Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
It happened in seconds.
I looked up, and Sami, my fearless, ginger cat was gone. (and he survived!)
Sami hasd been walking along the third-floor patio rail like he always did. But that day, he fell. Or maybe jumped. I found him sitting calmly on the grass outside a neighbours patio, completely unharmed.
Me? Not so calm.
That night, I couldn’t sleep. I knew I had to do something to keep him safe. The next morning, I started researching balcony netting for cats.
In this journal, I want to share how I safety-proofed our condo balcony using professional-grade cat netting, what it cost, what I learned.
Why Balcony Netting Matters
Must for for Condo Cats!
If you live in a condo with a balcony, here’s the truth:
A cat falling from a balcony is more common than you’d think.
Veterinarians even have a term for it: high-rise syndrome. Cats have a strong survival instinct, but that doesn’t make them invincible. A slip, a bird, a gust of wind, they could fall.
Some cats survive with minor injuries. Others aren’t so lucky.
That’s why physical protection like netting is so important. It’s the only way to truly give your cat safe outdoor access without relying on constant supervision or training.
My Setup: Condo Balcony + Two Cats + One Net
Our condo is on the third floor, with a concrete balcony about 6 feet deep by 10 feet wide. It’s fully open across the front and one side.
Here’s what I chose:
- Netting: ProtectaPet Cat Balcony Net Kit – 10ft x 6ft (approx. $80 CAD)
- Attachment method: Used included hooks and zip ties along the ceiling and railing
- Installer: I hired a local handyman. Took 2 hours. Labor was $150 CAD
- Total cost: Around $250 CAD
The netting is strong but discreet – you barely notice it from a distance. Sami and Phoebe still enjoy their balcony time, and I can finally breathe easier.
Step-by-Step: How to Install Balcony Netting (Safely and Legally)
Here’s how I approached the whole process:
1. Check Condo Rules First
Some condo boards allow netting. Some don’t.
I called my building manager, explained it was for pet safety, and got written approval before doing anything.
đź’ˇ Tip: Phrase it as a “temporary, non-invasive safety screen” – it goes over better.
2. Choose the Right Netting
Not all netting is created equal. Look for:
- UV resistance (important for sun exposure)
- Claw-proof or tear-resistant
- Transparent or neutral colors (for aesthetics)
Other options I considered:
1. Morimoe Cat Balcony Net – Steel Wire Reinforced
- Size: 10 x 26 ft
- Material: HDPE with steel wire reinforcement
- Features: Bite and tear-resistant, weather and UV-resistant, fast-drying
- Price: Approximately $67.34 CAD
- Link: Morimoe Cat Balcony Net
This option offers a balance between strength and affordability, ideal for standard condo balconies.
2. JUMXSRLE Cat Balcony Net – Transparent Nylon
- Size: 13 x 10 ft
- Material: Transparent nylon mesh
- Features: UV and weather-resistant, bite and tear-resistant, maintains balcony view
- Price: Approximately $29.99 CAD
- Link: JUMXSRLE Cat Balcony Net
This net is less obtrusive visually, maintaining your balcony’s aesthetics while providing safety.
3. Measure Carefully
Measure the width, height, and depth of your balcony.
Buy a net kit slightly larger than needed – trimming is easier than patching.
4. Install or Hire Help
If you’re handy, you can DIY it with a ladder and drill. I wasn’t comfortable with heights, so I hired a handyman.
Make sure the net is:
- Tightly secured at the top and bottom
- No gaps around corners or edges
- Firm enough that your cat can’t push through or climb over
What I’d Do Differently
If I could go back in time, I’d:
- Install netting before anything happened
- Choose a kit with a tension wire system for cleaner edges
- Add a floor mesh barrier too (if you have a climber like Phoebe!)
Final Thoughts
If you live in a condo and love your cat, balcony netting isn’t optional — it’s essential.
It doesn’t have to be expensive. It doesn’t have to look bad.
And once it’s up, you’ll feel a huge sense of relief — trust me.
I waited until Sami fell to take action.
You don’t have to.
P.S. Understand the Risks
Cats often survive falls — it’s called “high-rise syndrome.” But that doesn’t make it safe. According to studies, cats who fall from 2–6 stories are at high risk of injury, especially to the jaw, chest, and limbs. The myth that they always land on their feet? Not always true.
In condos, the danger is even higher because:
- Railings can be easily scaled
- Wind gusts can throw cats off balance
- There’s often no soft landing surface
P.P.S. Check and Maintain the Net
P.P.S. Check and Maintain the Net
Installing balcony netting is just the first step. To keep your cat safe long-term, it’s important to check the net regularly — especially after storms, strong winds, or curious cat encounters.
Look for signs of wear and tear:
- Any sagging or loosening
- Holes, frays, or bite marks
- Rust or weakening in clips or mounts (if using a wire-reinforced option)
Give it a gentle tug once a month to make sure it’s still secure. If anything feels loose or worn, fix it right away. Think of it like a seatbelt — you hope it never needs to be tested, but when it does, you want it to work.
Your cat’s safety is worth the 5-minute check. 🧡
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I use or genuinely believe could help other cat parents.