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  1. #1
    The Quiet Kitten
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    Dangerous situation

    HI all only my second post, we need some suggestions, badly.

    We live in a restored Federal style two story home that has an open Oak Bannister. The bannister goes to the second floor then goes back the same direction that it had ascended making an open (to the first floor) landing, this gives access to the second floor rooms.
    Dangerous situation-bannister.jpg
    This image would have Hugo walking the top rail, but I have been afraid to flash him at it for fear that in the moments between the flash and his eyes readjusting, could mean a Very Bad Fall. This bannister is 150 year old Oak his claws CANNOT get a grip on it so it is pads alone that keep him from a full one story fall onto, god know what, might be at the base of the stairs. I have seen him do this multiple times, and it scares my wife to death, and does me no good either. I cannot glue or nail anything to this bannister but nearly anything else is open.
    P.S. while typing this . . .
    Dangerous situation-bannister2.jpg
    Well he looks nuts here, but I just caught him in a meow. Please any suggestions welcome.
    Mom, and Dad

  2. #2
    Cool Cat
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    I know this isn't your issue, but to stop my cats scratching our bannister we wrap tin foil around them. It's unsightly but effective....You could try wrapping tin foil around the top of your rail to see if this prevents him.

    I also wouldn't worry too much about him, cats are designed to walk on ledges such as this, their long tails are perfect for balancing. Should he fall then his spine is designed to twist so he can adjust himself to land safely. Obviously accidents do happen, but this is quite rare.

    Good luck though...

  3. #3
    Elite Cat
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    I would agree with Betty-boo, I would worry too much, but if it makes u uncomfortable then give the tin foil a go, they don't like tin foil at all so this should discourage him x

  4. #4
    Cool Cat
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    I too agree with Bethyboo on a foil fix and not being nervous. My moggie would sleep on the ledge at the top of our stairs. This ledge overlooked the front door. He slept up there a lot with his back to the edge. When he slept with his back to the door, he would roll over to see who was coming in the door. Of course he would then fall off the ledge which was a over 10 foot off the ground. He did this numerous times without any injuries. He never seemed to learn from his mistakes, but luckily he never injured himself either.

  5. #5
    Elite Cat
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    I have a similar situation with my stairs. One of my cats likes to lie along the top bannister, or across the corner which scares me as its straight down to ground level. She did tumble a few weeks ago, landed on her feet and waltzed off completely unharmed, but she hasn't been up there since. Can you encourage him to jump down safely when you see Hugo on the rail. He may eventually get the message not to go there, but being up high is second nature to cats and whilst you are worried sick, he is having a great time.

 

 

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