Mary Allen
While terraces are often very difficult to secure, especially if they are open to the sky, it is much easier with a balcony.
Even under the same conditions, because nets or grilles “at the top” are less visible and therefore less likely to become a stumbling block if, for example, the landlord objects. In any case, reliable protection is the top priority! In order to be able to design this little piece of luck without falling, you must obtain the consent of the landlord or the community of owners for rented or condominium apartments. If other balconies are already “built-in” in the same way, this shouldn’t be a problem – unless it’s the facade, because the visual “disfigurement” of the decorative side of a house could well meet with little approval.
Peace Offering
If the approval is rather half-hearted or the balcony is only open to the front, a two-/three-part metal sliding grate with bars can be covered by (blooming?) climbing plants. Of course, they hardly climb overnight, so flower boxes or pots can bridge the growth period. If the middle part remains unplanted or (reliably!) only open when Mieze can’t get out, you still have enough light and don’t have to think you’re in the jungle.
Island Behind Bars
If a net or grid is approved but you don’t want to “lock yourself in” you may be able to delimit a sub-area; with this, you have an aviary that is closed at the top. Also covered by vines, a window would suffice for cat access, but when you need to go inside to water flowers, things get a little tricky. So a door to the “people’s area” should be planned.
Tricks 17
If you refuse, you can, if necessary, choose a detachable net that is only attached after dark and then is almost invisible (especially in black or grey). The dowels required for this should not bother the landlord, and you can also hang a few hanging baskets during the day. Make sure, however, that the net is fixed securely on all sides – and also how the cat handles it: those who like to climb also dare to pull up, so it must be closed at the top and/or possibly pulled diagonally to the house wall. In any case, Mieze will find the excursions, which are limited to the night, better than none at all.
It’s Green So Green…
However, if the cat is allowed to enjoy balconies without restrictions, the question arises as to what should grow and bloom in the mini idyll – please find out in detail beforehand whether the plants are suitable for cats in the sense of being non-toxic. Protect the soil of your potted plants with chicken wire and shovel decorative gravel over it – not directly onto the soil, as this will airtight them and cause mold). Mix the decorative gravel with larger stones, because the little things have a high entertainment value for velvet paws… Only use organic fertilizers and only natural sprays. Nevertheless, you should make sure that the cat does not come into contact with it. Also, never spray plants that she likes to nibble on. Of course, more space also means more lawn: A large tub laid out with lawn tiles (don’t forget to water it) will usually last longer than a seeded lawn, at least if the kitty likes to sleep on it and maybe weighs quite a bit. Nothing can grow there… Better are two tubs, which are provided alternatively.
Alternatives To The Balcony
If none of these ideas can be implemented or you find it all too expensive or time-consuming – please NEVER take your kitty on the leash onto the balcony or terrace. Keeping an eagle eye on you all the time is not at all possible, and your cat will certainly not find it funny if it is only allowed to lie under the armchair. With a little more freedom of movement, she would either get tangled up in the leash all the time. Or she dares to jump on or over the parapet, strangles herself, or slips out of the harness because of her weight and sails down the valley! The solution is a rigorous ban on balconies, a net/fly screen insert for the balcony door, and several secured window seats, which also enable safe ventilation. Elevated sleeping places, for example on the scratching post, allow a lookout and the opportunity to soak up the air and sun. And if you can donate a private lawn in the form of a flower box, that’s a good alternative.