[Holly Love Noel]

Hi,

We have a 6 year old cat named Holly, who as far as we know, has only been an inside cat. (we adopted her when she was 5) and we have recently moved to a highrise on the 14th floor with a lovely balcony.

Holly has not been on the balcony yet as we are very cautious since we have no clue if she would jump or not. That is our biggest fear. BUT, we would love to eventually have the doors open and have her sit outside with us.

She is very smart, and believe me when I say, I've had cats all my life, and she is definitely smarter and more aware then any of the cats I've had before. (no offense to the loves of my life before her, but I can definitely tell with this one)

We can of course keep her in the bedroom if we want to open the doors come summer, but it would be so nice to have her outside with us.

Any suggestions? I was thinking a leash with a harness at first?

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[charleycat]

Perhaps you could temporarily enclose the balcony? I know others on CW have done that before.

Wouldn't let the cat out onto the balcony though. Many years ago (as a child) OH had a persian manx and they allowed it access to the balcony. It got over-excited when chasing a bug (they think) and fell to the ground floor. Can't remember if it was unscathed, (probably not) but did manage to make its way back up to the door of the apartment.

[CatsRU]

Charleycat has given you good advice - don't let her out unless you enclose it somehow. Even if she was on a leash, she could still jump and the outcome could be tragic.

[sealhope]

I remember seeing a stat that cats falling from balconies was the number one cause of feline injury in inner city America, more even than being hit by cars - very distinctive injuries you likely don't want to hear about in detail.

Cats routinely fall off balconies- so don't think yours won't. That means either she doesn't go out, or you enclose the balcony. I'm not even sure about the leash as you let go just that one time and ...

[charleycat]

Another thought - I have seen people set up large portable enclosures on their verandahs. As long as it can be secured so it doesn't blow away, might be an idea. Metal frame with netting cover....

[Kelanrowe]

You can get low visibility cat net to enclose balcony's etc. very reasonable in price.

[Holly Love Noel]

Thanks for the advice. I think we will have to leave her inside then. We are on the top floor and there is nothing to attach netting to.

Maybe we can get an enclosure so she can be outside with us, but until then, she will remain inside, or in the bedroom should we have the doors open.

Thanks everyone.

[Kicol]

Or you can buy an extra large dog crate for her so she can enjoy the fresh air and be secure at the same time.

[fleabag]

If you are prepared to watch like a hawk..maybe a gazebo with a mozzie screen would work ...set it up outside the doors and escort her out ..
I must admit a friend also lives on the 14th floor and his cats have access to the balcony ..He's fine with it, I'm a nervous wreck...

[Heather Sharada]

Good decision not to let her out....I have a cage I call a tree cage - see attached pic.....something like this would be a way of letting her have fresh air....Sara is right lots about highrise syndrome on the net....here is one

http://cats.about.co...ghrisefalls.htm

 TreeCage_June2002.JPG (31.27K)
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[Doreen]

There was a Deals Direct special deal in this thread. $35 for the tent, and it would keep your little one safe and secure.

[Holly Love Noel]

Those are Great ideas! I am going to invest in the tent. I think if she likes it, then she can outside with us and get some fresh air and enjoy it in the summer.

Thanks again everyone! I love this website!!!