Does your cat love to perch on top of your banister or make a beeline for your balcony every time you open the door? Does it make you worry? Does your cat know when it is too high to jump safely?
Our cats are known for their daredevil stunts and acrobatics. Their sense of adventure draws them to take risks and reach the highest points they can, but do they know their limits.
High Rise Syndrome
Cats love to climb, but unfortunately it can result in injuries. High Rise Syndrome refers to the injures cats sustain when they lose their balance on the slippery surface of a the banister and fall or any type of fall from a considerable height. Even miscalculating a step when pursuing a bird on a balcony.
Despite their reputation for gracefully landing on their feet, these falls often result in serious injures and even death.
“Oftentimes people say, ‘Cats always land on their feet,’ but it is a common misconception that cats will not be injured if they fall from even low height levels,” says PSPCA Staff Veterinarian JoEllen Bruinooge. “In fact, they may actually have more damage when falling from only two-to-four stories because they do not have time to adjust their body position.”
According to experts, a cat that falls from a banister and balcony may experience:
Broken or sprained limbs
Internal injuries
Broken teeth
Scrapes, cuts, and abrasions
Injuries to the jaw and face
Punctured lungs
Ruptured bladder
How to keep your cats safe before the unthinkable happens?
Pet proofing your home can be made easier by experiencing what they are seeing. Getting on the floor eye level to them, you can best see what your child or pet is seeing. This way you can find the hidden dangers where a banister wall can prevent accidents.
Custom built banister safety walls are the perfect solution. They can be easily installed in many places including banisters, railings, balconies, patios, and more. They come in a variety of colors, come with all the hardware and directions.
Take care of your pets
If your cat does fall from a banister or balcony, it is important to take them to the vet right away. Cats are very stoic naturally, so even if they don’t appear to be injured, the damage may be internal.
“If your pet does accidentally fall from a window, get them to the veterinarian immediately,” a PSPCA spokeswoman said. “There is a 90 percent survival rate for cats who are high-rise victims if they receive immediate and proper medical attention. There is no ‘at-home’ treatment, and many of these pets are in extreme pain, whether they show the symptoms of pain or not.”
