Background - we live with 3 strictly indoor cats on a second floor. To provide them with enrichment, we give them some supervised time on our deck (we back to trees and and a retention pond, so there's a lot of bird/squirrel activity). We are, however, concerned about one of them dashing off the deck. Partially because of the 12-15 ft drop and largely because of everything else that can happen when an indoor cat goes running off into a strange outdoor environment.
A solution we've considered is having them in harnesses when on the deck. However, looking at harnesses they all look like they'd be a bad way to hold a cat based on where all the weight would be getting distributed. And even with dynamic leash cord, there's going to be some shock from even a few inches of drop (as someone who's done a bit of outdoor rock climbing, I've some experience in that area).
So my question is: is this just a terrible idea we should abandon? And, if not, is there a type of harness that wouldn't be harmful even when the cat is suspended from it or it is subjected to a sudden shock?
Hi Michael,
I'm sorry for not getting back to you sooner.
Based on my experience, you should listen to your intuition when leaving them unsupervised on a harness and leash on a deck.
I have tried many harnesses, and cats have escaped and even fallen while wearing them when their owners weren't watching. No harness is completely escape-proof, and subjecting cats to being accidentally suspended can cause them anxiety and potential injury.
Instead, have you considered installing partial or complete netting around your deck to make it a safe space for your three indoor cats? I have a client who faced a similar issue and installed a cage on her balcony since she was renting and not allowed to install cat netting. I, on the other hand, also have limited outdoor space; hence, I use a portable cat enclosure (this is an Australian brand; https://catnets.com.au/products/premium-portable-cat-enclosure-1-8m?_pos=1&_sid=0cbb0dd26&_ss=r).
Alternatively, teach your cats to walk on a harness and leash in a quiet, safe area.
I hope this helps; enjoy spending time with your cats.
All the best,
Melina
Thank you, Melina,
Our situation doesn't allow for an enclosure or screening/netting (HOA). In retrospect, I was overthinking this. A harness with a line/leash short enough to prevent them reaching the edge of the deck is an easier and better solution. They're not going to be unsupervised, so I'm not terribly worried about them pulling a Houdini AND a flying squirrel impersonation faster than we can intervene. My worry was that they'd go bungie jumping faster than we could react, as in my head the line was going to be longer than the distance to the edge.