the wire the collar gives a small “corrective shock” set to you cat’s individual requirements.

After completing the training cats quickly learn to understand the warning beep, and will immediately turn back into the allowed zone, thus avoiding correction.

Advantages of a CatFence system

A safe and simple training programme to keep your cat safe outdoors

As any cat owner will know, your cat is the king of its domain and will not do anything that it does not want to.   This is why the CatFence system uses a form of training specifically designed for the needs of your cat.

Our  training  accounts for each cat’s natural personality, curiosity, and movement and starts in the home, where the cat is most comfortable.   When your cat is ready, we take training outside to allow your feline friend to learn where it can and cannot go.

You set the safe boundary

You are in control of where you set the CatFence boundary to allow your cat to wander through your garden without a care, whilst keeping them clear of any potential dangers such as poisonous plants, neighbouring properties and busy roads.  When setting the boundary you can also protect areas of your property from your pet such as a fish filled pond.

Tackle in house worries

There is the possibility that you live on a street without feline dangers, but you have a home sized scratching post. Cats need to scratch to get rid of dead cells on their claws, as well as to help them stretch out their bodies and paws. Unfortunately for you, your cat may not always use the expensive scratching post that you bought, choosing instead your furniture, carpets or curtains. If this is the case then your cat’s collar works with the special indoor system that allows you to cordon off parts of your home keeping rooms and furniture out of bounds.  It can be set on almost any surface and can stuck to door frame if you want to section off a whole room from a feline fiend.

Let your cat know there is always safety at home. The CatFence containment system is the perfect way to ensure that your cat stays happy and healthy whilst still enjoying a life outdoors. If you have any concerns about how to keep your cat safe outdoors, due to busy roads or other potential threat, please call us for a quote on 01628 476475.

Links: https://www.feline-friends.org.uk/

Feeding a wild cat

The problems with feeding a cat that isn’t yours

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Feeding a catFeeding a cat that is not yours, may not be doing the right thing

Cat owner or cat lover, we are all fond of cats. We appreciate it when they are around, we want to please them and make them happy. And what’s better for this purpose than a nice bit of food? But for several reasons, leaving cat food outside your house or feeding the nice cat that is coming to visit is perhaps not as good an idea as it may initially seem.

First, if the cat belongs to someone else, it might eat less at home. This may be interpreted as a loss of appetite by the owner, who then takes the cat to the veterinarian to have it checked over, causing unnecessary stress for both owner and cat. There are also the not inconsiderable financial consequences for the owner, as the vet may do tests because there is nothing obvious to explain this apparent loss of appetite. If the cat doesn’t eat less, then there is obviously the risk of obesity as the cat eats more than it needs and starts to put on weight. This not only puts a stress on the heart and the like, but also on the joints, resulting in painful arthritis sooner or later.

Second, if it’s not your cat, you won’t know if it has a health condition that is being controlled with a special diet. For example the cat could have a dietary sensitivity or diabetes, (which might be linked to obesity) and need to be on a specific diet to avoid problems. Feeding a routine food, may not have an obvious immediate effect, and the cat won’t avoid what might be tastier, just because it isn’t good for it in the long run. Such a choice could result in delayed complications, such as diarrhoea or a more serious crisis in the case of a condition like diabetes.

Some people like to offer visiting cats raw meat as a treat, after all, cats are strict carnivores, and feeding them with raw meat seems only natural.

sausages

Unfortunately, raw meat can carry disease, such as toxoplasmosis. This can be very serious, or may not appear to affect the cat very much (see Toxoplasmosis page here), but the cat can spread it to people including children, where the consequences can be much more serious. Feeding a cat that is not yours might not be the right thing to do, but feeding it raw meat is certainly not the right thing to do.

Finally, another sad potential consequence of feeding is that you may encourage cats to cross roads in order to come to visit and inadvertently increase the risk of them being run over. There are over 300 000 cats killed on the roads in UK each year and we don’t always know why they felt the need to cross this particular road. Getting food seems a pretty good reason, after all, many cats cross roads to head for fields where they can hunt.

crossing

So, what should we do about cats wandering in the neighbourhood? You should decide to do one or two things: First you should not feed any cat, and so avoid any problems linked to feeding them; next you can try to identify if the cats are owned or cared for? Where do they come from? Do they have to cross any road to come and see you? If they are owned, are they in good health and body condition? All this information and strong community contacts may give you the answers you need to make the right decision, and if it is not-owned, then it is better to take it to a rescue centre, where it can be fully cared for. Cat owners can also take measures to ensure that their cats are not put in “feeding- danger”. If they are on a strict diet, they can put a collar with the message “do not feed” on their cat. They can also talk to the neighbours and warn them about their cat’s special needs. Alternatively, if it is felt that it is better to keep it indoors, it must have plenty of stimulation and places to explore, so it doesn’t get frustrated.

vets3

By Dr Naima Kasbaoui and Prof Daniel Mills
University of Lincoln, Animal Behaviour Cognition & Welfare Group.