Cat Chat Feline Forum

Hii,

Misty is an indoor cat living in an apartment on the 1st floor. She enjoys going out on the balcony to watch the world go by while also sun bath. She would happily spend hours out there entirely unsupervisrd with no fear of her attempting to jump off either from the table/chair we have or through the railings, though she is a little on the "fluffy" side to fit through the railings.

Lately however a neighbourhood cat has been walking quite close to the balcony on the ground below, which agitates misty, even when not on the balcony but looking out the window. While initially I was concerned, it hasnt been a problem as Misty's personal space ie balcony/apartment hasnt been threatened, as she makes herself as big as possible and the other cat just continues walking. There are a number of cats in the area, who Misty is happy enough it seems for them to walk through the carpark&football field adjacemt to our apartment with no signs of defensive postures/positions from either Misty or fairly distant cats

The past few nights Misty has been extremely agitated / anxious whenever at the balcony door, i let her out and she potters back in relatively calm 10-15 minutes later. Tonight, I let Misty out, as she was very agitated I left the curtains open to see what was causing the problems. After hearing a strange noise I looked out to see Misty on the table and the other cat on the balcony. After coming out they had a bit of a scuffle, Misty won as the other cat retreated/fell tnrough the railings.. It continued to hang around apparently unhurt, until I got a small plant squirter and sprayed it at the other cat.

Does anyone have any advice on how to cat proof a balcony to prevent the intruder access? It either came across a neighbours balcony or directly from the carpark below (6ft down and 4ft across) Ideally I dont want anythin which would block Misty's view or stop her enjoyment of the balcony. I've found large fortress type netting systems which offer good visibility for Misty but would be an eyesore for my neighbours and the management company.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated
thanks

Poor Misty, though I'm glad she was able to see off the intruder. I'm afraid I have no experience of balconys. What's the construction at the moment?

Ive attached a picture but Basically the balcony is about 6feet from the pavement which has a metal railing 4feet high. The gap between the railing and the bslcony is about 3-4 feet.

I just watched the intruder walk along and sit on the railing, its from here I assume he jumped across.

I might try wrap fishing wire along my balcony, hopefully preventing entry from the pavement side. It should preserve Misty's view and keep the neighbours happy. Hopefully with no direct threats her stress levels might reduce and the intruder leaves through boredom and somewhat defeated.
Though there seems to be quite an increase in feline activity in the area lately so I doubt that will work

Hi there - I'd recommend fine weldmesh, either lining the balcony initially, or to create a higher barrier if the miscreant's leaping on to the balcony rail. I've used this stuff to make my garden secure and from even a short distance it's not an eyesore; it just looks 'gauzy'. It's a bit expensive, but it's easily cuttable and bendable and I used cable ties to join lengths; again these don't look obtrusive.

I notice some of your neighbours have lined their balconies and it looks ok and is obviously accepted; perhaps fixing a higher rail (DIY I'm not qualified to advise on lol) and bringing the level of mesh up to that wouldn't be too noticeable? You could always consult the landlords first.

Only problem catwise I can see is that, once the barrier's in place, miscreant jumps - and has to jump off again, hopefully back on to the balcony or railing it came from, but if it has to jump down, is it much of a drop into the basement? (Sorry - edit - is what looks like the basement the carpark below? 6' won't hurt the cat then.)

Of course if the little nuisance is leaping across from the pavement railing and getting through the bars of the balcony, all you've to do is line the balcony railings with mesh, which probably nobody but you will even notice.

Good luck, and to Misty too!