Common and Often Severe Injuries from Falls
When a cat falls, particularly from a height, they face a high risk of significant injuries. Veterinary studies on “high-rise syndrome” cases frequently document:
- Fractures: Common fractures include limbs (especially forelimbs), jaw, and palate.
- Internal Injuries: These are often the most life-threatening. They include pneumothorax (collapsed lung from air leaking into the chest cavity), pulmonary contusions (bruised lungs), and diaphragm ruptures (where abdominal contents push into the chest cavity).
- Spinal Trauma: Injuries to the spine can lead to paralysis or severe pain.
- Head Injuries: Concussions and other head trauma can occur, especially if the cat strikes their head during the fall.
- Dental Trauma: Broken teeth are also a common outcome.
These incidents necessitate immediate emergency veterinary attention, even if your cat appears to recover quickly. Internal injuries may not be immediately obvious.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Cat from Falls:
- Secure Window Screens: Ensure all windows have sturdy, securely installed screens. Cats can easily push out flimsy or improperly fitted screens. Consider child-proof window locks that allow ventilation without full opening.
- Balcony and High-Rise Safety: If you have a balcony, never allow unsupervised access. Consider enclosing it with cat-safe netting or sturdy screening that extends from floor to ceiling, providing a safe “catio” experience without fall risk.
- Stable Vertical Play: Ensure all cat trees, wall-mounted shelves, and window perches are stable and securely anchored to a wall. This prevents them from tipping over during energetic play, which could lead to a fall.
- Constant Supervision: Supervise your cat closely when they are on high surfaces, near open windows, or on balconies, especially if they are playful, easily startled, or exploring new areas.
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