Making your balcony or garden cat-friendly
Some cats have the freedom to go outside wherever they want. Others are confined to a set area, such as the garden.
What should I keep in mind when my cat goes outside?
Cats often manage very well outside, but adding a little safety is no luxury. Do your neighbours dislike cats, for example? Or is there a busy road in front of your house? Then try to keep your cat in your own garden as much as possible.
How do I keep my cat in my own garden or on the balcony?
A cat is good at climbing, so keeping her in your own garden or on your balcony requires some creativity. A few tips:
- An inward-sloping fence: attach an inward-facing sloping screen of glass, mesh or plastic to the top of the fence.
- Remove tall objects: prevent your cat from jumping over the fence.
- Make trees inaccessible: trim your trees as low as possible or fit a tree collar around the trunk.
- Protective netting: stretch a net over your entire garden (from fence to fence) or from your balcony railing to the ceiling.
- Outdoor run: you can have a run built from wood, metal or steel. Fine-mesh wire is the best material to secure the run.
- Harness: walk your cat in a harness or tether her to a fixed point, removing all obstacles where the lead could get caught. Stay nearby at all times to be safe.
What should I look out for when fencing my garden or balcony?
Planning to install a fence? It must be at least 1.80 metres high with an inward-facing mesh overhang to prevent escape. Make sure the posts are firmly anchored in the ground.
Use safe mesh
If you use mesh, it must have a wire thickness of 1.6 mm and a maximum mesh size of 2.5 cm. With a larger mesh size, cats can get their heads stuck. Fix the mesh firmly at the top and bottom.
Provide distraction
A cat with nothing to do in her run will try to escape. So provide a climbing post, elevated lookout spots and plenty of toys. And make sure there is always food, water and a litter box in the run.