Cat-proofing your balcony: All tips

Do cats really need to be able to go outside, or can they be perfectly happy without it? This question is the subject of a hot debate among cat fans. So, what’s actually better for our furry feline friends? Are you wondering whether you should let your cat out onto your balcony – do cats even need to go out? Is it a sensible alternative for feline couch potatoes? And if it’s not possible for your cat to roam freely in its own territory, can it at least go out onto the balcony?

Even indoor stalwarts who’ve never been outdoors will be curious and eager to venture outdoors. – Why? Free-range cats get to enjoy daily life outside the familiar four walls of their home every day, giving them a wealth of diverse sensory experiences. House cats, on the other hand, have to come to terms with a much smaller and very human-influenced living space. In other words, a breath of fresh air on the balcony is a welcome change!

Balconies that haven’t be made safe and secure for your cat can be dangerous – and possibly even life-threatening! A cat that jumps or falls from a balcony can be seriously injured. We all know that cats are acrobats and have nine lives, but they won’t have a tenth life if they fall down from high up and possibly break their necks. Only everlet your cat out onto your balcony if you’ve properly secured it first!

Do you have plants on your balcony? If so, you should check to make sure they’re suitable for your cat. In other words, there are certain plants that can be harmful to cats! You should remove all poisonous plants from your balcony and replace them with cat-friendly alternatives. Cat grass, for example! Cats love a chill-out zone with special cat grass on the balcony. 

To make your balcony “escape-proof”, you might want to use a cat net. Special cat nets for balconies are available in different colours and mesh sizes – from very small to very large (20 – 50 mm). It’s better to choose a smaller mesh size so that your furry friends aren’t able to slip through. You should make sure the net is made of high-quality material and free of harmful substances. It should also be UV-resistant and, above all, tear- and bite-resistant!

There are various ways of setting up your cat net. The type of mounting you choose depends on whether you want to – and whether you’re allowed to – use a drill:

– use screws and/or hooks to attach the cat net to the wall, ceiling and floor of your balcony, or

– use tensioning or telescopic rods to attach the cat net between the balcony ceiling and the balcony floor.

If you don’t feel confident enough to do this by yourself, you can leave the installation to a professional. In that case, you’ll have to pay for the installation and travel costs in addition to the price of the net.

When indoor cats disappear, it’s usually through an open door, over an unsecured balcony or via a tilted window. And when these indoor cats manage to get outside, it’s possible for them to become easily overwhelmed, simply because of all the unfamiliar sensory input. For this reason, if you have any tilt windows in your house, you should always make sure to protect your cat by visiting a specialist shop and purchasing an extra grid, net or roller blind that you can install at the angles, sides and top.

Would you like to make your balcony safe for your cat without using a cat net? There are alternatives. For example, you could also install a balcony enclosure or a wire grid. Unfortunately, if the wire mesh is very small, this will significantly restrict your cat’s view. And let’s face it; your cat should be able to keep their eyes on their surroundings! You could also make your balcony safe and secure by using Plexiglas panes.

If you don’t want to use a cat net, you can also use Plexiglas to make your balcony safe for your cat. Just install Plexiglas panels to fit the exact shape and size of your balcony. These panels are easy to take down again if and when you move. Please note: If you’re renting your flat, make sure to check with your landlord before you install any Plexiglas on your balcony, as most buildings require that you get permission to build anything on the exterior.

A balcony that’s both super safe and lots of fun for cats – doesn’t that sound like a contradiction in itself? There are many cat owners out there in big cities who are plagued by a guilty conscience for keeping their cats indoors. They often ask themselves whether life in the confines of one flat is even worth living for cats. It definitely can be! That is, if you create the conditions that allow your cat to live according to its nature . How can you furnish your balcony so that your kitty feels comfortable there?

Offer your cat a weatherproof outdoor cat tree on your balcony. It should have different platforms and caves for your cat to climb up and down and play to their heart’s content. Make sure the tree is fixed firmly on a solid base plate and that your cat can play safely without it swaying at the first gust of wind. The horizontal platform surfaces should be washable and made of material specially suited for outdoor use.

We humans love those hot summer days and nights, right? But do our furry friends also love it when the sun burns down in summer? Or do they sometimes find it too much? Don’t forget that it can get dangerous for cats in the blazing sun on the balcony, in particular due to the risk of heat stroke. Be sure to offer your feline a shady spot on the balcony where they can relax.

Your cat will be happy if you set up your own couch, but they’ll be absolutely thrilled if you also provide some comfortable sleeping furniture for them, too. Imagine how great it would be if you could both take a restful nap out on the balcony! For example, you can purchase an outdoor hammock for cats made of weather-proof material and resting on a solid base to ensure stability.

It’s a very natural form of behaviour when cats show they want to relax and be alone. Once again, there are many different reasons why cats do this: for example, when they want some peace and quiet, they retreat to a safe place – preferably with a view of the surrounding territory. Offer your kitty different perspectives on your balcony. Special hideaways and favourite spots where they have a view into the distance, preferably at different heights!

Make sure your balcony only contains plants that are suitable for cats. This might include, for example, horned violets, cat’s chamomander, cornflowers and daisies, all of which are suitable for your feline friend. And if you want make your cat especially happy, plant some catnip for them! If you intend to plant catnip in a container on the balcony, you should use organic soil with organic slow-release fertiliser and place it in an area with plenty of light.