Architectural Designs

Will my kitty fall through the railing spaces in my house?

I currently live in a ranch-style, 1-level home with my cat. My sweet kitty loves to jump on and off the counter, walk along the edge of the kitchen table, and leap from chair to chair in the living room. He is a very active kitty. We are planning on moving to a new house w an open foyer and there is this railing on the 2nd flor overlooking the foyer. I'm worried my kitty may jump through the rungs to his death & am even considering pulling out of the deal! My husband pointed out that many many homes have open foyers and railings and cats and do just fine. Cat owners-- what do u think??

Public Comments

1. You just never know. It is a myth that a cat will always land on it 's feet if it is dropped or jumps so you have a valid concern. But most cats can judge very well and won't try such a stunt. I have a cat that would probably try it as she is totally an out of control, mischief making cat. If you are worried, you can always train kitty not to go up stairs. ( perhaps)
2. I'm sure it will be fine. If it was a kitten and very young it might fall but I think this is very unlikely. It would look down and probably think I don't want to do that. Even cats do that (adults). Cats have common sense and know what is too high and what is safe. They won't jump anything they don't feel safe jumping that is too high. It will be fine.
3. doubtful. they are very agile, claws are used to stop a fall. if they fall they right themselves and land on their feet, then use their legs like shock absorbers to break the fall. wont work from very high places, but the house is fine.
4. My house is the same My rail is metal so maybe it's more slippery. Is your rail metal? If it is I hope you don't move there. Cause my cat fell and broke his hip and we had put him down. This happened two weeks ago. My cat was only two and healthy. I'm 13 and I didn't handle it very well so I wouldn't listen to me I'm probably more worried about your cat than I should be. I really loved my cat Good luck :(
5. If by "kitty" you mean a kitten I would either prevent him from accessing the 2nd floor until he was 8 months or so. Or you could temporarily cover the open area from floor to railing with something that cannot be climbed until he was that old. If your cat is an adolescent or an adult the odds are very, very slim that he would fall.
6. I've never heard that but what I have heard is that cats like to walk on the railing. Start thinking of ways to keep kitty off..lol.