Finally the birds are singing again, the first butterflies, bumblebees and bees are fluttering, the spring flowers are emitting their fragrance. For indoor cats, this means an intoxication of the senses when they have access to the garden, terrace or balcony. You can turn it into a fresh air paradise.
Networked or latticed
The normal balcony panels are not an obstacle for any cat. They casually jump onto the parapet or scale the fence. Nets or grids protect against falling or exploring the wider area. They are subject to approval if they are permanent installations, i.e. they cannot be dismantled and assembled at any time. The house community or the landlord can also prohibit a net or grille if it impairs the view of the facade, for example in an old building.
Then a green fence is the alternative: bell vines, nasturtiums, climbing roses, courgettes, pumpkins and cucumbers not only create privacy, but are also insurmountable obstacles for the cat. In addition, they are non-toxic.
The right planting
Only plants that are harmless should also grow in the flower boxes: the blue Lieschen , for example, fuchsias, pansies, daisies and sunflowers. If you prefer large pots, you can put a lemon tree or bamboo. Before you plant boxes and pots, convince yourself of their harmlessness. The kitty herself donate her own pot of cat grass or catnip.
Outdoor furniture for the cat
Even if the balcony is covered, the cat bed , scratching post and lying areas should be weatherproof, because the wind brings rain inside. Also set up a litter box if your kitty wants to take advantage of the warm season in any weather. The scratching post must be positioned so that it is not possible to jump onto the parapet, preferably in a corner. If there is little space for people and animals on very small balconies, the balcony furniture, which cats prefer to use anyway, will do the same.
The door to freedom
This is of course pure luxury. But if you don't want to become the constant door opener for your velvet paw, a cat flap in the balcony door or a window is very useful. It enables the night hunter to go out in the dark. But be careful: the flap must be attached in such a way that nobody can open the balcony door or the window from the outside. Otherwise, the insurance company may refuse to cover the damage in the event of a break-in.
Securing the terrace and garden?
That is possible, but extremely difficult. Because you have to build a very high fence and make the area in front of it inaccessible with ground cover plants. An electric fence should be discussed with all neighbors. But trees cannot be networked and every branch that sticks out towards the neighbors tempts you to jump. The alternative is a fenced and covered piece of garden or terrace. Or the limitation of excursions into the countryside only if you are there and can intervene if Mieze wants to get away.
