Protecting your feline from the risk of High Rise Syndrome

It's the nightmare of any prospective urban cat parent - your feline gets loose onto the balcony or the fire escape and has some serious consequences from a major fall. What veterinarians now call High Rise Syndrome (injuries that result from a nasty fall) can easily be prevented by urban cat parents by feline-proofing many avenues of escape in their homes and giving their furry friends safe views to the outdoors. According to CatChannel.com, while most cat parents believe that their pets have a preservation instinct and will avoid these dangerous areas, they don't have the depth perception that we give them credit for.

"Most cats fall from unscreened windows, or [from] fire escapes or balconies," Dr. Louise Murray, a New York City veterinarian, told the news source. "A cat's instincts drive them to leap forward toward any moving object."

Cats can also be startled by loud noises like barking dogs and sirens, so urban cat parents should consider installing a few improvements around their homes to keep their companions safe year-round. With summer here, cats are going to be drawn to open windows and high places to get a view of the outdoors, so now is the ideal time to get started.

1. Install new screens. The strength of your window screens is paramount in protecting your feline in your apartment. Ideally, it may be best to keep your windows closed during the day and open them when you can give your feline more supervision.

2. Balcony safeguards. While it may not be the most attractive sight in the world, consider ringing your outdoor balcony with deck netting or wire mesh, suggests PetFinder.com. This will provide another layer of protection to prevent your feline from a nasty fall, and it can give you more time to spring into action and bring him or her inside.

Of course, even constant supervision can't overcome a seriously curious cat, so if your cat does take a fall, call your veterinarian or a Bideawee Animal Hospital if you're in the New York City area. Be sure to give as much information as possible so your vet can better treat your furry friend. Receiving immediate care is the best way to save your feline from the life-altering effects of High Rise Syndrome.