We should do this for our cats. Some of them love being outdoors, but sadly it’s just not appropriate with how people drive…we nearly lost one a few years ago.
this post was submitted on 22 Jun 2026
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For those interested, here's a more complete picture: the frame surrounds the whole window, hence the netting is closed at the top. The board has hinges and folds up, which was actually necessary to be able to add the shelf holders. 
This freaks me out a little bit, is there only that thin plastic netting protecting her from falling? Sure cats don't easily lose their balance, but she could get tangled in some of that loose netting and freak out a bit, then if she did fall, she might not be able to move freely in the air if she's caught up in it, which could hamper her landing ability.
I built and mounted the balcony, between work and other stuff it took me about two weeks. The netting itself is reinforced with wires and cannot break with just her weight, claws or chewing - you'd need at least some strong scissors to cut it. The board is supported by shelf holders mounted to the wall underneath, but actually the net would suffice. I threaded the net onto the frame all around. The frame itself is mounted to the wooden window frame with 6cm screws (maybe 5-7mm thick). They are what's really holding the weight, along with the window frame. Edit: that thin, loose netting is really just lying on top of the board and is meant to make it /look feel safer for her, like a guardrail - because initially she seemed very cautious of the height. She did indeed use it more after I put it there.
ah that's good to hear! Glad you aren't being cavalier with your cat's safety. Might be worth keeping an eye on the integrity of that netting nevertheless, it could weaken over time especially as it's exposed to the rain and sun. The plastic coating will obviously protect the wire from rusting, but the plastic might start to deteriorate after a while.
Yup, nothing lasts forever! It is in use since 2 years, and I expect it to hold strong for a couple more, but it'll probably need replacing at some point. Will keep an eye out.
Kween ✨🫶
I shall remember this. For now, we have a net-covered balcony.