Cats are incredibly curious about everything around them. If they have access to the outdoors, they'll spend their time investigating and exploring their territory; if you live in an apartment, you can improve your environment to make it safer. And if he doesn't have one, he'll sit or lie down by the window to watch what's happening outside. And outside, as we know, there are birds, insects and other little animals that the feline might want to hunt, in addition to noises and movements that strongly attract its attention.
Unless the window or balcony is properly closed or protected with a heavy-duty safety netThe risk of it falling is very high, because felis catus landlord may have what is known as the parachute cat syndrome, one of the most frequent domestic accidents in cats living in apartments.
What is parachute cat syndrome?
Veterinarians know as parachute cat syndrome o flying cat syndrome to the set of injuries suffered by cats when falling from heightsThese falls typically occur from windows, balconies, terraces, or clotheslines. They are usually falls from several meters high, but significant injuries can also occur from lower heights if the animal does not have enough time to get into the correct position.
The cat has the extraordinary ability to turn your body in the air and land on its four legs, since its weight is distributed symmetrically and harmoniously in such a way that its center of gravity coincides with the geometric center of its body. This allows it to land in a suitable position, but They don't always succeed And even if they succeed, the impact can cause serious damage.
Those who They have fallen into the void and have been unable to correct their posture, or in their fall they have hit clotheslines, railings or other objects These are the ones that veterinarians say have the parachute cat syndromeIt is a particularly common problem in inexperienced young cats, in cats without sterilizing driven by zeal and in indoor cats that live in high-rise apartments with unprotected access points.
Risk factors and how cats fall
Although any cat can fall, there are a number of risk factor's which greatly increase the likelihood of suffering from this syndrome:
- Windows and balconies without protectionAccessible ledges, railings, or swinging openings are one of the main causes of falls.
- Kittens and young cats: Its lack of experience and their constant activity causes them to underestimate the danger.
- Unneutered cats: The reproductive instinct and the meows of other cats can encourage them to try to jump.
- older cats: the loss of faculties (vision, balance, muscle strength) increases the risk of slipping.
- Very small puppiesThey have not yet fully developed their sense of balance nor the necessary coordination.
Cats have a sophisticated righting reflex which allows them to twist their bodies in the air to land on their feet. Furthermore, just before impact, they tend to stretch the body and limbs as if they were a small parachute, increasing friction with the air and slightly reducing the speed of fall.
Paradoxically, the falls from intermediate heights They can be more dangerous than very high ones, since at short distances the cat can not having enough time to turn and position themselves correctly, or not fully extend their body to cushion the blow. On the other hand, the falls from great heights They pose a huge risk because, even if the cat manages to land on its feet, the energy of the impact can produce multiple fractures and internal injuries.
Injuries and symptoms of the high-rise cat
High-rise syndrome is considered a set of typical symptoms and injuries These injuries occur when a cat falls from a considerable height. Among the most frequent are:
- Hip fractureIt is one of the most common injuries because the back of the body receives much of the impact.
- Fracture of the tibia or other extremities: they can occur in one or more legs, severely hindering mobility.
- jaw fracture: by flexing the limbs to cushion the blow, the jaw It can hit the ground and break.
- Head and facial trauma: from superficial wounds to maxillofacial fractures and eye injuries.
- Thoracic trauma: pulmonary contusions, pneumothorax (air in the thoracic cavity) and respiratory difficulty.
- Abdominal injuries: possible ruptures of internal organs such as liver, spleen or bladder, which can cause internal bleeding.
- Spinal injuries: spinal damage that can cause paralysis or neurological disorders.
In many cases, the cat may appear relatively normal after the fall, but present invisible internal injuries that put their lives at risk. That's why, even if we don't see any obvious injuries, it's essential to go to the vet for a full scan.
Furthermore, a cat that falls from a height is usually very frightened: it can hideto flee in disorientation or to become immobile from shock. To have a updated microchip It is essential so that he can be identified if someone finds him and takes him to a clinic or shelter.
What to do if your cat falls from a window or balcony
If you witness or suspect that your cat has fallen from a height, the most important thing is to act with speed and calmWhenever possible, go down to get it immediately, avoiding sudden movements that could worsen potential injuries.
Even if the cat seems fine, you should Take him to the vet immediately., since it could have internal injuries or fractures that are not visible to the naked eye. Handle it carefully, trying immobilize the body (for example, by placing it on a board, rigid blanket or flat surface) to avoid aggravating damage to the spine or limbs.
During the transfer, it is essential to:
- Avoid pressing the thorax or abdomen in excess.
- Observe if there is respiratory distress, obvious bleeding or deformities.
- Keep the cat in an environment calm and temperatereducing their stress.
At the clinic, the veterinarian will assess your pet's overall condition, perform the necessary tests (x-rays, ultrasounds, blood tests, etc.), and decide on the treatment. most appropriate treatment depending on the severity of the injuries.
Is there any way to prevent it?
Yes, in fact, there are several very effective ways to Preventing high-rise syndrome in cats and make the home a much safer place for our feline. The key is in eliminate drop points and minimize risk situations:
- Neutering the animalA neutered cat, whether male or female, will have a less interest in leaving He was out looking for a partner and, consequently, the risk of him falling into the void would be much lower.
- Put net on windows and terracesIf we want them to be able to see what's happening outside, it's very important to put safety nets or mesh Cat-specific harnesses, which you can find in pet stores, must be properly tensioned, anchored, and fitted to the cat. size, weight and activity level of our cat
- Have the windows closed: keep closed Windows, especially tilt-and-turn windows or those with wide openings, are a basic measure when there is no protection installed.
In addition to these basic recommendations, it is worth taking into account other details important:
- Choosing networks with small mesh for puppies and very small cats, and a bit wider for adults, as long as they cannot put their head through.
- Evaluate networks reinforced with metallic wire if the cat is very active or has a tendency to bite.
- Opt for materials with UV protection if the area receives direct sunlight for many hours.
- Install the network correctly following the manufacturer's instructionseither by fixing it to a frame, with plugs and eyelets, or systems that fit into the frame of the blind.
Living with a cat is a wonderful experience, but it's very important protect it from fallsSupervising their access to balconies and windows, installing safe nets, and staying well-informed about the risks of high-rise syndrome will allow our companion to enjoy the home, the view, and the fresh air without putting their life at risk.
