A video recently shared on TikTok has the internet baffled.
The clip shows a building with small crescent-shaped cages running all the way up its brick wall. The caption in the video says, “I walk past these everyday…Never understood what they were for…until today!” Cut to a clip of a cat relaxing on one of the “mini balconies”!
What are the small cages on the side of buildings?
Now of course, this is certainly not what the “balconies” were meant for, although the cat in the clip seems to be enjoying it!
Though commentators had different opinions about the balconies’ uses – including as attachment points for baby cages in the early 1900s – the most likely explanation for the balconies is that they are attachment points for rescue services’ ladders in case of an emergency.
Secure catios for indoor cats
Cats love sunshine, fresh air, and observing the outside world, especially from a high place. That’s why this cat is probably loving his makeshift balcony so much. However, if you own an indoor cat and would like to give them some of the pleasures of having access to the outdoors, then we suggest you build a secure catio.
Not all cats are as calm as the one in this video!
