You love your cat, and your cat loves the outdoors. So, can cats go on balconies? We did some research to find out.
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The Pros of Cats on Balconies
Some people enjoy having their cats on balconies because it allows them to have their cat close by without having to have them in their home. It also allows the cat to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors. However, there are some things you should keep in mind if you have a cat on a balcony.
They can get some much-needed fresh air.
Although most cats enjoy going outside, not all of them have the opportunity to do so. If you live in an apartment or another type of building where it’s not possible for your cat to go outside, a balcony can be a great solution.
There are a few things you should keep in mind if you’re considering letting your cat access to a balcony, but overall, it can be a great option for both you and your feline friend. Here are some of the pros of cats on balconies:
They can get some much-needed fresh air.
If your cat is indoor-only, they likely don’t get to experience fresh air very often. Opening up your balcony door and letting them enjoy the outdoors can help improve their overall health and wellbeing.
They can get some exercise.
In addition to getting fresh air, being on a balcony also gives cats the opportunity to move around and get some exercise. This is especially important for overweight cats who need to lose weight but may not have the space to do so indoors.
They can enjoy the sun.
Cats love sunning themselves, and a balcony provides the perfect spot for them to do so. Just be sure to put out a mat or blanket for them to lay on so they don’t get too hot.
They can enjoy the view.
Many cats love people watching, and a balcony gives them the perfect opportunity to do so. They can also watch birds and other animals, which can provide hours of entertainment.
It can give them a change of scenery.
While cats typically enjoy having a perch from which they can look out over their territory, sometimes that view can become a little mundane. If your cat spends most of her time on an outdoor balcony, she may appreciate a change of scenery from time to time. Introducing some new elements to her environment, such as plants, new toys or even another pet, can help keep her engaged and interested in her surroundings.
It can provide them with some much-needed exercise.
If you live in an apartment or condo, chances are you don’t have a backyard for your cat to play and explore in. But that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the outdoors. Many cats love spending time on balconies (with proper safety precautions in place, of course).
Here are some of the benefits of letting your kitty enjoy some fresh air and sunshine on your balcony:
It can provide them with some much-needed exercise.
Just like us, cats need to get up and move around to stay healthy. If they don’t have a lot of space to run and play indoors, spending time on a balcony can give them the opportunity to get in some much-needed physical activity. Just be sure there’s no way for them to fall off, and that the railing is sturdy enough that they can’t squeeze through any gaps.
It can help them relax and de-stress.
Being outdoors can do wonders for our mental health, and it’s no different for cats. If your kitty is feeling stressed or anxious, spending time on a safe balcony can help them relax and recharge. Just be sure to watch them closely at first to make sure they’re not getting too overwhelmed by all the new sights and sounds.
It can give them a taste of the great outdoors.
For indoor cats, going outside can be a whole new experience. Getting to smell the fresh air and feel the sun on their fur can be very calming for them (as long as they’re not getting too hot, of course). Just be sure to introduce them slowly at first so they have time to adjust before letting them out on their own.
The Cons of Cats on Balconies
While it may seem like a fun idea to let your cat lounge on the balcony, there are some dangers to consider. Your cat could fall off the balcony and get hurt, or worse. Cats can also be a nuisance to your neighbors if they’re meowing all the time. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of having a cat on your balcony.
They may be able to escape.
If you do have an enclosed balcony, you may think it’s the perfect place to let your cat enjoy some fresh air. But there are some potential dangers you should be aware of before letting your cat loose on the balcony.
One of the biggest dangers is that cats may be able to escape. Even if your balcony is enclosed, cats are experts at finding ways to escape. If your cat does manage to get out, they could be in danger of falling or being hit by a car.
Another danger is that balconies can get very hot in the summer sun. If there is no shade or shelter for your cat, they could overheat quickly and become dehydrated. Make sure there is a cool area for your cat to retreat to if they become too warm.
Finally, balconies can be dangerous because of the railing. Cats may try to jump over the railing or climb up it and fall off. If you have an outdoor cat, make sure they have a collar with ID tags in case they do escape and get lost.
While balconies can be safe for cats if they are supervised and the right precautions are taken, it’s important to weigh the risks before letting your cat out on the balcony.
They may be in danger of falling.
Cats are naturally curious creatures and love to explore, so it’s no surprise that many cat owners have considered letting their feline friend out on the balcony. However, there are some potential dangers to consider before letting your cat roam free in this outdoor space.
One of the biggest dangers is that cats may be in danger of falling off the balcony. If the railing is not high enough, or if there are gaps that a cat could squeeze through, there is a risk of them falling and injuring themselves. Even if the balcony is enclosed, cats can still jump or climb over the side and fall.
Outdoor balconies also provide access to other animals, including prey birds or other small animals. If your cat is allowed to roam freely on the balcony, they may see these animals as potential prey and try to catch them, which could result in injury or even death. Additionally, other animals may see your cat as prey and try to attack them.
There is also the danger of environmental hazards such as exposure to cold weather (if the balcony is not enclosed) or antifreeze from cars (if the balcony is close to a parking lot). These hazards can cause serious illness or even death in cats.
Overall, while there are some risks associated with letting your cat out on the balcony, it’s ultimately up to you as an owner to decide whether or not you feel comfortable with it. If you do let your cat out on the balcony, be sure to closely supervise them and take steps to reduce any potential dangers.
They may be exposed to weather conditions that are too extreme.
If the temperature is too hot or too cold, it can be dangerous for your cat to be outside. In the summer, make sure that there is a shady spot for your cat to escape the direct sunlight, and in the winter, make sure that your cat has a warm spot to curl up. If there is no protection from the elements, it is best to keep your cat indoors.
Cats may also be exposed to chemicals or other dangers if they are allowed on balconies. For example, if you live in an apartment complex, your balcony may be treated with pesticides or other chemicals that could be harmful to your cat if they are ingested. Also, if your balcony is not enclosed, there is a risk that your cat could fall off and injure themselves.