After reading of the Midwest cage accident in which two toes of a fert were
broken, I checked our cage and could see how such an accident could happen.
The gap between our sides is about one-quarter of an inch wide but could
cause a problem to a cage climber, which ours are not, normally.
 
What I would suggest to those concerned with potential problems would be to
buy some plastic tubing, say 1/4, 3/8, or 1/2 inch diameter (available in
most super DIY stores in the plumbing section), cut a piece equal to the
distance between two horizontal bars on the cage (four inches on ours), and
slit it along its length.  Then, spread the tube enough to slip over the
vertical corner bars and put into place.  The tube will spring back to its
original shape and will then serve as a protection against caught paws.  Do
this for the full height of the cage on the four corners.
 
It should do the trick.
 
Al
[Posted in FML issue 2621]