Cats in high rise buildings

[Rodimus Prime]

I have some friends who lived on the 2nd story with one high energy cat and one lower energy one. Both the cats would spend time out on the balcony and not once did either one ever jump off.

I did see a lot of people in the complex put up chickwire to make sure animals stayed in. I would say put up chickwire and you would be fine. Cats are not exactly stupid and I do not see them jumping off something that would be a fall to their deaths.

 

[iBlue]

I have some friends who lived on the 2nd story with one high energy cat and one lower energy one. Both the cats would spend time out on the balcony and not once did either one ever jump off.

I did see a lot of people in the complex put up chickwire to make sure animals stayed in. I would say put up chickwire and you would be fine. Cats are not exactly stupid and I do not see them jumping off something that would be a fall to their deaths.

Good to hear. I think the extra safety measures people take are more for the peace of mind of the people than actually confining the cats. They are clever, if they want out, they'll probably find a way out. Chicken wire is pretty disgusting to look at and wouldn't do anything but ruin my view; even if I wanted or was allowed to do something so tacky. </hoity-toity> This place isn't alterable, least of all by chicken wire! It's a nice building overlooking major London landmarks. It's got a glass front balcony (no significant gaps) with smooth, rounded edges that ensure if a cat jumps, it's going all the way to the ground. It really is a matter of the cat never jumping, ever.

 

[rdowns]

So you're posh now, huh?

 

[iSaint]

If you go with rescue kittens, you can get two. That way they can keep each other company when no one is home.

This is my vote. I've always had two (or three). We went a few months with an older, mellow cat. When we brought home an eight-month-old black and white cat, the older one perked up and became more active.

There are cat forums out there.

surprisingly named: http://www.catforum.com/

 

[Lyle]

If you want a pet, go for it, maybe just dont let you kitty-cat out on the balcony?

Based on my experiences with pet cats, if kitty wants out on that balcony she's going to figure out a way to get past your defenses and get out there.

Having said that: I wouldn't worry too much about one jumping or falling off the balcony. I do believe they have a pretty good sense of what's safe and what isn't.

 

[Tomorrow]

But I'm thinking hoping Photoshop!

Oh crap. I need to go find my cat now. I'll never sleep again...

It's gotta be photoshopped. Please just agree with me.

Sorry:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/crazy-ivory/5098888565/

 

[r1ch4rd]

If you go to a good shelter they should be able to find you a couple of nice cats well suited to apartment living.

I used to volunteer for Manchester Dogs Home and I know that they had a "matchmaking service" to help people find the right dog for them (even getting them from other shelters) based on the persons age, whether they had kids, where they lived etc.

I live in a high-rise and I often see a few cats out on peoples balconies. As far as I know, none have jumped. I'd love to have a cat, but I think my apartment is a bit too small and my landlord wouldn't appreciate it!