[SusieB]

I am wary of electric fencing, and I know I'm being over cautious, but I would love to have it because it would allow me to leave my hens out all day. 

Do hens feel electric fencing through their feathers?  Or is it just a barrier to them? 

Also I have an elderly cat with a heart murmur.  Is there even the slightest possibility it could hurt him?

[Prod]

I hate to sound sarcastic but yes, the chickens will feel a shock if they touch it with their heads or body. The whole idea of electric fencing is to keep predators out so, as it would give a fair shock to a fox or dog, your cat would definitely feel it too , whether that affected it's condition I could not say but it should deter it from doing it again.  Hope that helps.

[Sassy]

I have successfully used electric fencing with hens and ducks with no noticeable affect. Not been there when they got zapped! I do not know about the affect it could have on your cat, possibly not great 

[tosca100]

We us our's sporadically, if we are going to be out for a while. The cats soon learn to avoid it and seem to know when it's on without touching it. The chooks don't tend to remember but don't go near after a while. Just makes the squawk and run, but then leave it. The goats know when it's on

[SusieB]

I didn't think it was that stupid a questions, as feathers are a very good insulator. 

Thanks for the feed back, I don't think I will risk it because of my cat.  I did ask the vet, who also couldn't give a definite answer.  Not worth the risk for the time being.