Cats and birdcages...
 

I have two Maine Coon cats in their late teens. One is 17 and the other is 16 years old. We own a home in the villages and will be retiring in less than three months. Our intention is to bring them to TV with us. Unfortunately they have recently become incontinent :cry:. They are in diapers most of the day. However, I must admit that is getting very complicated for all of us! I am hoping to be able to keep them out in the lanai where I can easily hose down any accidents they may have. Since they are NOT declawed, the only real problem I anticipate is from them chasing those little reptiles and damaging the lanai screens. Now for my question . . . Would anyone with cats know how much damage they can cause to the screens in a lanai?

Yes, I have two siberian cats (large like Maine Coon cats). I have a pet door that allows them to go out to the screened lanai any time. They do damage the screening, to the point of tearing it and creating rips that could be large enough for them to get out.

Recently I had the conventional screening replaced with "super-strong" screening. It was costly but so far they have not torn it.

An additional alternative is specially designed pet screening. It is even heavier. My local store only carries that in 4 foot widths, though, so they would have to reframe the lanai if I chose that.

Spray the lower screened portion with Bitter Apple
 

Kitties and doggies don't like the smell and should stay away from the
screening. My cats have not even attempted to go near the screens, too busy resting in the sun beams on the lanai. You can purchase Bitter Apple
spray at the big box pet stores or on the internet.

Thank you for those suggestions. I will be sure to look into both!:)

Deb, you have several weeks or months before actual damage occurs - it is cumulative, and usually happens in just a few favorite spots. So wait and watch to see if they actually like to climb, because if they don't, you won't need to do anything. Good luck!

We have three cats. 3 YO male and female and a 13 YO female. Only the 3 YO female climbs the screens to chase anoles and squirels. She is about 10# and doesn't seem to harm the screens.

You're older cats may not want to expend the energy to climb them.


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Don't know if you could keep them out there all the time. I am told it gets cold in the winter...like 20 degrees is possible at might and when the rain and wind are happening, they WILL get wet unless you have a large lanai and they can get right next to the house in the middle of the lanai.

You're obviously a very caring owner, blessings to you. Hopefully your cats will decide they want to pursue geckos on the ground and not on the walls.
My 19 year old cat doesn't like strenous activity anymore. Like her owner. By the way, you probably already know this ... Your cats will need a heated shelter during the winter months.

Hi all, again thank you for your comments, suggestions and ideas. I may have confused some by leading you to believe I was going to permanently keep my angels on the lanai. No, no, no! Wouldn't do that! I remember back in 2009 when we made settlement it was only 17 degrees outside. Brrrrr! I just want them to be able to run openly(sans diapers) for a few hours a day. The whole diaper thing has become so irritating for all of us. I am sure the kitties will enjoy a few hours of freedom a day:)

Thanks again...