High-Rise Syndrome

During the summer, many cat owners gladly open their windows to enjoy the weather.

Sadly, unvetted windows are a serious threat to cats, who fall out of them so frequently that the vet community has a name for the condition: High-Rise Syndrome.

Falls can cause broken jaws, punctured lungs, fractured limbs and pelvises, and even death.

Cats have strong survival instincts, and they don't "jump" from dangerously high locations on purpose.

The majority of cats fall out of high-rise windows, terraces, or fire escapes by accident.

Cats have a remarkable ability to concentrate their attention on whatever piques their interest.

A distraction such as a bird or other animal can lead them to lose their balance and fall.

They do not land firmly on their feet when they fall from great heights.

Instead, they land with their feet slightly apart, resulting in serious head and pelvic injuries.

It is a common myth that cats will not be hurt if they fall from one or two-story structures.

They may be more vulnerable to injury while falling short distances than when falling from mid-range or higher altitudes.

Shorter distances do not allow them enough time to alter their body position to fall properly.

Cats who are high-rise victims have a 90% chance of survival if they receive early and competent medical assistance.