Cat yards enable felines to safely frolic in the sun without the possibility of becoming lost, hit by a car, poisoned, or being attacked by a roaming animal. Many people take their cats out to exercise and play, just like dogs. Or you can build an area where your cat can be outside and still be safe.

1. Use any sturdy fencing, built tight to the ground so the cat can’t slip underneath.
2. The crucial top treatment: sturdy fencing or wire mesh overhanging the inside of the cat yard to prevent the cat from climbing up and out.
3. Don’t ignore shrubs and trees. Prune or screen off branches that may serve as escape routes.

Detailed plans for building a cat proof fence are available from Alley Cat Allies, Box 397, Mount Rainier, MD 20712 (301) 699-0144.

But, remember, even with a safe outdoor enclosure, cats belong in the house with you most of the time — and certainly at night!