Would you be allowed to modify the hardware at all? Perhaps take off the levers and replace them with locks? I mean, the holes are there already.

If you can't, definitely talk to the neighbors, but maybe baby-proofing stuff would work as well.

hm. you could make a large screen, like, screening stapled to a frame that will sit just inside the window fame you've got there, and attach it at the sides and bottom with maybe some hook & eye locks or sliding locks?

I don't mean to be rude, but I'm not sure why you are worried. I've never seen or heard of a cat falling (unless dropped by a human) or jumping something that it couldn't land safely. I would understand your concern if you had a dog (I love dogs, but they can be a little dumb and diffidently not as agile as a cat)

it's hard to tell from the photo, but it the window surround is metal, perhaps try darlingclementine's idea, only secure the framing with hook and loop tape or (depending on the metal) magnets?

*if*. that should read: if the window...

@awallnut: Cats do fall out of buildings all the time and they do die from these falls.

As for the question, I think figuring out a way to lock the windows from the inside is your best bet. Maybe you could install something like a deadbolt high out of reach of the cats? Looking at babyproofing items as others have suggested may be helpful.

I don't think it's a problem either. Cats are like people and are perceptive of such situations. Consider calling a vet or some other anmial expert for information if you still concerned.

@awallnut - it's called gravity, and all of us obey it whether we like it or not.

What about a tension-style baby gate?

@darlingclementine - the problem I see with the screen is that it detracts from the fantastic windows and the perfectly unobstructed view to the outside.

That sort of window can be screened from the inside.

I had an upstairs apartment and a cat who loved to claw holes in window screens, and I came up with a solution using what I could get a hold of cheaply, but maybe it will help. I used trellis wire (aka chicken wire). Cut it so that it will cover the outside of the window, with about a two or three inch overhang. This overhang will help you secure the wire grid inside your window. Bend the wire so that you have a basic box shape that will fit tightly inside your window frame. Your cat will push on it and lay against it, so make sure it's not going to give. Then get a heavy duty stapler and use it to secure the wire grid to the inside of your window frame. I hope that makes sense.

MAKE SURE your landlord is okay with this before you do it. My apartment was co-owned by two different people, and I only talked to one of them before I went ahead with my plan. The other guy was not pleased.

I echo the screen idea. You could just buy the screen material and velcro it to the frame.

I actually had a cat who jumped through an upper story window. He was fine but it does happen.

Please don't interpret this as rude, but:

1) cats falling out of windows really IS a problem, and while intelligent, are also way too curious for their own good. Think of them more like toddlers.

and

2) scat mats and screens are good options but the bottom line is still that if any of those fail, the cat could still get out. Also, even if the cat runs away from the scat mat, when Carli is home, she won't want the scat mat going off every time the cat approaches the window, and she can't watch her cat all the time to make sure it doesn't open the windows. In time, her cat might be conditioned to recognize that the mat is scary, but as soon as Carli removes the mat or finds a way to turn off the noise, the cat can easily figure out that it's no longer a risk.

The best solution, IMO, is one that removes any possibility of the cat being able to open the door at all.

Does your cat have claws? That would definitely factor into whether some kind of screening solution is viable.

Also, cats jumping and falling from high places does happen. A friend of mine had a cat who never tried to jump out the window until it had some kind of seizure as it was walking by the window and fell right out. He's fine now but had some pretty serious injuries.

Cats can and do fall from window ledges and all sorts of other perches. I can only assume that the people saying it's not a problem haven't been around cats on a regular basis and never seen them figuring out new paths over/around/under obstacles.

What about child-safe window guards? If you attach them with magnets or even heavy duty velcro, they should be strong enough to hold a cat in, and should be ok with your landlord.

My childhood bedroom window was a casement one that cranked outward. It had a screen, with hardware holding it in place. Are there small holes in the metal? If so, that might indicate hardware that was removed.

In some parts of the country it is against the health code to have operable windows without screens. So especially since your building is from 1937, I can't believe there weren't screens on the windows originally.

awallnut - As many users have already stated, at a certain height, cats CAN be seriously injured from a fall. Regardless, once that cat is outdoors, you can't expect an animal to stay outside waiting for the owner to come pick it up. Even well trained dogs would most likely wander away.

Back to the issue at hand, if you don't plan on opening your windows, I'd say a hook latch if you're able to screw into the frame. Maybe even one that's more like a carabiner so its impossible for a cat to open. This is a fine option since it's winter but you'll need another solution when it's warm and you want your windows back.

Chicken wire or netting. Or get rid of the cat.

Okay, so I just looked into this falling thing a bit. A study was done by the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan, looking at cats that dropped from 2-32 stories, and 90% of them survived and it was found that only about 5% of the cats who fell 7 to 32 stories died.

So yes they die, but not very often. There is gravity, but cats have 9 lives (aka Cat righting reflex)

@Fifthpocket - Hahahaha. That reminds me of the time I was talking to a person about renting their home and the person had a "no pets" policy. I asked anyway, and the person basically asked flat out whether I could give up my pet to rent their house. I kind of laughed awkwardly because I wasn't sure if the person was joking, but I don't think she was. Pets are like family to most people. You don't just leave them behind.

Chicken wire is a good choice: Cats can't rip at it, it's relatively visually unobtrusive, and it keeps stray checkens OUT.

Gaffer's Tape will hold it tight and can later be removed from the inner window frame cleanly.

@awallnut FYI my friend's cat fell out of a second story window and died...after having about 4 hours of siezures at the vets office while they tried to save her before finally having to put her to sleep. so really i think everyone who is saying that it's not such a big deal if the cat falls needs to either get off this thread or be more helpful.

i also have a problem with a cat who climbs screens. i think though that the idea of using some chicken wire would be feasable with relatively few holes being made in the walls/window frames. or you can do what my parents did. they measured their windows and french doors and created framed screens. (basically chickenwire inside of maybe 1x1 or2x2 pieces of wood that sloted into the windows, kept the cats from escaping very well. good luck!

I have cats and live in on a high-ish floor. My solution is screens that I can remove easily. and it might work for you, too. You'd just have to put them in once the window was open.

Admittedly, the screens wouldn't actually stop either cat from falling out if she lost her footing but it does prevent them from getting far enough out on the ledge that slipping is likely. If you think your cat is likely to actively try to get through a screen making a wood frame covered in chicken wire and secured with magnets (if the frame is metal), latching hardware or maybe even that 3M picture velcro should allow you to protect your cat when you open the windows. Most hardware stores have metal pieces in an L shape that are meant to be hammered into two straight cut pieces of wood to make an L shaped frame and you could have them cut the wood to fit for you. All you'd need then is a staple gun and the chicken wire or metal screen.

If you're worried about your cat opening the window and getting out, I'd get extra latches to install at the top of the window.

Oh, I discovered last weekend that you can also buy screen brackets, little metal pieces meant to be screwed into the window frame. They act sort of like a hinge once the screen is inserted so they hold the top of it and there are screen latches to attatch at the bottom. I found them at the neighborhood hardware store in with the screen building stuff. Those also might be helpful.

I was cat sitting for a friend. I *wrongly* assumed that the cat wouldn't jump out the window because it was too high for the cat to land safely. I was wrong. And paid a very large vet bill as penance for that mistake. (Luckily, the kitty was OK.)

Good luck with your solution-finding!

I'd try screwing these childproof guards into the walls that abut your casement windows, on the inside of the windows. Put them below the levers for the casement, so you can still open the windows. Connect to them some chicken wire or screening so that the cats can't squeeze through the bars.

http://www.safehomeproducts.com/shp2/category/window-safety/guardian-angel-egress/1140/1140.aspx

Ugly, but I can't figure out what else you can do. In the winter, you can take them out.

Alternatively, start knocking on neighbors' doors. Bring cookies. Somebody has had this problem and come up with a good solution.

both of my cats (one extremely intelligent, the other... not so much) fell out of my non-screened second floor windows when i was living in germany. both were distracted by flies/insects and both survived, but were rather shaken up. and proving that they didn't really learn, one of them (shockingly, the less intelligent one) fell out a second time a few months later.

i'd maybe look into building a custom screen that you can install from the inside when needed. I don't know if the normal baby gates would cover enough of the window to keep curious kitties in.

I'm a little confused about the exact nature of the problem--are you concerned that the cat will be able to open the windows on her own? All the answers about locks are assuming that--but I'd be really impressed by your cat! So I'm guessing you're wondering about her slipping out when the windows are already open?

I would want a solution that would also keep insects, birds, squirrels, etc. out. As has been mentioned, it is possible to screen these windows from the inside--but it does require some serious cost and hardware installation. Basically, the screen in on a hinge, and you can open it inward into the room to access the window latch, the window then swings outward, and hten you latch the screen closed (usually a simple magnetic closure). I would try to convince the landlord to spring for this kind of system--it should last for decades, and what tenant wouldn't want screens?

I have the same problem, live in a 1940's building in Portland with 2 cats. We have the exact same windows, no frame, windows open out with large handle that hooks inside the window.

We had a handyman make us removable screens. He used a metal frame and screening material to create rectangular frames for each individual window, sized appropriately, and streatched the screen within in the frame.

Then he used simple tab/latches which he attached on the window itself, the metal portion of the window outside of the portion that opens up. He put one tab on the top middle and 1 tab on each lower side. He had to drill into the metal of the window to attach the latches, but they are very small, not a big deal.

The screens function very well. To use them you have to open the window and then put the screen in place, flip the tabs around the screen. To close the window you must remove the screen.

I would recommend having someone make the screens that knows what they are doing, it is difficult to tightly pull screen and you want it to be tight and secure.

Good luck!

Since the windows open out, and the hardware is on the inside, standard nylon or aluminum screening material doesn't seem practical. I agree with the aaakid, the original screens probably screwed in, but that's something that would likely have to be custom-made.

How about a metal screen (like the type used on screen doors to keep pets from barreling through), and trim it to fit the window and hardware? Some tin snips should do the job. There are some out there that look better than just a plain grid. You could screw it onto the inside frame, which would be more secure than nylon screen material. It may take a couple, or you may find something else you can recycle for the purpose that would look better. It's not the most attractive solution, but one place to start.

Close the window?

How about not opening the window so wide the cat can get through. I lived on the 12th floor of a prewar coop with huge windows and no screens. I opened one wide without thinking the first spring I was there, and I couldn't find the cat. He had gone through the window, and was sitting on a brick ledge on the face of the building, no where near the window. I figured if I panicked and tried to help him, I would only make things worse. So I went in another room and remained quiet, and he calming walked back in through the window. I never opened a window more than 2" again.

@bepsf @Village - I'm betting most cats that can open closed doors would be able to open the casement windows, since there are levers.

It happens ALL THE TIME. It even has a name-- Highrise Cat Syndrome, or something. I was once walking down the street and a cat fell out of the sky and hit the person walking ten feet ahead of me (cat died, person was knocked out-- and this was only a fall from a 4 story brownstone!).

I love my cat-- I'm not sure if I'd lease a place without screened-windows!

OP-- have a handyman make removable screens that the cat can't push out! You KNOW you'll want to leave the windows open, come warm weather (great suggestion, all:"just don't open the windows!")

@Shirley, THAT is terrifying. I'm going to be wary of meows coming from high windows now....!

I have zero helpful advice to offer the OP, other than good luck!

Awallnut-- your statistics sound doubtful, post a link.

An open window is a guarantee that your cat will eventually fall from it. Even if he doesn't die, do you really want it possibly maimed & writhing in pain?

I know someone whose cat fell from over ten stories, into Manhattan traffic. Can you imagine a more awful death for a beautiful kitty?

Preventive:
1) Change the levered door hardware to something impossible for your cat to operate.
2) Tighten the hinges so that you can operate the windows but the cats can't.
Protective:
3) Find a handy person who can help you make screens that will work.

The levers are beside the point. It's not that a cat could open them, it's that no one wants to live in a hermetically-sealed apartment.

Opening windows of this type even an inch will entice a cat into exploring the fresh air coming in. Any cat could then nudge it open further.

Yes, my 18 year old feline "baby" is very much a part of the family. I would NEVER put him in the "open window/stories up/no screen" situation!! So... check out this link. I have no idea how much it costs, but it seems to be a great solution. Hope it helps! :o) http://www.clearviewus.com/54601/index.html

Pay close attention to the qualifier, Awallnut:

"Studies done on cats that have fallen from 2 to 32 stories, and still alive when brought to a veterinarian clinic, show that the overall survival rate is 90 percent of those treated.

In a study performed in 1987 it was reported that cats who fall from less than six stories, and are still alive, have greater injuries than cats who fall from higher than six stories. It has been proposed that this might happen because cats reach terminal velocity after righting themselves at about five stories, and after this point they relax, leading to less severe injuries in cats who have fallen from six or more stories.

Another possible explanation for this phenomenon would be the fact that cats who die in falls are less likely to be brought to a veterinarian than injured cats, and thus many of the cats killed in falls from higher buildings are not reported in studies of the subject.

Build custom frames out of wood to cover the window. I'd use 2" x 2" (basic) or window trim for a nicer look. Buy screen material and cut it to fit the frames. Use a hinge system with pins that can easily be removed so you can take the screens off the windows in the winter or when you have guests over for dinner. You can maybe store them under your bed? You may or may not need to teach your cat not to scratch on the screens.

I had a similar set up in an old style dorm that I lived in college. The casement windows opened out and the screens opened in. They actually looked really nice. Similar to this window

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://imgs.ebuild.com/cms/CUSTOM%2520HOME%2520MAGAZINE/2006/July/CH060701114L1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.customhomeonline.com/industry-news.asp%3FsectionID%3D209%26articleID%3D341589&usg=__1KzZevPygd01sIcLXbdRgD1W59U=&h=257&w=150&sz=27&hl=en&start=77&sig2=NxuLXDuP6ncvIT3gJMZu7Q&zoom=1&tbnid=clR4aGAwG6hwpM:&tbnh=147&tbnw=91&ei=Cm3UTJ-_O4O0sAPe7JGOCw&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcustom%2Bwood%2Bframe%2Bscreen%2Bdoors%2Bfor%2Bcasement%2Bwindows%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26channel%3Ds%26biw%3D1250%26bih%3D733%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C1762&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=746&vpy=207&dur=1648&hovh=205&hovw=120&tx=85&ty=136&oei=q2zUTKvKO4eesQPmyZSQCw&esq=3&page=4&ndsp=32&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:77&biw=1250&bih=733

Or you could have something like this made:
http://historicshed.com/wood-window-screens.htm

I have a similar problem. I live on the 12th floor in the city with a ginger cat and there is no way I'll open the sliding doors with him in the room. Danica123 's idea sounds great. If you combined that with a pet screen, which is a mesh screen thats seven times stronger than your usual screen ( so it says on the website) surely your furry friend would be safe. www.petscreendirect.com to buy the mesh by the metre.

I have actually done this.

We had casement windows as well - you had to open the window by pushing it out, so the screen had to be removable, look nice, and be sturdy enough to keep the cat in, despite attempted prying.

I bought a screen kit with lengths of frame that you cut to size with a hack saw. Then you install the screen with the use of a rubber gasket (comes with some kits, otherwise just ask for screen gasket).

I attached it with 3M velcro pull tabs: these have velcro and are sturdy, but easy to remove when it's time to move out by pulling the tab to stretch the tack out. They did no damage to the frame of the window at all.

Then we just left the screen up all the time - to open the window, we pulled it a bit off, turned the latch, pushed it out and then returned the screen to its place and pressed firmly over the velcro to ensure it was secure.

Worked like a charm for a year and a half!

If your windows open out, I echo Danica but would suggest using chicken wire rather than screen material and covering it with cotton scrim or some other sheer fabric. That would make the chicken wire look a bit less opressive. No one wants to feel like they are in prison in their homes!

My cat charged out a screen once in pursuit of a bird, so the chicken wire+filmy fabric was our next iteration. Worked great, but my windows opened side to side rather than in or out.

How about an invisible fence across that corner of the room? The cat would need a zap collar, but it might work.

my cat fell out of the window (15meters) and almost died from her injuries, she spent one week in the clinic and then six weeks with a legcast on "cagerest". (and all because i thought my kitty was smart enough to NOT jump )
i'm still kicking myself because of it and immediately afterwards built window frames out of wood with a special cat-net stapled to the frames. (it was really easy and didn't take long)
i only put them in when the window is open (the rest of the time they live behind a curtain panel, the wardrobe and the kitchen bench)
the are secured with velcro and a little bolt if i want to leave them in longer (during summer nights..) you can see a bit of the frames in this picture: http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y106/zimtzucker/cat.jpg

you could build something similar and attach it to the cornerpillar and the side with velcro (it's a bit hard to see in the photos how much space for attaching something you actually have)

and i definitely recommend the net versus a screen-like fabric, because the cat can't rip it or tear holes in it.

What's "cat net", Zimtzucker?

Your solution looks great, but those large holes look as though a cat might be able to push their nose through... then perhaps their head... then their shoulders (?). Is it indestructible, or something?

The advantage of window screen is that it prevents cats from getting out, and also prevents most insects from getting in.

I would get some of those screens that can be opened and closed to custom fit your windows (available at most NYC hardware stores) and some wood strips that you can cut to size and screw into the window frames in front of the windows. Then you can attach the screens to the wood. But if you think your cat might try to jump over the screen, that might not work. Another idea is to get venetian blinds and attach them at the bottom so that the cat can't push them to the side, but when in the open position can still see out.

Attach a short chain from the window to the bottom frame that prevents the window from opening more than a few inches. Obviously, you won't be able to have the windows open all the way, but you can still get some air flow and the cat will be safe.

How about using baby proofing cabinet locks and straps to keep the windows from opening more than an inch or two.

@awallnut
You're either misinformed or ignorant (no offense). Every year children and pets fall out of windows. Cats included.

For Carli:
In NYC window guards are mandatory. They're pretty easy to find, but I just Googled it for you and I'm linking to the first Amazon result I came across. At least it will get you on the right track. I don't have cats so I'm not sure how well they could climb a half-guard.

http://www.amazon.com/KidCo-S303-Mesh-Window-Guard/dp/B002H0JDPY

If you're a DIY person, here's an idea: get yourself some heavy duty mesh material and have someone sew the edges so that they are reinforced at least two inches in width all around. Go to a hardware store and buy a grommet maker, along with some hooks to attach into the wall. Get out your hammer. Now screw the hooks into the wall somehow. Okay, I'm not very good at explaining, but AT did a post a while back about making window coverings with grommets, so check it out:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/boston/how-to/how-to-create-modern-window-coverings-using-grommets-077580

Good for you for taking the initiative. Good luck and maybe let everyone know what you came up with.

I would do chicken wire stapled to a big wooden frame. Maybe you could put eyehooks on the edges and somehow tie it to eyehooks screwed close to the window? I'm not sure...

And to everyone wondering why she's nervous- seriously? Cats are extremely curious and they CAN lose their balance. Come on, people.

RE: Can how far the windows open be controlled with baby proofing products? They have latches and strapping that allow a cabinet door to open a couple of inches. Would that work?

I would just add a hook on the adjacent wall. And tie the lever to the hook with a rope, using boating knot. You know, the kind that you go around like an "8" and tuck the end inside.
This would probably be the cheapest solution.

I work for a family with windows like that. The screens are on the inside and there metal latches on the frame that hook into the screen. Also to be able to open the window you have to pull the lever towards you before you crank the window open. When you're done you push the lever in and it's locked.

They have 2 cats and they pull on the screens all the time and I have never seen them come off. They also have never pulled the lever out either. The only difference is the lever is located on the bottom of the window so the screens are always on the window, but they are removable.

@shirley-temple-of-doom
cat net is a net similar to goalnets bought under the name 'cat net' in my hardware store. it's ca. 2m wide and can be bought by the meter.(i used 3m)
the holes are about 4cm wide and my cat (although she is on the small side) can put her nose through it but no way the rest of the head could get through because the material is quite resistant and doesn't stretch. otherwise i wouldn't have them because of strangulation issues. BUT if i had a kitten i would rather not use them. their heads might be just small enough.

Regarding ideas about jerry-rigging the windows so they only open a "few inches": Don't overestimate the size opening a cat can get through-- cats escape skills are on par with Houdini.

I was fostering a cat & he was about to go live with someone in a modern 12th floor apartment-- the windows were screenless & opened out (about three inches max), like doors.

Although the cat was a big orange Goliath, we were still worried about the lack of screens, so we took an exact measurement of the window opening vis-a-vis his head. Seemed like he'd be too big to fit.

Nontheless, I tried an experiment: we marked off on the floor where an open closet door would stop at 3" & put a heavy piece of furniture at the 3" spot to block the door from opening any further. Put the cat in the closet... opened the door... sure enough, the enormous orange cat had no trouble escaping through a 3" open door.

Cats are like slippery eels, they can do anything.

Looks like you have some great suggestions, so I will just add my 2 cents about the importance of screens if you are a cat owner. Most cat rescue agencies in NYC will not allow you to adopt a cat from them if you will not install window screens. A little pushy of them, I think, but imagine if your cat got out, not even fell out, but just got out, and you did not know it. It's not like living in the burbs where you can go into the back yard and call "here kitty kitty". It's different here. Thats all.

Former vet tech here. It's good that you noticed this before your kitty was put in serious risk for injury, car hits, running away, etc. We have windows like this - either latch them closed or get steel-reinforced screens which are not affected by claws. Our cats have put microscopic tears in the screens but nothing more even after a decade of having cats / open windows with metal screens.

@ awallnut -

Yes, this is true. It's called High Rise Syndrome and they think it's because cats who fall from greater heights have more time to right themselves.

So they die less frequently - however, that does not mean serious injuries do not occur. How much fun do you think it is for an owner to take their broken-spined kitty who is in total agony to the vet and have them announce there is nothing that can be done to save their life? We need to keep our cats indoors or indoors with doggie doors leading to enclosed outdoor playplaces.

Until you have a chance to install some semipermanent screens, I would get some of those plastic window guards (the kind that only allow you to open the window an inch or two) and air out your apartment only while you're home and can watch kitty or put him/her in the bathroom for 20 minutes. Or, leave the windows closed and look for an affordable air purifier. Good luck!

My windows are similar. I attached door chains to them on the outside (I had to cut the chain down to make it too small for my cats head to get through, which made it difficult to get my hand through as well for locking but it can be done!). That way I can still open the windows if I want to but there's no way for the little guy to put himself at risk. My cat is also able to open levers so it was a concern that if I didn't he'd be able to open the windows himself when I wasn't around.

baby cage! http://www.life.com/image/3136964/in-gallery/25371

i actually saw a cat fall from a two-story bldg when the screen gave way. fortunately the cat was not hurt (fell onto the small roof of the entrance but had to be rescued by the fire dept) but i've heard many tales about cats being injured or killed due to falls so it does happen. cats are very curious & like to investigate everything & are especially drawn to windows because they can smell the outside. a screen of some sort has to be rigged & perhaps the cat should be discouraged with a small squirt of water whenever it gets near the window.

I live in Inwood too! (Welcome to the neighborhood!) I know that NYC law requires child-guards in all windows where a child lives. I assume this applies to casement windows as well. I suggest you speak with your super to find out what kind of child guards are used and see if that would help in your situation. Even if the guards had gaps that were too wide to protect your cat, you might want to have them installed as they might provide an area that you could then affix screening to. If you need screens, go to BH Window and Frames on Broadway and 212th Street. They did all the custom screens in my apartment. Good work and reasonably priced!

I had windows like that in my LA apartment (from the 20s), and the landlord had installed screens with thick metal frames that screwed into the wall around the window. There were little "doors" on each screen that opened in so you could reach the lever and open the window outward. A little clunky of a solution, and not the most attractive, but it worked great.

Also, just for everyone saying how bright cats are, in this same apartment our cat tried to jump to the nonexistent window ledge, grabbed onto the curtains with his claws when he discovered there was no ledge, and brought the curtains and hardware crashing down with him. Cats can be just as dumb as anyone else.

I'm now considering a solution to this problem as I'm about to move to a second floor flat with bathroom and living room windows of different types with a cat.

Our window living room window is a large sash and leads onto a bay balcony which we would like to use in the summertime, the balcony is accessed though the window.

I've read all the info on screens etc and decided a double pronged approach is the way to go on the bathroom window that opens out as I don't completely trust the screens on their own.

We are going to screw in fixings that cover the opening from all sides:

http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/cats/cat_flaps_nets/window_protection/29950

with the double approach of a screen guard with pet mesh not insect mesh, we will probably buy the buy the basic diy kit online and substitute pet mesh that is easy to get a hold of.

Now, for the problem of our beautiful sash window that leads to our balcony that we don't want to disfigure or prevent easy in and out access to us enjoying our out door space.

The perfect solution seems to be shutters... we could get full size shutters but I think we will opt for cafe shutters. When the window is shut and if we want to forget they are there (say its snowing for instance and we don't want out view obstructed) we can fold them all the way back.

http://www.californiashutters.co.uk/Shutter-Warehouse/Cafe-Style-Bay-Window-Shutters-1300mm-x-750mm~185.html

As our window will need only the bottom open to get to the balcony we only need cover the bottom part. they are easy to open and shut so can serve like mini doors with extra latches to prevent our cat from opening if needed and are manipulable to allow extra air though or shut completely if we want privacy in the evening, being cafe style we still get to admire the sky when they are fully extended and shut.

I think its pretty fool proof, if any one's cat proofed these ways or got any suggestions I would like to hear.