A tabby cat sitting on the floor of a balcony fully enclosed in black wire mesh

October 5, 2026 Aaron Seminoff

Cat Enclosures for Apartments: Balcony Catio and Safety Guide

Many cats that live in apartments get no time outdoors. International Cat Care says that for some cats, “outdoor access may not be possible, for example, if they live in an apartment.” An enclosed outdoor space, called a catio, gives an apartment cat a way outside without roaming free.

Fortunately, a practical solution has emerged: outdoor cat enclosures, affectionately known as "catios." These secure structures allow your feline friend to safely experience outdoor life. Whether you have just a small balcony, a window ledge, or a patio, there’s an appropriate catio design to enrich your cat’s life without compromising safety.

Why an apartment cat benefits from time outside

PDSA says, “The main risk of keeping a cat indoors is that they won’t get a chance to exhibit some of their natural behaviours, such as climbing, jumping, hunting and generally exploring.” International Cat Care names the biggest issue facing indoor-only cats as “the potential negative impact on their mental wellbeing which can lead to long-term stress and subsequent physical illness.” It adds that an indoor lifestyle “can be predictable and monotonous, and there’s less opportunity to exhibit certain natural behaviours, such as hunting and exploring.”

Letting a cat roam free is a different risk. The ASPCA says, “Outdoor cats do not live as long as indoor cats. Outdoor cats are at risk of trauma from cars, or from fights with other cats, raccoons and free-roaming dogs.” International Cat Care says of an enclosed outdoor space, “There are many advantages to providing your cat with an enclosed outdoor space, with their safety high on the list.”

Does an apartment cat need a catio

Not every cat does. PDSA says, “Many cats can lead happy and healthy indoor lives if they are given the right environment.” International Cat Care says, “Cats that have always been kept indoors adapt well, provided they’re given plenty of companionship, attention, and things to stimulate them.”

PDSA says that if a cat “really doesn’t enjoy being kept indoors,” its advice is to “find a way they can safely go outside.” It describes a catio as “a completely enclosed area where your cat can safely spend time outside.” International Cat Care adds, “It’s important to consider your cat’s personality, health needs and the indoor and outdoor environment available to them when making a choice.”

Apartment catio options for a balcony, a window, or a patio

International Cat Care says, “There are options available regardless of whether you have a patio, balcony or large garden.” It describes two ways to set up an enclosure: “A completely self-contained run” or “A run attached to the house, so your cat can have equal access to the house and their outdoor space.” People with a yard can also look at outdoor pet enclosures for cats.

A balcony enclosure

International Cat Care says, “A balcony can provide valuable extra space and stimulation for an indoor cat, but it must be completely cat-proof too. Use balcony safety nets and meshes, and remember the small gaps that cats can squeeze through.”

A window with a mesh barrier

International Cat Care lists these ways to lower the risk of a fall from a window: “Moving any furniture that would allow your cat to access higher-level open windows,” “Using mesh or barriers to cover open windows,” and “Making open windows safe with limiters that allow the window to only open a certain amount (eg, those designed to keep children safe).” It warns that “cats, and particularly kittens, can squeeze through very small spaces or get stuck trying.”

A tabby cat sitting on a wooden window perch in front of a window with a mesh panel fitted over its upper opening

Weather protection and a shelter inside the enclosure

International Cat Care says, “It’s important to make sure your cat is protected from the weather at all times of year.” For a self-contained run it says to “make sure there’s some form of cat house within it, giving your cat somewhere to escape any bad weather.”

Safety checks before a cat goes out

Falls

International Cat Care says, “if windows are left open or cats have access to balconies, they’re at risk of falling.” It also says, “Falling from a height can be very serious or even fatal for cats,” and that “the majority of injured cats are young cats (many under the age of one).” Its advice on prevention is, “High-rise syndrome is completely avoidable by taking steps to prevent your cat’s access to areas from which they can fall.”

Escape

International Cat Care says that if an indoor cat accidentally escapes, the cat is “likely to be at greater risk than a cat who is used to spending time outdoors as they won’t be used to navigating an outdoor environment.”

Heat

PDSA says, “The most common cause of heat stroke in cats is being accidentally trapped in a hot, poorly ventilated space such as a shed, greenhouse, conservatory, or garage.” It also says, “Heatstroke is a very serious condition that can cause severe dehydration, organ damage and death.” Among its steps to prevent heatstroke are “Make sure they have access to shade and water at all times” and “Never leave them in a hot room or somewhere with poor ventilation.” The RSPCA gives the same advice for summer: “Ensure your cat always has access to shade and fresh drinking water to help keep them cool.”

PDSA names flat-faced cats such as Persians as a group at “a much higher risk of heatstroke, even on seemingly cool days.”

Toxic plants

International Cat Care says, “When a cat lives entirely indoors, or only has access to an outdoor run or catio, it’s vital to make sure there are no hazardous plants in the home or their outdoor space.” It names especially dangerous plants: “Especially dangerous plants are Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) and lilies, which are popular in bouquets and flower arrangements.”

On lilies, International Cat Care says, “Lilies are extremely dangerous. All parts of the plant are toxic; pollen, flowers, stem and leaves.” It adds, “‘Pollen-free’ lilies, which can be marked as safe for cats, are still unsafe and should be avoided in the same way.”

The ASPCA keeps a toxic and non-toxic plants list that can be filtered for cats. It says, “the consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset for dogs and cats.” If a cat may have eaten a plant, the ASPCA says to “contact either your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control’s 24-hour emergency poison hotline at (888) 426-4435.” International Cat Care lists signs that include collapse, vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, reduced appetite, and lethargy, and says, “If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinary team immediately.”

What to put inside the enclosure

International Cat Care says, “Cats like to be up high, so vertical space such as shelves and cat climbing trees can add extra dimension to their environment.” PDSA says, “Cats love climbing and hiding, and can have hours of fun on a cat tree, a simple cardboard box, or a tunnel.” The RSPCA says, “Indoor cats need more to keep them entertained.”

For a spot to watch from, PDSA says, “Try to provide your cat with a perch or windowsill they can sit on and watch the world go by.”

PDSA says, “daily exercise is also very important to keep them happy and healthy.” See how much exercise indoor cats get each day. An indoor cat enclosure is another option for a cat that stays inside.

For more on caring for a cat, the American Association of Feline Practitioners offers brochures for cat caregivers.

Sources

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