It is every cat owner's nightmare: one moment your beloved feline is happily perched on the balcony, and then suddenly everything goes wrong.
Thousands of cats fall from balconies every year, with potentially dire consequences for their health and wellbeing.
However, there are steps that you can take to make sure your animal companion is safe and sound after an unfortunate accident.
Although cats have a legendary ability to land on their feet, falls from significant heights can still cause severe injuries.
A phenomenon known as High-Rise Syndrome can lead to broken bones, internal bleeding, lung injuries, and more.
The chances of a full recovery depend greatly on the height of the fall and how quickly you act following the incident.
One common adage says that "cats always land on their feet", but this truism does not apply in all cases.
Researchers have found that a cat's terminal velocity—i.e., the highest speed they can reach during freefall without any impediment—is around 60 mph (97 km/h).
So, whether your cat falls from the first floor or ninth floor, it will likely impact the ground going at full force.
If your cat has fallen off a balcony, remain calm and approach them slowly.
They may be scared and hiding after suffering a blow, so give them some time before attempting to coax them towards you.
Here are a few signs to look out for when assessing your cat's condition:
If you notice any of these symptoms, your cat needs immediate veterinary attention. Avoid applying pressure to suspected fractures and try not to move them too much. Just call us 7 days a week at 033 0027 0670.
To ensure that your fallen cat gets swift medical treatment, it is crucial to know your options and have an action plan in place. Some considerations include:
Contact your vet or the nearest out of hours vets immediately after the fall, describing the situation and requesting guidance before arriving at the practice.
While accidents can still happen, there are various preventive steps you can take to increase the safety of feline-friendly balconies. These measures include:
Taking precautions such as these not only helps to protect your cat from future falls, but also gives you peace of mind when they're exploring your outdoor spaces.
Cats may act differently after experiencing a traumatic event, even if they don't suffer any severe or long-lasting physical injuries.
They may become more timid, aggressive, or withdrawn—however, this behavior change often resolves over time with patience and proper care.
Your cat will need extra love and attention during their recovery period. Make sure they have a cozy place to rest, manage their pain with prescribed medication, and monitor their eating, drinking, and bathroom habits closely.
Through it all, stress the importance of gentle interactions in helping frightened or injured pets feel safe and loved again.