Internal Gardens....

[Sara]

Would an internal garden, in a two story house be safe for my kitties? I am currently looking for such a house. Since it would be two stories I don't see anyway they could climb out if all the plants and trees were small in size. I am looking for a brick or stone floor that I could do a kitty safe garden planted in large pots. I used to have an apartment with a completely enclosed balcony and the cats were always out there and they never forgot. They want out so bad. I think an internal garden with a kitty flap door would make them very happy. Is this safe?

[Tina B and crew]

I think it would be a neat idea...but personally I'd never feel safe letting my cats anywhere that wasn't enclosed on all four sides. Cats have amazing ways of finding a way out!! Maybe if you could figure out a way to make sure they couldn't get over the walls...not sure how though. I know some folks keep cats in fences, but I don't know the secret.

[Sara]

It would have 4 sides. The garden would be in the center of the house, protected by 4 walls, two stories high. But no roof. Allot of the old Argentine homes have gardens set up that way. Do you feel that would be safe? I don't want to take any chances, not even the tiniest one. In order to get out they would need a huge tree or something to use to get on the roof but I would not have anything like that. The only worry I have is if a bird, bat or rodent got back there and they ate it. I know that would be dangerous. But the odds of that in a tiny internal garden would be pretty small. Especially if the floor was stone or brick and not earth and also considering the house and garden would be spotless. What do you think? Maybe a net on the top but then it might block too much light. I wonder if they have nets that don't block the sun? I assume it would catch leaves though and have to be shaken out every once in a while. It's just a dream of mine to try and create a safe haven for them to sun themselves in. Poor Vest is always howling and begging me to let him out in the balcony.

[Tina B and crew]

You know...I totally didn't notice that you said 2 stories...that of course would be a bit safer I think. Are you cats big climbers?? It does sound like a wonderful idea....I still think I would want some sort of overhang at the top of the walls...just as a safeguard...like a cat can really scale a wall but call me paranoid (probably because I have an escape artist kitty who has caused me numerous worries)

[Sara]

Vest is a climber! He loves to climb anything and everything. Wish me luck finding something and making it kitty proof. I am sure if it's not I could do like you said, and put some sort of protection on the top.

Has anybody had a cat scale a wall? I don't put anything past them, lol!

[Traci]

Sara, I think I understand what you're getting at with the idea. However, I wonder....if you want an internal garden without a roof, the very least you might consider a sunroof on top. This would enclose it, yet let sunlight in. Think of a major shopping mall, nice center court with tree, plants, light etc, only the roof is closed, usually with a sunroof (fiberglass, etc)

Another option is a sun-room...but do make sure the plants or small trees you choose are cat-safe and non-toxic.

As for birds, rodents and bats getting in...be careful, bats are known to carry rabies, some rodents too....and birds, in your area, pigeons especially are known cryptococcosis carriers.

[Sara]

I never thought of a glass type roof. Something totally transparent with pretty metal supports. This would be really nice. Almost like an atrium. I'll look into it. Thanks for the idea. If the garden was small it should not be too big of a job to cover it. I would like ventalation though for fresh air. Maybe some of it could be screen, the other part plexyglass or something.

[Yzma]

Wow.... That sounds awesome!! Lucky little kitties!

[Mona]

sARA~

Your would definitely want it covered! as Traci points out with bats or birds. Here in Florida we even have vultures ECH!! It would be safer and cleaner.

By the way my Chloe (Tuxie too) like Vest is a big climber too! I find her up on my dressers, and on my cupboards all the time. I finally bought her a cat tree to climb on. she also loves bathtubs and running water. Many occasions we are in the shower and there she is. Funny little girl.

I will post some more pics soon, as she is almost 6 months old.

Mona, Honeybun and Chloe

[Sara]

I have been thinking and maybe a balcony or porch protected with that child proof metal material would be best. We had that once in an apartment and it was great. The whole balcony was covered, top to bottom. Child proof and very cat proof. The cats could lay out there and I planted things in pots that would not hurt them. I could even put a kitty condo out there if it could be moved inside during the rain. They seemed to be so happy with just that balcony. They would lay outside all the time and sun themselves, smelling the breeze. It was absolutely inescapable. I could plant plants that are not on the toxic list or Vest's allergy list. I just have to get them an outdoor or semi outdoor area. They want the outdoor air and sun so bad. I guess if they are not happy I am not happy.

Mona your Tuxie is turning out just like vest. Whenever a lader is out for cleaning purposes in the house he climbs up to the top right away. He will actaully use me as a jumping point by running and getting on my back if I am bent over something and then jump to a higher area. I have to be very carefull with him. Of course he is still jumping up onto my shoulder whenever he wants. He loves to ride around that way. He just bounds towards me, jumps up with arms outstretched for me to catch him and let him lay over my shoulder while I walk around. I have to keep his nails trimmed really short.