Make the balcony cat-proof | The perfect cat proof balcony

 Make the balcony cat-proof

To make your balcony “escape-proof”, you might want to use a cat net. Special cat nets for balconies are available in different colors and mesh sizes From the cat's point of view, being outdoors is certainly the most interesting way to spend the day. But for various reasons it is not possible to give every cat this freedom. In an apartment building in an urban environment with a lot of traffic, it is safer to live indoors. However, free access to a balcony is an excellent compromise for providing the indoor cat with sheltered, open-air entertainment. The keyword here is “protected”: cat-proof your balcony.

Contents:

1. What does the balcony bring to the cat?
2. Why do I need a cat lock for the balcony?
3. Accessories and cat protection on the balcony: what do I have to consider?
4. Cat on balconies: the perfect outdoor space
5. Image: "The perfect oasis for your cat"

What does the balcony bring to the cat?

First of all, an indoor cat is by no means disadvantaged. Provided that she doesn't go outside and that the owner provides the cat-friendly equipment, food and entertainment and wellness program, an apartment kitty can live a cat-friendly, relaxed life in her small territory.

A balcony, however, is a real bonus point that has all sorts of added value for the cat:

• Noises: Birds chirping and children's noise from the playground are exciting impressions for the cat's ear.

• Weather: Wind, warm rays of sunshine, snow - the varied weather makes life exciting for cats.
• Smells: We humans with our poor sense of smell can hardly imagine what smells reach the cat's nose in the open air.

• Observing:  objects like birds, leaves, passers-by, and cars from the balcony is pure cat cinema. If the balcony offers a good lookout, the cat is also challenged intellectually.
• Prey:  A fly buzzes by or the wind plays with a dry leaf? The cat plays along: The unpredictable movements of an object outdoors are more exciting than any stuffed mouse.

But the same applies here: Safety has a top priority. A cat safety device on the balcony is mandatory for cat households.

Why do I need a cat lock for the balcony?

The cat shelter is used to fence off the balcony for the safety of the cat. This prevents spontaneous releases or even falls. Because even if cats have amazing physical agility in terms of sure-footedness and jumping power, climbing the second floor or trips to the roof are dangerous adventures. Depending on the structural requirements, the cat protection also serves as a demarcation to neighboring balconies - this way the kitty does not get into foreign territory without permission. However, the most important function of cat safety is to prevent spontaneous accidents. This can happen if the cat is either startled on the balcony and runs away, or tries to jump after a bird or butterfly. Other weak points are, for example, latticed balcony railings that are too far apart, through which the cat could squeeze. And there is also a risk of injury from the window to the balcony.

Accessories and cat protection on the balcony: what do I have to consider?

This means you use it specifically to secure the balcony depending on the local conditions. But first clarify with the property management whether the attachment of a cat protection is even permitted in your case. Sometimes structural conditions restrict the possibilities, for example when no hooks can be attached or the external appearance of the facade has to be uniform.

Once that has been clarified, you have the choice between different cat fuses:

• Cat net: Such nets are available in different formats and even by the meter. Pay attention to the mesh spacing: 3 to 4 cm for agile, slim cats, 5 cm is sufficient for strong specimens and seniors. The net must be attached in such a way that it completely encloses the balcony or frontally delimits a loggia. The assembly is usually done with hooks and tension belts.
• Privacy protection: If your balcony has a lattice railing with large gaps, you can weave in a bamboo mat as a barrier, for example.
• Window security: Often a window leads to the balcony. Install a window lock so the cat doesn't try to climb out through a tilted window. Tilted windows are extremely dangerous anyway - never leave the animal unattended when airing.
• Cat flap: Cat flaps can even be installed in glass doors with the help of a glazier. For a "balcony cat" a simple mechanical model is sufficient, through which the velvet paw can enter the balcony without a human door opener.

You don't just have to ensure structural safety on the cat balcony. This also applies to the equipment and use: Please do not deposit any plastic bags, rubbish bins, cleaning agents and fertilizers or breakables on the balcony.

Cat on balconies: the perfect outdoor space

To set up a nice wellness oasis for the cat on the balcony, let yourself be inspired:

• Lookout: A raised vantage point on the balcony is very important: an outdoor scratching post or a visually appealing piece of natural trunk is ideal . Pay attention to a solid anchorage!
• Planting: Please only use non-toxic plants for cats on the balcony. Annual climbing plants are suitable for this, which also find a climbing aid in the cat protection net (e.g. nasturtium or hops) and hardy plants such as bamboo or fruit trees. In the balcony boxes you grow herbs, harmless flowers and maybe some catnip. Pesticides and artificial fertilizers are taboo on the cat balcony.
• Cat meadow: Your velvet paw will be particularly happy about a small "pasture". You can grow cat grass, lawn seed or wild flowers in a flat plant bowl or a small wooden box lined with pond liner. A raised bed is ideal on a large balcony; so the cat also has an elevated vantage point.
• Shade:  On a balcony in full sun, the cat must be able to choose between sunbathing and a place in the shade.
• Scratching area:  A  scratching board or a surface covered with sisal for claw care should be available on the balcony.
• Flooring: maybe cover a corner of the balcony with wood or cork tiles. These store heat and the cat likes to lie on them.

The perfect oasis for your cat - make the balcony and terrace cat-friendly

Summer is the loveliest season - and our cats love the summer air too. In this images, we show you how to turn your balcony or terrace into the right cat oasis and give your velvet paws a nice, refreshing and, above all, safe outdoor season.

Outdoor cats - balcony and garden

Indoor cats can also become outdoor cats in summer - in their own garden or balcony. We clarify the most important questions: How do I design my balcony to offer my cat a species-appropriate environment? Which utensils must not be missing under any circumstances and which safety measures must be taken in advance?