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Estimating extra wire: Don't forget 1 roll (150m) of wire is included in your kit. This will cover 1/3 acre.
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Area of Block in Acres |
TOTAL Amount of Wire |
|
1/4 acre |
127 metres - 1 roll |
|
1/3 acre |
147 metres - 1 roll |
|
1/2 acre |
180 metres - 2 rolls |
|
1 acre |
255 metres - 2 rolls |
|
2 acres |
360 metres - 3 rolls |
|
3 acres |
441 metres - 3 rolls |
|
4 acres |
509 metres - 4 rolls |
|
5 acres |
570 metres - 4 rolls |
|
6 acres |
623 metres - 5 rolls |
|
7 acres |
673 metres - 5 rolls |
|
8 acres |
720 metres - 5 rolls |
|
9 acres |
763 metres - 6 rolls |
|
10 acres |
853 metres - 6 rolls |
How does it work?
The transmitter box plugs into a standard power outlet out of the weather and it is not waterproof. The boundary wire must make a complete loop with both ends connected to the transmitter. A radio signal travels along the wire and creates a field which becomes the 'Correction Zone'. The width of this can be altered by a dial on the transmitter. The signal is picked up by the cat’s receiver collar as he approaches the edge of this zone. He will hear a warning beep and then receive a static pulse if he does not retreat into his pet area as trained. This mild stimulation is harmless; you have probably felt a similar sensation occasionally from touching a car door or brushing against someone.
The collar level increases if set at level 2 or higher to deter lingering in the 'Correction Zone'. The collar also automatically closes down for 10 seconds if your cat has been in the 'Correction Zone' for more than 25 seconds to allow safe retreat into the pet area.
How old should my cat be?
This is dependent on the breed, usually 16-20 weeks is old enough to start training by one of two methods. Cats are generally cautious by nature of new things in their environment and so learn quickly by themselves to avoid them. Pets must be contained by another method (tied up, penned) until training is completed.
If your cat is used to walking on a lead, training involves 3 sessions of 10 minutes a day for 7-10 days, depending on the nature of your cat. You will teach your cat to retreat on hearing the warning beep and test him using things that would normally tempt him to cross the boundary, until he can be safely left alone. You should reinforce training on a regular basis as required; some cats have a stronger urge to escape than others, especially if they are used to being able to roam the neighbourhood without restriction.
Method Two involves tethering your cat to a long line that will just allow him access to the Correction Zone, under close supervision. Cats naturally retreat from suspicious new things so will he learn quickly to return to his area on hearing the warning beep. Over a few days you will move the line to allow access to other areas along the boundary line, and then test him with things that would normally tempt him to leave the property to ensure the warning beep is respected in all areas.
This system is recommended for healthy animals only, so please consult your vet if you have any concerns about your cat's health (pregnancy, heart condition, medication etc.)
Is it easy to install?
The system is quick and easy to install, an average yard takes less than 4 hours. For an invisible fence, use a spade or lawn edger to make a trench to bury the wire 1-3 inches deep. You can also attach the wire to existing structures, lay it on the ground in thick scrub, or use a combination of methods. To attach the wire to wooden fences it can be stapled, or if it is wire mesh it can be woven in and out or attached with ties.
Driveways are crossed by cutting a shallow groove across the surface, then laying the wire in the groove and caulking over it. Or, you can lay the wire in the expansion joint and caulk over it. Wire can cross beneath gravel by laying it through electrical conduit.
The boundary line is then be temporarily marked with the provided flags to remind your cat where the boundary is for training purposes. These are gradually removed over a few weeks towards the end of your training sessions.
Sample loop layouts
Just a few ideas to get you started. Your transmitter is not waterproof and must be sited indoors near an electrical outlet. Install at least 1m from large metal objects or appliances as these may interfere with the consistency of the signal (metal doors, water heaters, washing machines.) Twisting the wires together will cancel the signal along that stretch of wire and allow your cat to cross safely. When making a double loop the wires must be separated by a minimum of 1 ½ m to avoid cancelling the signal. Running the wire parallel to electrical cables, wires, antennas and satellite dishes will result in signal interference. If you must cross, do so at a 90 degree angle. Corners should be always be rounded for a consistent signal.
Take care to exclude access to trees, sheds and structures inside the boundary which would enable your cat to climb up out of the signal reach and jump over the wire. |