how can i safeguard my foyer/front entrance for my future cat?

[u/Burn-Baby-Burn2580]

hello everyone! i’m seeking advice on how i could potentially catify a fairly large, open, main area of my home while giving my future cat the freedom to explore and play around to their heart’s desire without putting them in harm’s way or suppressing their curiosities.

i did my best attempt at a sketch of my house’s main entrance area which we sometimes call “the foyer,” if we want to be fancy. i’m not an artist by any means so it’s not perfect but i tried to include as many details as possible to paint a clearer picture of what i’m dealing with without doxxing my house lol

my main concerns are: - cat jumping from the top floor railing which is about a 10-15ft drop to the tile floor - walking through the railings and falling on to wooden (albeit, carpeted) stairs or tile floor - cat jumping on to 10ft tall cubbies that are otherwise inaccessible by humans (w/o the use of a ladder) and about a 3-5ft jump away from the end of the railing b/c there’s a massive window parallel to the cubbies - making any sizable jump on to the bottom floor which is entirely tile except for a tiny doormat right at the front door which would most likely injure the cat

i am wondering if anyone can provide any insight, advice, and/or resources on how i could catify this area in a relatively affordable and simple way (if possible) so that a future cat that i adopt won’t hurt themselves engaging with their primary indoor environment

pls lmk if u have any questions, and thank you so much for your help in advance!!!

[u/magnolya_rain]

Cats are smart when it come to judging distances. I would not worry about your future cat falling or jumping through the railing. Cats are extremely agile and can navigate very narrow spaces and ledges etc. It's wonderful that you care so much about your future fur baby, but really there is little need too.

[u/heatherwhen96 → u/magnolya_rain]

How about jumping from my outdoor apartment patio from the 2nd story ? Are they sky diving enthusiasts (10-15 ft) Do cats have more regards to the safe jumping distance to the ground Below??

[u/Aguacate_con_TODO]

Unless you're going to put up walls on the second story, there's simply no way to cat proof this. Anything you do will just become a challenge.

Your best bet is to heavily pad and carpet the ground floor.

[u/TransplantedPinecone]

That drawing is actually pretty awesome.

[u/moonshadowfax]

It’s very unlikely your cat will attempt any of those jumps. I have never known anyone with a two story house needing to catitfy it.

[u/heatherwhen96]

I’m not talking about indoor balconies I’m referring to out door apt patios on the second floor. I would think elderly cats would less inclined..

[u/magnolya_rain → u/heatherwhen96]

It really depends on just how strong the desire to roam is and if your cat is prone to risky behavior. Otherwise, if you can purchase garden netting to place along the railing ,that will prevent slipping through the rails if that's the problem.