Many cat owners wonder if it is safe to let their feline friends out on the balcony. On one hand, balconies provide cats with stimulating outdoor access and fresh air. However, balconies also pose potential hazards that concerned owners should consider.
In one tragic story, a cat owner recounts how their beloved tabby cat Miyu fell from their 12th floor balcony while chasing a pigeon. Despite rushing her to the emergency vet, Miyu sadly did not survive the traumatic injuries sustained in the fall. Stories like this spark the question – are our balconies putting our cats at risk?
Balcony Hazards
Balconies can pose several dangers to cats if not properly secured. One of the biggest risks is falls. Cats are naturally curious and may jump up on balcony railings or attempt to chase birds and other prey, potentially leading to dangerous falls from upper floors. According to PetMD, falls account for up to 90% of high-rise injuries in pets.
Cats can also get body parts stuck between balcony railings when trying to squeeze through or jump between them (PetMD). Their heads and paws can get caught, leaving them trapped outside and susceptible to falls or predators. Proper spacing between railings is important.
Ingesting toxic plants is another potential danger if poisonous varieties are kept on the balcony. Common houseplants like lilies, poinsettias, and philodendrons can be highly toxic to cats. Make sure any plants are cat-friendly. Sources PetMD
Preventing Falls
One of the biggest risks for cats on balconies is falling. Balconies are often high up, so a fall can lead to severe injuries or even death. To prevent falls, cat owners have a few options:
Balcony enclosures like screens or netting can help block cats from being able to go near or through railings and fall. According to Cat’s Best, special cat nets are available in different colors and mesh sizes. It’s important to choose a sturdy net that cats can’t claw through or get their heads stuck in.
Avoid having any furniture, shelves, or other items near the balcony railing that cats could potentially climb up on and jump over. Keeping the immediate railing area clear can remove the temptation for cats to get near the edge.
Proper supervision is always important when cats are on balconies. Pay attention and try to stop or distract cats from jumping up on railings or exhibiting behavior that could lead to accidental falls.
Toxic Plants
Many common houseplants are toxic to cats if ingested, including lilies, aloe vera, begonias, and jade plants. Lilies are extremely toxic to cats and even small ingestions can cause kidney failure [1]. The entire lily plant is poisonous to cats, including the leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in the vase. Just chewing on a leaf or flower petal is enough to cause poisoning in cats. Symptoms of lily poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and kidney failure.
Aloe vera contains compounds called saponins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in cats [2]. Jade plants contain toxic compounds that can cause vomiting, decreased heart rate, and depression when ingested by cats. Begonias contain solanine, a compound that is toxic to cats. Ingestion causes painful gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting.
It’s important to identify and remove any toxic plants from areas accessible to cats. Cats are very curious and may chew on houseplants out of boredom or to aid with hairball relief. Toxic plant ingestion can be life-threatening, so prevention is crucial.
Balcony Enclosures
One of the most effective ways to safely allow cats outside access on apartment balconies is by installing a cat-proof balcony enclosure. There are several types of enclosures available including mesh netting, metal fencing, and full catio structures.
Mesh netting or metal fence panels can be installed along the perimeter of the balcony railing to prevent cats from jumping over or slipping through. These barriers come in a variety of heights and can be customized to fit any balcony space. According to protectapet.com, mesh netting is a lightweight and affordable option, while metal panels provide a more heavy-duty and decorative look.
For a more permanent enclosure, full catio kits can be purchased or custom built to fully enclose the balcony. Pre-designed catio kits like those from Habitat Haven can be an easy install option, often including panels, shelves, and ramps to create an enriching outdoor space. Custom catios allow full customization of size and materials to match any style. Enclosure costs vary greatly based on materials and installation but can range from $100 for DIY mesh barriers to $5000+ for high-end custom builds.
Proper installation is key to creating a safe and secure cat balcony enclosure. Permanent structures may require landlord approval and professional installation. For DIY options, ensure all edges and seams are tightly secured and unable to be pushed out or pried open by cats. Regular inspection for damage is also advised.
Cat-Proofing the Balcony
There are several ways to cat-proof a balcony to prevent cats from falling or jumping over the edge. One popular method is to install netting around the perimeter of the balcony. Netting allows air flow while keeping cats safely contained. There are specific cat netting products available, or you can use plastic mesh fencing material. The netting should be secured tightly and checked regularly for holes or loose spots.
It’s also important to make toxic houseplants and flowers on the balcony inaccessible to cats. Certain common plants like lilies are extremely poisonous to cats if ingested. Use hanging planters that cats can’t access or place toxic plants in a fully enclosed greenhouse area of the balcony.
Blocking potential hideaways is another way to cat-proof a balcony. Cats may try to crawl under furniture or into tight spaces, so seal off areas under benches or block gaps between planters. Applying double-sided tape or anti-cat repellent spray to furniture edges can also deter cats from hiding in risky spots.
Supervision
Supervising your cat while they are on the balcony is the most important safety precaution. Cats should never be left unaccompanied on a balcony, as they can jump off or get into dangerous situations when unsupervised.
Accompany your cat on the balcony, keeping them either on a leash and harness or within arm’s reach at all times. Leashes will prevent jumping and falling, and being near your cat allows you to intervene if they start displaying pre-fall behavior like staring at birds. One cat owner said “Definitely cat-proof the balcony (get safety netting) or don’t let the cat on the balcony. I’ve seen so many cases of cats jumping from balconies when owners thought it would ‘just be for a minute'” (Source). Supervision and accompanying cats on balconies is key to preventing tragedy.
Enriching Your Cat’s Environment
Keeping your indoor cat mentally and physically stimulated is crucial for their health and happiness. Lack of enrichment can lead to boredom, stress, anxiety, obesity and behavior issues. Enrichment provides cats with mental stimulation and allows them to act on their natural instincts to hunt, forage and play. There are many simple ways to enrich your cat’s environment inside your apartment.
Playing interactive games with wand toys, balls, and laser pointers is an easy way to engage your cat’s natural hunting instincts and provide exercise. Rotate toys frequently to keep them interesting. Puzzles and treat balls add mental stimulation by rewarding your cat’s natural foraging behavior. Place treats or kibble inside puzzle feeders or hide around the apartment for your cat to “hunt.” Providing scratching posts, cat trees, and climbing surfaces utilizes your cat’s natural scratching and climbing instincts. Consider setting up a “catio” enclosure on your balcony for safe outdoor access.
You can also enrich your cat’s environment by providing fresh cat grass, catnip, and safe nontoxic houseplants for them to interact with. Feeding them through puzzle balls/boxes and in different locations engages their curiosity. Setting up birdfeeders outside windows or playing bird sounds provides sensory stimulation. Using Feliway pheromone plugins can help relieve stress. The key is providing a variety of enriching activities to prevent boredom. See sources like The Drake Center and Preventive Vet for more enrichment ideas.
Conclusion
In summary, apartment balconies can be safe for cats with proper precautions. The most important things are preventing falls, removing hazards, providing supervision, and enriching the space. Enclosure nets, plexiglass panels, or fencing can help seal off the balcony securely. Eliminate toxic plants and keep garbage and chemicals securely stored. Provide a variety of toys and climbing spaces to keep your cat engaged. And always supervise time on the balcony initially to ensure safety. With some simple cat-proofing, your balcony can become a fun outdoor area for your cat to enjoy.
For cat owners considering a balcony, start by assessing potential fall and opening risks. Seal off any dangerous gaps. Provide climbing and play spaces. Remove any toxic items. And supervise initial time outside. With proper precautions, apartment balconies can become enriching outdoor areas for cats. Just be sure to fully cat-proof the space first.
References
Savvy Cats Team. (2022). Are Outdoor Balconies Safe for Cats? Savvy Cats. https://www.savvy-cats.com/are-outdoor-balconies-safe-for-cats/
RSPCA. (n.d.). Cats and balconies. RSPCA. https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/cats-and-balconies/
Rogers, K. (2020). Balcony safety for cats. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/cat-balcony-safety-554071
McCulloch, A. (2021). Are balconies safe for cats? Feline Living. https://feline-living.com/are-balconies-safe-for-cats/
Hartman, L. (2019). Are balconies safe for cats? Cuteness. https://www.cuteness.com/article/balconies-safe-cats