Cats may be known for always falling on their feet, but you still should cat-proof a Juliet balcony before letting your furry friend explore to keep them out of danger.
In this article, we’ll provide helpful tips and advice to make sure you (and your cat) enjoy your balcony safely.
Are Juliet balconies safe if you own a cat?
Yes – a balcony can still be a perfectly safe addition for cat owners, as long as it’s properly cat-proofed.
Cats are naturally agile and adept at climbing, but everyone with a cat knows that they’re still prone to misjudging distances and falling at times.
Without the appropriate precautions, there’s a risk that your cat could fall from your balcony or use it to escape up onto the roof.
To keep all nine of your cat’s lives intact, you need to assess what risks your balcony might pose and take steps to make it safe.
How to make a Juliet balcony cat-proof
Want to keep your feline friend safe whilst still enjoying the benefits of a Juliet balcony?
Let’s find out how:
Assess the risk – First, it’s time to perform a cat’s eye view risk assessment of your balcony. If you have a steel Juliet balcony, measure the width of the gaps between the bars to see if your cat could squeeze through. Alternatively, if you have a platform balcony, is there anything on it your cat could jump onto and then up and over the balcony railing? Once you’ve identified the risks, you can get to work eliminating them.
Get permission if required – If you don’t own your home, you may need to seek permission from your landlord or housing association before you make any changes to a balcony.
Choose an appropriate safety barrier – The most common and safest way to cat-proof a Juliet balcony is to install a cat net that surrounds the balcony to prevent your cat from climbing onto the roof or falling from the balcony. Balcony nets are available in a variety of materials, sizes, and colours. You’ll need one made from a high-strength material that your cat cannot bite through. The gaps in the netting should also not be big enough for your cat to put its head through. Transparent netting is usually a popular choice for Juliet balconies.
Install your safety barrier – Cat nets are usually fitted by installing small hook wall fixings into the masonry and attaching stainless steel wire or tension cable to create a frame that the net can be clipped over or tied to. A professional installer can make sure that your cat net is fitted safely using the right fixings for the wall type and in accordance with any relevant building regulations.
Maintain the net’s condition – Even with a cat net installed, keep an eye on your cat when it’s out on the balcony (if it has a platform). Check the netting for damage regularly, and adjust the tension of the netting if it ever comes loose.
Create a cat-safe environment – Many people like to grow plants on their balcony if it has a platform, or around the French doors if it doesn’t. If you are green-fingered, look for non-toxic plants, just in case your cat decides to take a nibble.
With a little bit of care, both you and your cat can enjoy the fresh air, natural light, and views outside that a Juliet balcony offers.