Anyone live in a high-rise w/balconies?

[Pattycat]

One of my neighbors is moving into a downtown condo - atleast 6 floors up (actually higher but 6 story drop to the center portion of the complex). His two cats, 1 older, 1 about 6 months, are indoor cats only. His fear though is a screen door being left open and them getting on the balcony. Seems to think the [clumsy] baby might decide to go right through the rails...either from curiosity or slip, slide...Anyway...does anyone have experience with cats high up? I already told him he should weave something through the rails. I think he's also worried about them trying to jump on the handrail part. Ahhh...any stories/suggestions appreciated. Thanks...Patty

[Barbara]

Of course there is some danger when the cats can go out of the balcony. Especially the younger one who will be more active could easily fall off. And cats can hurt themselves and even be killed when they drop from a height like that.

A friend of ours moved to a different house one day. The very first day, kitty went on the balcony in the second floor and walked right over the edge I am glad to say nothing serious happened- it was mainly a shock.

I have a netting all around our balcony. But this may depend on whether the house owners allow it.

[kuhio98]

We live in a 2-story house. Pepper, our very adventurous little girls had jumped off the 2nd story balcony twice. Once she jumped to the roof of a car and once all the way to the ground. We nailed window screen all the way around the balcony so that she can look out, air can pass through, but she can't jump down. It has relieved our minds quite a bit.

[Pattycat]

Thanks both of you...I'm passing all info on! Out on my walk tonight I also saw a iron gate that had a privacy shade made out of that skinny bamboo strips...that might be a plan also. I know my friend won't let the cats out but he's afraid of visitors...they gravitate to balconies just to check out the view. I'm going to also suggest he put a sign on the screen door....please close!! Kuhio...your Pepper looks like my Beanie's twin...only Beanie has green eyes. Thanks again! Patty

[catlady1945]

They will try and get down. We had a very nice kitty end up on our balcony once. She had come from the apartment above.