Cat netting and the windUpdated 2 hours ago
Cat netting and wind: What you need to know
A note on wind ratings
Our cat containment netting products are not engineered or certified to a specific wind load rating. The guidance in this article is general in nature and you remain responsible for assessing conditions and making decisions based on your own circumstances.
In most everyday conditions your installation will handle the breeze without issue. That said, it pays to be prepared for sudden strong wind events — conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly, particularly in coastal or elevated locations.
Does cat netting catch much wind?
Our netting captures only around 11% of wind, making it far more forgiving in breezy conditions than a solid panel or shade cloth would be. That said, we still recommend securing or taking down standalone structures like cat runs in severe weather events, as extreme conditions can place unexpected load on any structure.
Do I need to take my cat netting down in strong winds?
Unlike sports or event netting, most cat containment systems are semi-permanent installations designed to stay in place. However, if an extreme or prolonged storm is forecast — particularly one with gusts over 60–70 km/h — it is worth inspecting your setup beforehand and securing any loose sections. Temporary spans of netting or standalone structures like cat runs should be checked and anchored ahead of severe weather.
How do I secure my setup ahead of a storm?
Check that all attachment points — cable ties, clips, hooks, or tensioning systems — are firmly in place and not showing signs of fatigue or stretch. For standalone cat run enclosures, ground pegs work well on grass or soft ground. On hard surfaces like concrete or decking, anchor to a fixed structure with rope or use weighted bases. Where possible, reduce surface area by securing any loose overhangs of netting that might catch the wind.
Does mesh size affect how the netting handles wind?
Yes. Larger mesh openings allow more wind to pass through freely, which reduces the load on the structure and anchor points. Smaller, denser mesh catches more wind — the added weight of the material offsets this slightly, but in genuinely strong conditions the difference is meaningful. If your installation uses small mesh netting and is in an exposed location, this is worth factoring into how you secure it.
I live near the coast — will salt air damage my netting?
Wind in coastal areas can carry salt air into your setup over time. This is unlikely to cause issues in the short term, but prolonged salt exposure will accelerate corrosion on any metal fittings, cable ties, hooks, or frame sections. Periodically rinsing your hardware and frame with fresh water — especially after stormy weather — will noticeably extend the life of your installation. Our netting materials are UV-stabilised and handle coastal conditions well, but the metal components need the most attention.
How does weather exposure affect the netting over time?
Wind stress places repeated load on the mesh and attachment points, while UV exposure gradually weakens mesh fibres over time. Together these effects mean that an older installation can fail more easily than a fresh one, even in conditions that previously caused no problems. We recommend checking your netting periodically — and especially after any heavy wind event — for signs of fraying, brittleness, or weakening at the edges and tie points. Catching early deterioration means you can replace sections before they become a safety issue for your cat.
Does positioning my installation matter?
Placement is worth thinking about at setup time. A run or enclosure in a sheltered spot — away from the most exposed aspects of the yard and set back from fences or neighbouring properties — will experience less wind load and, in the unlikely event of a failure, is less likely to cause damage nearby. Where you can, avoid positioning standalone runs in fully exposed aspects with no windbreak.