How to Cat Proof a Balcony with These Easy Solutions

Having a patio with a cat-door is essential if you live above the second floor. Additionally, if you live in a busy area, you do not want to have your cat escape over the balcony railing!

So, let's look at how to complete your balcony with a safe environment for cats. Before diving into the best options, we will look at some important considerations for making a cat-friendly space.

Image Credit: Capuski, Istockphoto

What to Consider for a Cat Proof Balcony

The Balcony Itself

First, consider the type of balcony you have. Generally, it will be easier to enclose a covered balcony than an open-air one. If you have a uncovered balcony, keep your cat inside.

HOA/Renter Restrictions

Some tasks require a little bit of self-assembly. Just drilling a few holes will be involved, but be sure to check with local authorities beforehand.

Additionally, some HOA agreements could prohibit you from placing certain items on your balcony, or even from letting cats outside at all. Check your agreement before making changes to your balcony.

Temporary or Permanent Solution

Will your cat be able to use the balcony freely or will you be restricting its access when you are not there? If so, you can set up a temporary fencing solution, such as a folding screen.

How to Cat Proof an Apartment Balcony

1. Plexiglass panels

Plexiglass panels are a good choice for beginning setups because they are strong and offer reliable protection. You will need to drill some holes in the panels and then zip-tie them to the railing. While this is somewhat more work than others, it should work well for renters.

It will be easiest to attach the panels to metal railings rather than concrete walls. It will also work best on covered balconies, so you'll have 2 points of attachment.

2. Furniture placement

One of the least expensive and most convenient ways to cat-proof your home is to move your furniture. Unlike dogproofing a balcony, it's probably more difficult to cat-proof a balcony. For starters, cats are better jumpers and can jump much further.

If this isn't an option, it might be worthwhile to fold up furniture to save it for future use.

3. Bamboo or reed fence

Bamboo or reed fencing can be used instead of a normal railing or wall for your cat's balcony. You can create this barrier higher so the pet won't be able to jump over it. Of course, using reed fencing means you will lose your view, but in return, you will be able to gain privacy!

This will work great over patios or balconies that are covered or uncovered, so long as the fencing is tall enough to mount the apparatus. Secure it to a nearby railing with zip ties, but you may have to be creative with a wall. Adhesive hooks should be used to fasten the fence because the zip ties are easy to detach.

4. Cat-friendly plants

Cats sometimes enjoy eating plants. As such, building a cat-proof balcony is about more than simply preventing them from escaping. Make sure your cat doesn't eat any poisonous plants.

Also, don't give cats things such as tomatoes and potatoes because they're very poisonous to them.

5. Stop them from getting on the railing

Sometimes, you have to be strict to be friendly. Bird or cat spikes are one of the simplest ways to deter cats from jumping on a railing of a balcony. While they might not be aesthetically pleasing, they are among the most effective methods for detecting a railing.

Of course, this can be used to keep cats away from your balcony. Spikes are easily installed and are safe for the cat, but they are unpleasant and difficult to traverse.

6. Balcony netting

Balcony netting is easy to install and remove, and you can simply use hooks for this. Unlike plexiglass, you can set it up rapidly and effortlessly. Railing netting often includes additional pieces for setting it up, too. Any railing netting is fine.

This works well on covered balconies, as you can then attach the netting to the roofing rafters. If your balcony is not covered, use fences or other firm supports to prevent people from falling off the ledge.

7. Cat unfriendly plants

You can use some plants to prevent cats from going to particular things. We don't suggest toxic plants, but there are many unscented plants that are too unpleasant for cats.

Some options include rosemary, lavender, and curry plant. Cats hate the smell, so they serve as excellent deterrents for a cat-proof balcony.

8. Enclosing your balcony

Alternatively, you could set up a rigid screen that is affixed to a frame. This would work for both covered and uncovered balconies, however it would take more work to install the latter. The job also requires a heavier kit of protective gear, so it is not suitable for renters.

9. Lock up garbage and compost

It is not surprising if your pet isn't a dumpster diver. Rats and mice are, and we all know how much cats like chasing them. Keeping cats from wandering into your balcony will help prevent your cat from being startled and may lower the likelihood that it will jump over the railing.

Metal containers are ideal options because they're heavy and chew-proof. Avoid using plastic containers, as rodents can easily gain access to them. Keep trash cans and compost bins elevated on tables with legs that are not parallel to the top. Rats are unable to climb these containers, keeping your trash and balcony compost containers safe from contamination.

10. Cat friendly furnishings

Making a cat-proof balcony is not necessarily about preventing escape. Another effective way is to make sure they don't go anywhere. You can accomplish this by giving them a lot of soft and comfortable places to sleep.

Provide your cat lots of pillows and blankets so it has a place to rest. Be sure to also place them outside in the sun as much as possible.

Granted, they won't prevent them from attempting to escape, but giving them an incentive to remain is often as successful as providing them access to a balcony.

11. Make a catio

A catio is a patio for cats. Infuriatingly, it also means setting up a smaller enclosed area just for your cats. If you have a cat flap in your door, this is very easy to do.

Any form of netted enclosure will work well here. Place it so your feline can get to it but not access other balcony areas. Provide food and water bowls, a bed, and a toy for your cat, and he will be content.

Final Thoughts on How to Cat Proof a Balcony

Hopefully, these tips can help you design the ideal cat-proof balcony. It's more about comfort than it is preventing them from escaping. A warm place to sleep is often all that is required for most individuals to be happy.