Ever had the cat-chasing-the-canary moment? When, as the cat owner, you realize the cat has a way of getting everything it wants on the balcony – and you don’t even notice? Like the time your cat got into the balcony through an open window, or when the cat jumps onto the balcony and gets access to the balcony from the balcony door. That moment when you realize all cat owners face it too: their cat has gained access to balconies that were not cat-proofed, which may result in your cat jumping onto balconies and chasing birds away from the balcony or preventing them from accessing fresh air.
This blog will tell you how to cat-proof balconies and keep your kitty safe while enjoying the fresh air. It will cover preparatory steps before embarking on balcony cat proofing like creating a safe space for your kitty to play and get fresh air.
Is Balcony Cat-Proofing Necessary?
Cat-proofing balconies are the process of following safe and effective cat safety guidelines to keep your cat safe on balcony rails and other surfaces. Without the correct precautions, cats can easily jump over balcony railings and cause serious injury. It is essential to keep your cat safe on balconies, especially if it’s a cat with a history of jumping.
You can cat-proof balcony railing with cat-friendly netting or mesh. Another option is a cat-proof balcony screen, which is made of a durable material designed to keep cats safe on balconies without obstructing views from indoors. If you don’t have the budget for cat-friendly netting or mesh, you can create a safe enclosure around the railing using wire mesh or chicken wire.
Another way to cat-proof balconies is by using a leash and harness. Cats are more likely to stay within their enclosure when they are restrained, so this approach is also effective for training your kitty not to jump on balconies.
Finally, it’s recommended to cat-proof balconies based on the building regulations in your area. This will ensure safety and prevent any damage caused by cats jumping on the railing.
Preparing Your Balcony for Cat-Proofing
When cat-proofing a balcony, it’s important to consider the factors that could make your outdoor space unsafe for feline companions, such as the type of railing, the amount of space available, and the materials used. Of course, you should also speak with your landlord about acceptable cat-proofing materials. Some good options include cat-proof netting or mesh, patio screens, and cat-safe grilles. If you have a Juliet balcony, you can also opt for a metal screen door or polypropylene netting that is weatherproof and durable.
Finally, it’s important to keep cats safe and secure by ensuring they have access to fresh water and food without fear of injury from netting or other safety measures. As always, be sure to follow all safety guidelines when keeping cats outdoors.
Keeping Your Cat Safe While On The Balcony
Using a cat-proof balcony is a great way to keep your feline friend safe and secure while on the balcony. To keep your cat safe, there are a few tips you can follow. One of the most important factors is the balcony railing. Make sure the railings are cat-proof and sturdy enough to prevent the cat from falling off the balcony. Another tip is to use a net or mesh to cover the balcony railing. This will provide the cat with safety and protection from the outside world.
Additionally, it is essential to check window and balcony railings periodically for any cracks or rattling noises. This will help prevent your cat from stumbling and falling down the rails, which could result in serious injury or death. It is also vital to keep windows and balcony doors closed when away from home. This will help prevent the cat from being exposed to harmful elements such as wind, rain, and UV rays, which could result in harm.
Additionally, it is vital to familiarize yourself with plants that are safe for cats and remove any that are not safe. This will help ensure your cat’s safety while on the balcony.
Plant Cat-Friendly Greenery
If you have a cat-friendly balcony, it’s important to take safety precautions to ensure your cat’s safety. When cat-proofing your balcony, consider cat-napping plants that could cause harm or injury to your feline friend. This includes poisonous plants like rhododendrons and azaleas as well as plants with spines or sharp edges that could injure a cat. These plants are not safe for cats to play with or get inside of their bodies.
Also, make sure to check the safety of any balconies or pergolas that your cat frequents using the safety netting provided by the balcony association. Keep any watering cans containing residual fertilizer or pesticides out of reach of cats. Finally, if you’re planning on planting cat-friendly greenery, consider looking for weatherproof polypropylene materials instead of fabrics. The materials won’t allow harmful sunlight to reach the plants and can help keep cats safe and secure while they enjoy the fresh air of their balcony.
Provide Access to Water and Playtime
If you own a balcony, it’s important to cat-proof the surrounding area to keep your feline friend safe and secure. One of the best ways to do this is by providing access to water and playtime. This helps cats stay happy and healthy, and minimizes the chance of negative interactions with balconies. You can also use toys and plants to provide your cat with fun and safe opportunities to interact outside.
Another vital step is to make balcony enclosures secure. This includes installing a cat net or other secure enclosure. This helps ensure that your cat cannot fall off the balcony, which could be an accident or a potential death risk. Finally, you must be vigilant and ensure that all items on balconies are secure and not hazardous to cats. Additionally, you must be sure that balconies are cat-friendly and safe for your kitty to play on without any potential hazards or dangers.
Conclusion
It is evident that balconies are the perfect place for felines to relax and enjoy the fresh air. However, balconies must be cat-proofed to ensure the safety of both you and your cat. Besides the greenery mentioned above, balconies must also be secured using other security measures such as security grills, window-openers, and locks. All of this help keep unwanted intruders out of the space while ensuring your cat’s safety. If you want a feline friend by your side, comment below with suggestions on how to cat-proof balcony walls.
