How to Build a Catio on a Balcony
Introduction
Having a feline in our house is common because everyone loves pets. And as a sincere owner, you must provide the necessary facilities for the pet. Besides, your pet’s safety is a must thing that you should ensure.
In this case, the people living in the apartments can quickly turn your balcony into a catio. This will be much beneficial, and your cat can freely move around the house. For this reason, today, we will discuss a simple technique to build a catio on a balcony. The related steps are simplified below.
Procedure
Our first method is a budget solution for readers. This method will use the most readily available and low-budget materials to quickly help you make a catio on your balcony and keep your feline safe. For this method, you will need some necessary elements. You have to start with some nets. We prefer aluminum netting, and you can quickly obtain it from your nearest departmental store. Then you will need some copper wire. This is required for attaching the net to the railing. You will also need a plier to do this task.
You will need a heavyweight mounting tape, a sticky back hook, and some essential tools to connect the netting to the stucco. You will also need flooring material like a cushiony mattress.
Once you manage all these accessories, you must start the process. At first, you have to measure the railing length of your balcony. The balcony in a typical apartment has only one open end, and the rest three sides are enclosed. So you only have to put the netting on the open end. But there is a high possibility of nets getting damaged due to environmental issues, so you have to extend some portion of the netting and then attach it to the stucco wall. This will provide more rigidity. For our readers’ betterment, you should spread one-third of the mesh on either side and then connect it with the stucco wall.
After you have measured the railing length, you have to start cutting the aluminum net with a cutter. Placing a ruler or straight edge while cutting the net is better. This will provide a linear shape to the net, making it much easier to apply the net uniformly. Now you have to place the net on the railing, and then, using copper wires and pliers, you have to attach the net to the fence.
For connecting the nets, you can tie knots utilizing the copper wire. These are much more stable, and you must use a double layer of knots for the best result. You have to tie the copper wire knots starting from the one end of the railing, and then with uniform spacing, you have to move up to the other end. Once the first layer of netting is applied, you can go for the second layer.
You Can Check It Out to Make Small Lawn on Balcony
For the second layer, you have to perform the same technique and keep one-third of the total net free on either side of the wall. This will help you to connect the net to the wall. You must take the sticky back hook and the heavyweight mounting tape. You have to attach the buckle to the wall using the tape.
The distance of the hook from the edge of the wall should be equal on both sides. Now you have to attach the net on both sides with the hook. And then, using copper wire and pliers, you have to tie them. This will allow you to attach the nets to the stucco wall firmly.
By now, you have obtained a safe catio for your cat, which will not allow your cat through the railing. But we know that felines are always notorious, so there is a high possibility that your cat will jump above the net due to excessive curiosity. In such cases, you have to apply extra netting above the railing. The next step uses the third layer of mesh, and this layer will be extended above the railing height. You have to use the same procedure for this netting, but for tying the copper wore knots, you have to use a rod and then connect it to the edge of the net.
This will help you get the knots alignment, and once the knots are tied, you have to follow the same procedure for connecting the netting layer to the stucco wall. In this manner, you will secure the balcony for your cat. Now there is always an open end below the netting, and tying knots is not at all possible in such a region.
So you have to go for an alternate manner to secure the downward portion of the net. In this case, you can use some plants. The plants with their holding bowl will be able to keep the net and the exact position.
But for this, you have to keep some extra netting in the lower region while connecting the mesh to the railing and the stucco wall. For this reason, you have to be careful while cutting the fence. We would like to share specifications with you; this will make your task much more comfortable. To get the best measurement and make the process economical, you have to measure the height of the railing and then keep at least a one-foot extranet in the lower region. This process is also applicable for the nets cut for the portion above the railing.
So once you have managed to cut the nets and attach the netting according to the steps discussed earlier, you can quickly put the plants’ weight and make the net firm to the ground. In this manner, the whole setup is done, and there is one small step left. You have to apply some mats on the floor of the balcony. Because your cat will always like to feel comfortable in the place it dwells. So you have to use a cushiony mattress and lay them on the floor of the balcony.
This will allow your cat to get a comfortable vibe, and the place is also secured. Your cat will surely love to spend more time on the catio once you have performed all the steps correctly. But you must be very sensitive while working with copper wires because these are very thin and have sharp ends, so you must be careful while tying the knots. Besides, you should always wear safety gloves during the process, and the netting should be regularly checked for rigidity. This is much important. In this manner, you can make a healthy catio on the balcony for your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Cat Safe on a Balcony?
There is no definitive answer as to whether or not a cat is safe on a balcony. However, if you are comfortable with the risk, then, by all means, have your cat up there.
Some things to keep in mind when it comes to cats and balconies include:
• Make sure your cat has an escape route in an emergency.
• Keep all doors and windows closed so your cat cannot get out.
• Monitor your cat closely at all times and make sure they do not jump off the balcony.
Do Cats Know Not to Jump Off Balconies?
Cats are curious animals and may not understand the danger of jumping off a balcony. Some possible solutions to this problem could be:
1. Train your cat not to jump by using positive reinforcement techniques such as feeding them treats when they stay on the balcony or playing with them outside instead of letting them go inside.
2. Install a security camera so you can see what is happening on the balcony at all times and take appropriate action if your cat jumps off.
3. Make sure the railing on the balcony is high enough so your cat cannot reach it easily, and place a barrier between the railing and the floor so your cat cannot climb up and jump off.
Will Chicken Wire Work for a Catio?
There is no definitive answer as to whether or not chicken wire will work for a catio. However, if you decide to use it, measure the area’s size carefully and ensure that the wire is at least twice as wide as the opening so that your cat can’t get through. You can also try using a piece of fencing instead.
Can Cats Get Fleas on a Balcony?
Yes, cats can get fleas on a balcony. Fleas are small parasites that live on the backs of small animals such as rodents and birds. When these parasites jump onto a human or animal, they start to bite and suck blood. Fleas can cause discomfort and even disease in humans and their pets.
Flea infestations are most common in warm climates, with plenty of grass for fleas to lay their eggs. Outdoor cats who roam and hunt will also bring fleas into your home.
There are several ways to prevent your cat from getting fleas:
• Keep your cat indoors at all times when you’re not home.
• Use a flea collar and monthly topical treatments to control fleas on your pet’s coat.
• Prevent mosquitoes from breeding by using an insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin, including around the face, neck, arms, legs, and ears.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we would state that the process mentioned here will surely help make a catio on your balcony. This will keep your cat safe, and you will also remain tension free. The process is much easier to perform, and persons interested in DIY activities can quickly get accustomed to the steps. Thank you for your time. Have a nice day!!
