The Dangers of Letting Cats on Balconies
Balconies can seem like an ideal place for cats to safely enjoy the outdoors and get some fresh air. However, balconies can also pose serious dangers for our feline friends. An analysis by veterinarians found over 200 cases of cats falling from balconies in a major North American city over 5 years [1]. While cats may be agile and have a strong sense of balance, balconies still present a risk of deadly falls. Owners who care about their cats should think twice before granting them balcony access.
Balcony Dangers for Cats
Balconies can present several dangers for cats that owners should be aware of. One of the biggest risks is that a cat could fall from the balcony. Cats are natural climbers and can get themselves into precarious positions on railings and ledges. A fall from a balcony, even only a few stories up, can lead to severe injuries or even death for a cat.
Another risk is a cat getting stuck between balcony railings or in other tight spaces while trying to climb or jump. As agile as cats are, they may find themselves wedged in an area they cannot get out of. This can lead to injuries, or the cat could panic and fall if they struggle to break free.
Pesticides and other chemicals used on balcony plants or outdoor furniture can also pose a toxicity danger to curious cats if ingested. Owners should be mindful of any hazardous substances kept on balconies that cats could potentially access.
Cat Psychology
Understanding cat psychology is important for assessing the risks of allowing cats on balconies. Cats are extremely curious animals with a strong prey drive that compels them to chase birds, insects, and other small animals. This can lead cats into danger on balconies, as they may become fixated on a potential prey animal and lose awareness of their surroundings.
According to a discussion on Reddit (Cat showing signs of aggression after being on balcony), cats can experience overstimulation and stress from all the sights, sounds, and smells when out on a balcony. Their natural instincts take over, which could result in erratic “zoomies” behavior or aggression once back inside. So cat owners need to be cautious about the psychological impact of balcony access.
The key is supervising cats on balconies and providing enrichment to prevent boredom. But understanding their innate curiosity and prey drive is the first step in evaluating if a cat can be trusted on a balcony without putting themselves in danger.
Balcony Proofing
There are several effective ways to cat-proof a balcony so your feline friend can safely enjoy the fresh air without risk of escape or injury. Installing secure screens or netting around the balcony perimeter is the most foolproof option, as cats cannot climb through small mesh holes or push through a taut barrier. According to Cat’s Best, “You can make your balcony safe for your cat by using a cat net or Plexiglas to render it ‘escape-proof’.”
Mesh or netting screens can be installed by attaching them to balcony railings using zip ties or brackets. Be sure to use heavy-duty netting designed for outdoor use that does not contain large gaps. Products like the Piowet Cat Balcony Rail Net are specifically made for cat-proofing with very small openings. It’s also important to ensure the netting extends fully over the top railing so there are no gaps along the edges. Cardinal Gates Deck Shield Pet Safety Netting is another popular option.
Some pet owners build customized catio enclosures or balcony “catios” using wood frames and wire fencing or mesh. This allows cats to safely enjoy time outdoors while contained in their own space. Catios can be small standalone structures or more elaborate wraparound porch enclosures. The key is using durable materials and construction methods that prevent any possible escapes.
For balconies with railings that have wide vertical bars, products like the Cardinal Gates Clear Banister Guard can fill in gaps. This rigid, shatter-resistant plastic guard installs between railing bars to block access. It’s important to measure the spacing to find a guard that fits snugly with no room for squeezing through.
With proper planning and materials, it’s possible to cat-proof a balcony relatively easily. Paying attention to potential escape routes and covering them securely allows both owner and cat to relax during outdoor time together. As the Catster guide recommends, “You can take many steps to create a cat-proof balcony, but putting up a screen or lattice is going to be the most effective.”
Training Cats on Balconies
While some cats can be naturally cautious on balconies, proper training is crucial to ensure safety. Harness training is an effective method according to wikiHow. Start inside and reward your cat with treats for tolerating the harness. Gradually increase the time spent in the harness. Once comfortable indoors, take your cat outside on a leash and harness. Provide rewards and praise for calm behavior. Slowly introduce the balcony once your cat reliably responds to the leash. Keep sessions short at first.
Direct supervision is required anytime your cat is on the balcony according to experts. Even well-trained cats can get overstimulated or spooked outside. Stay within arm’s reach whenever your cat is on the balcony. Have a firm grasp on the leash in case you need to quickly restrain your cat. Use baby gates, leashes, and harnesses anytime your cat has balcony access. Proper training and precautions allow cats to enjoy balcony time safely.
Cat Breeds and Balconies
When choosing a cat breed for balcony access, it’s important to consider their personality traits. Some breeds tend to be more curious and active, which can pose risks on high balconies. Breeds like Bengals, Abyssinians, and Siamese often have high energy levels and a strong desire to explore, making them less ideal for balcony access.
On the other hand, there are several breeds well-suited to supervised balcony time. For instance, Ragdolls and Persian cats tend to have more relaxed and docile personalities. Breeds like the Sphynx and Devon Rex are affectionate and loyal, making them easier to train to stay close on a balcony.
While breed traits are worth considering, each cat has an individual personality. With proper training and supervision, even active breeds can potentially enjoy safe balcony time.
Balcony Enrichment
There are many ways to enrich a cat’s experience on a balcony to keep them engaged and entertained. According to Protectapet, adding plants, perches, toys and other stimuli can create a stimulating environment for cats on balconies.[1]
Plants provide sensory stimulation and allow cats to engage their natural instincts to rub, nibble or sniff. Cat-safe plants like catnip, catmint and catgrass can be planted in pots on the balcony. Vertical gardens allow maximizing plant real estate. Perches give cats a place to survey their territory, bask in the sun or just relax with a view. Try different levels and materials like wood, rope or cardboard. Rotate toys frequently to fight boredom. Consider interactive toys like treat puzzles or water fountains. Tunnels, scratch pads and playhouses also enrich the space. Customizing the balcony into an interesting habitat keeps cats engaged.
Leaving Cats Alone on Balconies
Leaving cats unattended on balconies can be risky, even for short periods of time. There are several considerations when deciding whether to leave a cat alone outside:
Falling – Cats can accidentally fall off balconies if unsupervised. Kittens and elderly cats may be at higher risk. Installing screens or netting can help prevent falls, but supervision is still ideal.
Escape – Cats left alone may be able to escape or jump off the balcony. This could allow them to get lost outdoors or incur injury from the jump.
Predators – Outdoor cats left unattended can be vulnerable to larger predators. Birds of prey or other wildlife may threaten a cat’s safety.
Theft – In rare cases, an unattended cat could be stolen from a balcony by someone passing by.
Boredom/stress – Cats left alone for long periods without stimulation or company may experience boredom, stress, or behavior problems.
Extreme weather – Cats should not be left exposed to extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow. These can quickly become dangerous.
To minimize risks, cat owners should aim to leave cats unattended for only short intervals. Screens, harness systems, or crates can also help keep cats safe if they must be alone temporarily. But supervision is ideal when allowing balcony access.
Alternatives to Balcony Access
There are several alternatives to allowing cats access to balconies that can provide enriching experiences without the risks. Some popular options include:
Catio
A catio is an enclosed outdoor structure such as a cat patio or cat balcony that allows cats to experience the outdoors safely. Catios can be built with wood, mesh, or plexiglass and can attach directly to the home or balcony. Catios allow cats to get fresh air, sunshine, watch birds, smell new smells, play, and more with no risk of falls or escapes (The Spruce Pets).
Window Perch
Window perches or cat shelves can be installed on windows to give cats a view of the outdoors from inside the home. They allow cats to experience sights, sounds, smells, and fresh air while supervised safely inside. Screens should be installed in windows with perches to prevent any potential falls (Preventive Vet).
Indoor Enrichment
Creating an enriching indoor environment can help satisfy a cat’s needs for exploration and stimulation. This can include providing cat trees, scratching posts, interactive toys, food puzzles, and opportunities for playtime. Rotating toys keeps things interesting for cats. Vertical space, perches, and hiding spots also help cats engage their natural abilities while indoors (ASPCA).
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether cats can be trusted on balconies depends on several factors. Balconies can be dangerous for cats if not properly secured, but cats can also enjoy balcony access with proper training, supervision, and enrichment. Key considerations are cat-proofing the balcony, monitoring the cat initially, providing engagement opportunities, and never leaving cats unattended for long periods. With preparation, most cats can enjoy balcony time safely. However, unsupervised kittens, senior cats, or highly exploratory breeds may be better kept indoors. If balcony access is still desired for these cats, supervised harness training or enclosure use offers safer alternatives. Overall, balconies don’t have to be off-limits, but require planning and vigilance to prevent escapes, falls or injury. By understanding risks, creating a cat-friendly space, and setting rules and limitations, cats can reap physical and mental benefits from enjoying the outdoors from their own home.