Fresh air and sunshine make your apartment or condo balcony a perfect spot for your cat to watch the world go by. But before letting your kitty out – you do need to ensure it’s a cat-proof balcony too!

So follow these tips to create a cat-proof balcony for you and your little buddy to enjoy together. (Including setting up a virtual fence, or a “safe zone” around your house – aka, the smart, affordable option if a physical fence isn’t an option.)

cat

Find out where your cat spends their time.

 Read more

What to consider when cat proofing your balcony

Before you allow your cat onto the balcony of your apartment or condo, look at your balcony space with fresh eyes – the eyes of a cat, in particular.

Now if you were a cat, would you be able to…

  • Leap onto the railing and walk it like a tightrope?
  • Or squeeze through the railing?

If the answer is yes to either of these questions, you’ll need to modify your balcony before allowing kitty outside. But first, think about a few issues that could affect the end result.

Are there any tenant restrictions you should be aware of?

Does your building allow pets? It’s best to get this squared away before you begin cat proofing the balcony. If your cat starts hanging out on your newly-modified balcony, the neighbors are sure to see your little furball basking in some rays and the building management may be alerted. So just make sure to check your rental agreement or Home Owners’ Association (HOA) literature to see if pets are allowed.

💡 Also check if there are restrictions on what can be left out on your balcony and if any temporary alterations, such as adding balcony netting, are permitted.

Will the cat proofing changes be permanent?

Before you approach the HOA or your landlord, try to have a rough idea of the modifications you are proposing. Are you actually:

  • Building a barrier
  • Attaching materials to the walls,
  • or altering the railing with hardware?

If so, these could be considered permanent changes and may not be allowed by your building’s management. On the other hand, attaching some clear plexiglass panels or cat netting with heavy duty cable ties might be OK. If you find out that modifying your balcony is not permitted in your building, it’s still possible to get your kitty outside safely – which we cover a little further below.

Making the space safe

Safety is number one when planning your cat-proof balcony. No one wants to consider the devastating results if your cat slips and falls while perched on the balcony railing or leaps out after a flitting bird. 

Clean up the balcony in advance of cat proofing to create a “blank slate” as a starting point for cat proofing your balcony. Now you can reimagine the balcony and make it just right for you and your cat to enjoy together.

  • Remove plants toxic for cats
    Including lilies, tomato plants, poinsettias, aloe vera, peace lilies, and many common houseplants. Learn which plants are poisonous to cats and avoid keeping them in your apartment, your condo, or on the balcony. If you really want to have plants in your balcony space, consider hanging plants which can be placed where your cat cannot reach them.
  • Remove bug repellents and torches
    As these can also be toxic to cats
  • Close off or move garbage and unnecessary furniture
    If you keep your household trash bin on the balcony, think of a new place to store it. You don’t want your cat messing around in the garbage can, or tangling with the creatures that are attracted to your garbage.

Sealing off the balcony

The first step in making your balcony safe for your cat is to make it impossible for your cat to exit the balcony (other than going back into the apartment or condo through the doorway). You can make the balcony safe by sealing it off with cat netting, plexiglass panels, fencing, or mesh panels.

Cat balcony netting

Is there a roof over the balcony? (This might not be an actual roof, but it could be the underside of your upstairs neighbor’s balcony.) If so, you can hang lightweight waterproof netting on overhead hooks and allow it drape down into your balcony space to create a cat enclosure.

  • Attach the netting with heavy duty cable ties to your own balcony railing.
  • To be extra safe, attach the lower edge of the cat netting all along the base of the railing.
  • This will keep your cat from ducking underneath and slipping through the rails.

And voila, you have a cat-proof balcony!

A cat sitting by a mesh enclosure

Even though the balcony netting is soft, cats will perceive it as a barrier and most likely not attempt to get though the netting or jump on it. Cats generally avoid unstable surfaces like this. 

The benefit of balcony netting is that it’s inexpensive and easy to install with cable ties. The breeze passes through the netting, and you and your cat can still take in the view. Black netting will be less visible than other color options, both for you as you look outward, and for the neighbors as they view your balcony from the outside. 

Plexiglass panels

If your balcony is enclosed by a railing rather than a solid wall, you can attach clear plexiglass panels to the railing with heavy duty cable ties to prevent your cat from squeezing through the uprights.

Have the panels cut to fit the railing sections and drill holes in the corners so you can attach the panels with cable ties. You might want to make the panels extend taller than the railing to make it less likely that your cat will try to leap up and perch on the railing.

    Plexiglass comes in a variety of thicknesses. Choose a thickness that will remain rigid after being installed. If the plexiglass is too thin, it may bow or sag and create possible escape routes for your cat. 

    Bamboo or reed fence

    Another option for covering a balcony railing is bamboo or reed fencing. You can purchase rolls of this material at home improvement stores.

    A bamboo fence balcony

    Just take the fencing home, unroll it, and attach it to your balcony railing with heavy duty cable ties.

    One downside of this material is that it can degrade in the weather, so it’s important to inspect it frequently for decay.

    Cat railing guard

    Commercially-available cloth or plastic mesh netting can be attached to your apartment balcony railing to create a safety net for your cat. This mesh material comes in rolls and is often used to baby proof (or cat proof) stairway railings in homes. 

    Make the balcony cozy for cats

    Once you have the balcony safe and sealed off, it’s time to add the finishing touches to create the perfect hangout for you and your feline friend.

    • Choose cat-friendly plants
      Like spider plants, African violets, marigolds, and bird’s nest ferns.
    • Plan ahead for your cat chewing on any plants
      You could buy lawn grass in a shallow pot, sprinkle a bit of grass seed, and drape a lightweight cloth over it, so your cat won’t use it as a litter box. Lawn grass is generally safe for cats to eat, and it may help with digestion.
    • Place cushions on the furniture or floor
      So your cat has a place to rest in both sunny and shady spots.
    • Cover the floor with an outdoor rug
      Ideally one that’s easy to clean and dries quickly after the rain.
    • Add a litter box in the corner
      Especially if your cat spends several hours each day on the balcony
    • Add a perch
      Like a cat condo, but avoid any carpeted options as they could attract mildew. Keep the condo far from the balcony railing.
    • Keep food and water bowls around
      Sunbathing can really work up an appetite in your cat, so keep some kibble and fresh water in bowls on the balcony. Change the water in the bowl daily.

    More ideas for keeping your cat safe on the balcony

    There’s a lot to consider as you prepare your apartment or condo balcony for your cat to enjoy. Here are a few more tips to keep your cat safe.

    • Keep tall furniture away from the railing
      Like any tables or chairs for your lunch or morning coffee. Avoid giving your cat any opportunity to test their jumping prowess.
    • Remove any “twirly” decorations
      Like bird feeders or wind chimes that might tempt your cat to lunge out at them.
    • Don’t let your cat on the balcony unsupervised
      There’s always a chance they might wriggle out – so it’s always better you accompany them outside.

    And if your cat does escape…

    Whether it’s a bird flying overhead, another cat on another balcony, or just on a whim – there are a thousand and one reasons your cat might attempt to escape from your balcony. (Without 100% thinking things like height and gravity through.) So whether you’ve been able to cat-proof your balcony or not – it always makes sense to plan ahead for an emergency.

    💡 With a cat GPS tracker, you can set up a “safe zone” around your house – and get an escape alert to your phone if your cat sneaks past it. (Via the balcony or elsewhere.)

    cat wearing tractive gps cat tracker, app screen tractive virtual fences

    Set Up A Virtual Fence

    What if I can’t cat proof my balcony? Can I still bring my cat outside?

    If your HOA or rental agreement does not allow you to modify your apartment or condo balcony in any way (or you are not the DIY type), don’t give up. There are still options for getting your kitty outside onto the balcony. 

    Use a dog crate

    If you can’t seal off or cat proof your balcony, place a large wire dog crate on the balcony. Carry your cat securely out of the apartment or condo. Put them directly in the crate and latch the door.

    • Lay a few cushions or a small rug in the crate along with some food and water.
    • Position the crate so it’s half in the sun and half in the shade.
    • If your balcony is fully in the sun, hang a towel partially over the top of the crate to create some shade.
    • Add a water bowl and some kibble, and your kitty can now safely enjoy the outdoors.
    A cat sitting by a crate next to a window

    Build a small catio

    Take the dog crate concept one step further and build a small catio on your balcony. A catio is a free-standing, enclosed outdoor structure, similar to a mini screened porch. Consider placing a catio on your apartment or condo balcony for a fully secure and safe cat enclosure.  You can buy a catio kit, design and build your own, or purchase a pre-made catio that fits your balcony space.  

    Make the catio comfy for your cat with food, water, cushions, a litter box, and outdoor rugs. Unlike any permanent cat proofing alterations made to your balcony, a catio can be disassembled and brought to your next home if you decide to move. 

    Read more: Catio: What makes the perfect outdoor enclosure for your cat

    Common safe cat balcony questions

    Will cats jump off a balcony?

    Cats are incredibly lithe and athletic, but they cannot overcome gravity. Cats do not always land on their feet, especially after falling from a great height. And nope, sadly, they do not have nine lives.

    A cat sitting on the edge of a window overlooking a parking lot

    So yes, cats can and do fall from balconies. Whether they leap at a passing butterfly or lose their footing while perched on the railing, the result is the same – severe injury or even death.

    How to prevent cats from slipping through the railing?

    These simple, low-cost modifications can help to prevent a cat from slipping through the railing uprights.

    • Netting is the simplest option. Be sure to attach it securely above and below the railing.
    • Plexiglass panels will work while providing an unobstructed view.
    • Mesh cloth, or bamboo fencing can prevent a slip if you attach them using heavy duty cable ties.

    What do I do if I find my cat missing from my balcony?

    In a nutshell: the sooner you begin your search, the better. Cats don’t tend to wander too far away from home. But if you live by a street with passing cars, there’s no end to the dangers they might face. Follow our steps on how to find a lost cat to bring yours home as soon as possible.

    Start your search by checking indoors – under every nook and cranny, if necessary. Cats have a tendency to hide in the weirdest spots. (Including ones that are difficult to squeeze out of or escape from. And from where you might not hear them crying out for help.)

    💡 A cat GPS tracker helps you prevent your cat from getting lost in the first place. The Tractive GPS includes real-time tracking to help you follow your cat’s every step – as they make their every step.

    A cat looking out a window to the street

    “We originally bought Tractive to use it at the cottage, where our cat likes to roam freely. It worked perfectly and gave us peace of mind. We decided to keep it on when we returned home to keep track of our cat’s wellness.

    Two days later, as night fell, our poor cat fell from the balcony.

    If she wasn’t wearing her tracker, we may have never found her, as she walked quite far from our flat and hid in the bushes. We now only take the tracker off to charge it.”

    – Tereza, CV (Source : Trustpilot)

    Dark Blue Tractive GPS Cat Tracker Mini packaging

    Know everywhere your cat goes

    See where they are in real-time, no matter how far they go. Get alerts if they roam too far home. Find out where they’ve been and discover their favorite spots. Let others track with you.

    Discover Tractive GPS

    For more tips, here’s a video covering how cat netting might work for a balcony or window:

    And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.