There are two very different sides to a cat’s behaviour. One includes the loving and affectionate purring and sitting on their owner’s lap. The second one is their curiosity which often lands them in dangerous places. One such place is the balcony railing which is among the most favourite high perch places for cats.
They can fall off this structure if they are not careful. It can also occur if they are focused on catching a butterfly. They can also fall asleep. Read this article to learn how to keep cats off of balcony railing.
Cats and High-Rise Syndrome
The phrase “high-rise syndrome” refers to situations where cats fall from highrise buildings’ balconies or windows in metropolitan regions, with the second story serving as the lowest possible fall height. Play-related incidents such as a cat jumping out of a window or over the balcony, chasing a bird or insect, or tripping while strolling on the edge of the balcony railing or window result in falls.
According to a study by Vnuk. et al. conducted in 2001, over the course of four years, 119 cats were found to have high-rise syndrome. There were 59.6% of cats under the age of a year old, and the average fall height was four storeys. The warmer months of the year saw an increase in the incidence of cats on balcony or similar areas. 96.5% of the cats survived. 46.2% of cats experienced limb fractures.
3 Ways of Keeping Cats Off Your Balcony
The three effective ways to keep cats away from balcony railings are:
- Install a Stable Railing with Mesh Screens: The best option is to install a sturdy balcony railing with mesh screens. It acts as a physical barrier and stops your cat from reaching the balcony railing.
- Use Cat Repellent Products: These items commonly take the shape of mats or sprays. They have unpleasant textures or odours for cats, which act as effective repellants. You can deter your cat from coming too close by using repellent mats. You can also spray these repellents on the railing. To protect your pet from injury, make sure the repellents you purchase are safe and non-toxic.
- Create a Catio: You might want to build a safe outside space on your balcony called a “catio” if your cat loves being outdoors. Your cat may enjoy the outdoors in this enclosed area.
Conclusion
According to Bay Area Cable Railing, you may successfully deter cats from climbing balcony railings by applying these three strategies. Making sure they are safe not only shields them from harm but also provides you with comfort in knowing your cherished cat is protected.
