My 9 month-old Maine Coon kitten thinks he is an acrobat!! I love him dearly, but yesterday he decided to jump up and walk along the TOP of my railing in my loft on the second floor. It is a 12 foot drop and I am afraid that he will get hurt if he falls. This morning he fell and was hanging on for dear life with his legs dangling down. He proceded to fall to the bottom ledge of the railing where he was still hanging and I managed to pull him through the rails. Is this normal and am I worrying unncessarily? My nerves can't take it!!! I have already moved furniture out of the way and placed pillows on the floor, hoping he will land on them! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 1999

Answers

Lee,

I would also be very concerned. Even though cats "always land on their feet" and "have nine lives," the trauma of a high fall could break or fracture bones or cause internal injuries (especially if he is a heavy cat). I don't care how many pillows you lay around, you know he will land where a pillow wasn't.

I think I would block his access to the upper level until you can replace the railing with a flat wide surface where he could walk safely and lay comfortably. Though they are extremely agile animals and seem to enjoy heights, they do sometimes "slip."

-- Anonymous, November 28, 1999

My Maine Coon, Quincy, has the same problem. Unfortunately,Maine Coons are large cats who aren't very coordinated. My cat got on some pipes in my basement and ended up with two fractures. The surgeries have cost me a small fortune. Luckily, my problem was only in the basement so I have been able to shut him out. I love hime dearly, but my God is he high maintenance. Good luck!

-- Anonymous, November 29, 1999

Hi Lee,

Unfortunately I don't have an answer for you but I can commiserate. My 6 month MC is the same way. He loves to balance on the highest rail he can find, no matter how thin, and doesn't seem to mind hanging from his paws. He has absolutely no fear but my heart has leapt into my throat more than once. The only thing I can suggest is to limit his access if possible. I did read in a book that if you place a thick sticky tape to obstruct his path and he gets it stuck on his paws this may discourage him from going where he shouldn't. I haven't tried it yet and I'm concerned that it may pull out some fur but that may be preferable to broken bones. Anyway best of luck to you and I hope all goes well.

Lisa

-- Anonymous, December 02, 1999

A TV special had a great idea for a cat ledge, which we're going to incorporate when we remodel (someday). An artist couple added a smooth walkway built near the ceiling, like a beam around most of the walls in the house. Little openings in the walls enable the cats to walk into all the rooms without coming down. Access to the beam consists of staircases made of blocks, about 6x6 inches square, built in a staircase shape. Pretty colors made it very attractive.

Linda

-- Anonymous, May 18, 2000