How to Cat Proof a Balcony
Below you will find a step-by-step guide on how to cat proof a balcony.
- Experience Required: Medium
- Tools Required: Protective gloves, Wire cutter, Tape measure, Marker, Drill, Hammer
- Materials Required: Chicken wire or Chicken wire PVC, Cable ties, Staples, Hooks or eye screws
Step 1) Plan & Measure Your Balcony
- Measure your space and design your enclosure accordingly: determine the height and length of the railing.
- Identify and measure any gaps or open spaces between railings or on open sides that need to be covered.
Step 2) Prepare the Netting
- Use wire cutters to cut the chicken wire to the appropriate lengths, adding a few extra centimeters to each piece for securing the wire at the top and bottom.
- Mesh or netting is one of the most efficient ways on how to keep cats off balcony railing.
Step 3) Mark Screw Locations
- You’ll need to attach the netting to something at the top and on both sides of the terrace.
- Mark the locations where you will install hooks or eye screws, spacing them every 15-30 cm.
Step 4) Install Eye Screws or Hooks
- Drill pilot holes at the marked locations if needed.
- Securely screw in the hooks or eye screws into the solid base.
Step 5) Attach Wire to Hooks
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Start with one section of your space and attach your prepared netting.
- Loop the chicken wire through the hooks or eye screws and secure it with cable ties or wire, ensuring it is taut and securely fastened.
- Note: For wooden bases, you can use staples.
Step 6) Secure the Bottom to the Railing
- Continue by securing the bottom edge of the chicken wire to the base of the railing.
- Use cable ties or wire to attach the wire to the railing at regular intervals, ensuring it is tight and secure.
Step 7) Secure to Base
- If your balcony has a solid wooden base, you can use staples at 15cm intervals to attach the wire, ensuring the staples are securely fastened.
- If your balcony has a cement/stone base, use same hooks as in step 4.
Step 8) Attach on the Sides
- Pull the chicken wire up and secure it to the sides (to any vertical bars or posts) of the railing by using cable ties or wire.
- Ensure the wire is taut and that there are no gaps where your pet could squeeze through.
Step 9) Install the Remaining Areas
- Following the process of how to cat proof a balcony described in steps 2-7, continue attaching the chicken wire to both sides of the terrace as well.
Step 10) Join Mesh Together
- Join the mesh together at the corners using cable ties or wire ties.
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If your netting is not large enough, you can easily join two pieces of mesh together in the same way.
Step 11) Furnish & Supervise
- Fill any gaps with smaller pieces of wire, securing as before in the process of how to cat proof a balcony.
- Test the installation by pushing to ensure it’s secure before letting your feline out.
- Inspect the chicken wire edges for sharp points and loose spots.
Alternatives: Choosing the Right Material
Cat netting
Lightweight, flexible, and easily customizable to fit different balcony sizes. However, it may not be the most durable choice and may not be suitable for kitties that are very determined to escape.
Plexiglass panels
Durable and weather-resistant, this option offers a clear view while effectively blocking kitties. However, it tends to be pricier and requires more effort to install than simpler netting alternatives.
Catio
Provides a secure outdoor space for cats, offering durability and customization. However, it requires more space and can be significantly more expensive and complex to install.
Tips
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Also check if there are restrictions on what can be left out on your balcony and if temporary changes like adding netting are allowed.
- Regularly maintain netting for security. Keep your space clean to prevent hazards, like sharp edges, loose nails or small objects that your kitty might swallow.
- Opt for a PVC-coated mesh for weather resistance and choose a small hole size.
- You can also paint the mesh to your liking.
Do’s & Don’ts
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Replace poisonous plants like lilies and daffodils with pet-friendly options such as cat grass.
- Remove bird feeders and wind chimes to prevent them from hunting.
- Make the space entertaining with safe climbing and perching spots.
- Furnish with a cat tree, shaded areas, and comfortable furniture.
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Always supervise your kitty on the balcony to ensure safety.
FURTHER READING
- How to Paint Chicken Wire – Learn how to paint wire netting with these 5 easy steps.
- Cutting Chicken Wire – Learn how to cut chicken wire using different methods.
- How to Build a Cat Enclosure with Chicken Wire – Step by step instructions on how to build an enclosure with chicken wire.
- DIY Cat Proof Fence – A guide showing you how cat proof your fence.
Hi,
I’m on the 5th floor and there is no other balcony above my own, so I don’t have a “roof” that I can hang the cat net from. Can you advice me as to how I might still be able to mount a cat net?
Thanks.
Best regards Helle
Hi Helle,
Thanks for reaching out!
Since your balcony doesn’t have a roof, one option is to build a catio using wooden frames attached to your balcony. This will allow you to create a protective structure for your cat. While this option may be a bit more complex and potentially more expensive, it ensures a safe outdoor space for your cat.
You can check out our DIY catio blog for step-by-step instructions on how to build one: https://www.wirefence.co.uk/diy-catio/
Best regards,
Timi