Do you open your windows in the summer to let some fresh air in your home? It may bring some comfort inside, but it can also be dangerous to cats if your windows do not have screens. If you think that the chance of your cat falling out a window is slim to none, consider this: this happens so often that it has been given a name; High-Rise Syndrome. Falls can lead to broken jaws or other bones in your cat, as well as punctured lungs and even death. Read on to learn more.
The facts are as follows:
- Your cat doesn’t choose to jump from a window, as they have certain instincts to determine what heights are too dangerous. High-Rise Syndrome is generally accidental.
- You may assume that because your cat is comfortable with perching on high surfaces, accidents won’t happen. However, their claws aren’t able to cling on every surface in the event of a fall. A passing bird or other animal can distract them and cause them to lose their balance.
- The myth that cats always fall on their feet is not true. Even when they do, they often land with feet splayed apart, which can lead to head and pelvis injuries.
- If your cat does fall, they may end up on a street or sidewalk they are unfamiliar with. Do not assume that your pet didn’t survive – rush them to an animal hospital immediately. There is a 90 percent survival rate for cats who receive immediate medical attention after a high-rise fall.
- Even if a cat falls from a lower window one or two stories up, the fall can be dangerous. In face, a cat can even be at a greater risk for injury from a shorter fall as they do not have enough time to adjust their body to fall properly.
Prevent high-rise falls with these tips:
- Make sure that your windows, at least the ones you open often in the summer, have sturdy screens.
- If your windows have adjustable screens, make sure they are tightly fit into window frames.
- Childproof window guards do not provide enough protection; your cat may be able to slip through them.
- It is always safest to keep your cat indoors to protect them from cars, other animals, disease and more.
Courtesy of ASPCA
The post Feline High-Rise Syndrome appeared first on Metro Vet Chicago.