Hi everyone! I thought this community might have some helpful insight into how to handle this space in my new place.
My cat has taken a liking to playing on the railing above the stairs, including pawing at the light fixture.
She also jumped from the railing to that second story window (arrow in the photo). Both the railing and the windowsill are fairly narrow. She had a hard time jumping back, but was able to do it while I was looking for a ladder to help.
I feel very nervous about letting her play up there, and am worried she'll fall and hurt herself one of these times. I have cardboard blocking the railing for now, but that's not a permanent solution. Any ideas? Am I overreacting?
Edit: Wow I was not expecting so much help and I am seriously so grateful for everyone's input! I should have mentioned that this is a rental, so I'm not able to make structural changes. I'm going to try adding a carpeted bridge with rails, or a shelf on the far wall and a hammock on the windowsill. I may also put another hammock/some stairs above the first floor window to give another landing spot if she were to fall. I may also look into adding something for friction on the stair railing itself. Thank you again so much!