01/02/2023
High Rise Syndrome in Pet Cats
During the summer, many pet parents eagerly open their windows to enjoy the weather. Unscreened windows, on the other hand, are a real danger to cats, who fall out of them so frequently that the veterinary profession has a name for the condition: High-Rise Syndrome. Falls can cause broken jaws, punctured lungs, broken limbs and pelvises, and even death.
But there is good news :
Cats have excellent survival instincts and do not purposefully “jump” from dangerously high places. The majority of cats fall from high-rise windows, terraces, or fire escapes by accident.
Cats have an amazing ability to focus their attention on whatever piques their interest. A bird or other animal attraction can cause them to lose their balance and fall.
Cats have little fear of heights and enjoy perching in high places, so pet owners frequently assume they can look after themselves. Although cats can cling to the bark of trees with their claws, other surfaces, such as window ledges, concrete or brick surfaces, are much more difficult.
Cats do not land squarely on their feet when they fall from great heights. Instead, they land with their feet slightly apart, which can result in serious head and pelvic injuries.
It is a common misconception that cats will not be hurt if they fall from one or two-story buildings. They may be more vulnerable to injury when falling short distances than when falling from mid-range or higher altitudes. Shorter distances do not allow them enough time to adjust their body posture in order to fall properly.
When cats fall from high-rise buildings, they may end up on dangerous and unfamiliar sidewalks or streets. Never assume that the animal did not survive the fall; instead, take it to the nearest animal hospital or your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Cats who are high-rise victims have a 90% chance of survival if they receive immediate and proper medical attention.
Keeping High-Rise Syndrome at Bay
Take the following precautions to keep your cat safe this summer:
Install tight-fitting, sturdy screens in all of your windows.
Please ensure that your adjustable screens are tightly wedged into the window frames if you have them.
It is important to note that cats can get through childproof window guards, which do not provide adequate protection!
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