Cats are one of the most beloved animals! They have been accompanying us for ages. They are so stunning and cute with their furs and purring sounds. Cats are able to adapt to the habits of their owners as well. But that does not mean that they have their own evolutionary habits and needs. Cats may be known for being independent but they still need to discharge energy like one needs, therefore they sometimes “attack” you to play. If you have time to spare and play with your cat, good for both of you! However, if you work full time and your cat is home all day, you may lack the energy to play with your cat. Therefore, creating a cat playground is a helpful way for you.
Balcony Playground Ideas For Cats
So what can you do? Well, cat playgrounds are “purrfect” for this and feeding their thirst for curiosity! We had mentioned cat fencing and catio ideas in detail before. Today, we will dive into more details for cat playground ideas that you can set up both in your home or your balcony for your cat to enjoy, relax, play and explore. Now, we will give you 9 tips to create joyful cat playground areas on your balcony.
#1. Balcony cat netting: Safety first!
Before making your balconies a more enjoyable space for your cats, you should definitely consider the safety issue in the first place. If you are going to use the playground ideas on the balcony, make sure to secure the balcony with netting so your cat is safe!
#2. Use a simple tree branch to create a cat playground
Firstly, you can create a playground for your cat by using an old tree. With some scrap wood and rope, you can make a swing. Also wrapping straw or coconut rope around the branches of the tree that your cat can reach also helps your cat to scratch its nails.
#3. Repurpose your old furniture to make a playground
Another example can be a framed structure such as a bookshelf that you no longer use or an organizing structure that you can buy from a construction market or a furniture retailer like IKEA can easily be turned into a cat playground! You can hang a toy mouse of your cat here and there, put comfy cushions and mattresses on the shelves!
#4. Use your old cardboard boxes for cat homes
If you have a cardboard box from some items you’ve bought or the ones that you used when you moved into your house and sitting in the attic for years, can be turned into a cat playground! Cut multiple holes on boxes as the size that your cat can get in and out, put them next to each other and see how your cat enjoys it! You can even customize, color, and decorate all your creations as you like!
#5. Use wooden blocks to create steps
You can get wooden shelves and insert them on the balcony wall with a drill. This easy and cheap method creates a great platform that your cat jump, play, and watch outside!
#6. Make a wooden pathway for your cat
With small wooden pieces and a rope, you can make a pathway or a bridge and insert it on your balcony for your cat to play, and enjoy the view.
#7. Find more playground materials in the stores
Of course, there are always more options online or at your local pet shops other than DIY ideas. The ones you can buy from those places are also suitable for your balcony as long as you have precautions, like netting as we mentioned.
#8. Put cat-friendly herbs to your playground
To spice up your balcony, you may be using plants. However, do not forget that some herbs and plants are toxic and dangerous for pets. You can put pet-friendly and non-dangerous plants and herbs on your balcony so your cat can enjoy them. For more information, you can check out cat balconies.
#9. Add some toys for your cats
You can always make it more fun for your cat by putting its favorite toys around the playground. We recommend that you put the toys one by one instead of putting them all, just because your cat may get bored easily after some time.
