Friday, April 3, 2009

High-Rise Syndrome

Spring has sprung and with warmer weather comes open windows. Unfortunately, unscreened windows can be a threat to felines. Veterinarians have referred to cats falling out of windows as High-Rise Syndrome.

High-Rise Syndrome mostly relates to cats and the ASPCA lists a few facts regarding this phenomenon.
*Cats don’t deliberately jump from high places that are dangerous. Injuries relating to a fall from a high-rise, terrace or fire escape are accidental.
*Cats focus on what interests them. A distraction could cause them to lose their balance and fall.
*Window surfaces can be difficult for cats to cling to as they can be made of brick or concrete.
*Cats do not always land squarely on their feet which can lead to pelvis and head injuries.
*Cats can be injured just as greatly from short falls as shorter distances do not give them a chance to adjust their body posture.

Please help prevent High-Rise Syndrome by making sure that window screens are snuggly secured in window frames and note that cast can slip through childproof window guards.

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