Fall-From-Height Syndrome in Cats

Fall-from-height syndrome in cats can be defined as a whole set of health problems that occur as a result of cats falling from balconies, windows, or fire escapes, especially in high-rise buildings. Cats can suffer serious internal organ damage from falls from extreme heights. Falls from a height can injure, swell, or in some cases, rupture the internal organs of cats. Bone fractures usually occur in the limbs, mouth, or jaw. Internal bleeding and shock can also be observed in cats that have fallen from a height. For a cat to survive a fall, it needs immediate veterinary examination. In this article, you can find information about fall-from-height syndrome in cats and how to treat cats that have fallen. What is Fall-From-Height Syndrome? Cats have incredible balance. Moreover, they can use this balance to their advantage when falling. Cats can survive falls from almost a 20-story building. Thanks to their extremely flexible vertebrae, which allow them to expand and correct their position in mid-air, they can glide like flying squirrels. Although cats can survive falls from extreme heights, not all injuries resulting from falls may be visible to the naked eye. Serious injuries can occur, especially in falls from heights between 2 and 7 stories, as cats often lack the height to right themselves and regain balance. Feline fall syndrome can be defined as problems caused by both falls from very high heights and falls from insufficient heights.

What is Fall-From-Height Syndrome?

Cats have incredible balance. Moreover, they can use this balance to their advantage when falling. Cats can survive falls from almost 20-story buildings. Thanks to their ability to extend their extremely flexible vertebrae and correct their position in mid-air, they can glide like flying squirrels. Although cats can survive falls from extreme heights, not all injuries resulting from falls may be visible. Serious injuries can occur, especially in falls from heights between 2 and 7 stories, as cats often lack sufficient height to right themselves and regain balance. Fall from a height syndrome in cats can be described as problems caused by both falls from very high heights and falls from insufficient heights.

Causes of Cats Falling from Heights?

There are various reasons why cats fall from heights. However, the vast majority of the most common causes can be prevented by the people in the house. In short, if you live in a high-rise house, you need to make the environment safe for your cat. Cats often fall from open windows or balconies. To prevent cats from falling from balconies or windows, you can make the area safe with safety nets. You can review specially designed cat safety products by clicking here. In apartment buildings with open fire escape doors, cats are at a very high risk of falling. Therefore, cats should be prevented from accessing fire escapes. Kittens, being inexperienced and curious, can also fall. Reasons for cats falling from heights include running away due to fear of a vacuum cleaner or other mechanical noises, in short, sudden movements, becoming overly engrossed in hunting a bird or insect, and involuntary REM movements while sleeping near a window. Cats may not pay attention to what is happening around them, especially when they are focused on hunting. Therefore, care should be taken when cats are on the balcony or when the window is open in the room they are in. Symptoms of Fall-From-Height Syndrome Although a cat that has fallen from a height may not show any symptoms at first, it may exhibit different behaviors in a short time. These symptoms vary depending on the injuries sustained by the cat. Delayed onset of symptoms is extremely common. Therefore, even if the cat doesn't show any symptoms initially, you should take it to a veterinarian immediately.

Reasons why cats fall from heights include: being startled by a vacuum cleaner or other mechanical noise and running away – in short, making sudden movements; becoming overly engrossed in hunting a bird or insect; and involuntary REM sleep episodes while sleeping near a window. Cats may not pay attention to their surroundings, especially when focused on hunting. Therefore, care should be taken when cats are on balconies or in rooms with open windows.

Symptoms of Fall from Height Syndrome

Although a cat that falls from a height may not show any symptoms at first, it can exhibit different behaviors shortly afterward. These symptoms vary depending on the injuries sustained by the cat. Delayed onset of symptoms is extremely common. Therefore, even if the cat shows no symptoms initially, you should take it to a veterinarian without delay.

Symptoms of cats falling from a height can include painful abdominal lumps, abdominal distension, vomiting, visible wounds, blood loss, jaundice, bleeding or swelling in the mouth, and limb deformities.

How to Diagnose Cats That Have Fallen From a Height?

The vast majority of cats that fall from a height do not return home, and even if their owners didn't witness the fall, they realize something is wrong from their absence. If you witness your cat falling, you should take it to an animal hospital or veterinary clinic immediately. You must be very careful to avoid further injury while transporting your cat for medical assistance. Even if your cat appears fine after a fall, it may have sustained various injuries to its internal organs. The sooner you take it to the veterinarian after the accident, the higher its chances of survival.

In the clinic, after a physical examination, advanced imaging techniques such as X-rays or ultrasounds are used to check for internal organ damage. In this way, internal injuries or pancreatitis in cats can be detected. In some cases, it is also checked whether there is an abnormal increase in fluid in the abdominal area. A biochemical profile can be performed to check creatinine and potassium levels in the blood, and a complete blood count can be performed to measure the level of white blood cells.

Recovery Process of Cats That Fall From a Height

In cats that fall from a height, not only physical injuries occur. The psychology of a cat that falls from a height also changes. Therefore, it is as important to heal psychological wounds as it is to heal physical wounds. Depending on the severity of the injury from the fall, surgery or medication may be necessary. In some cases, it is better for the cat to remain under the supervision of a veterinarian. Overcoming this trauma psychologically can also be difficult. Veterinarians may recommend the use of herbal calming supplements if they deem it appropriate. This makes it easier for cats to cope with this process. The answer to the question "Will a cat die from a fall?" actually depends on the height of the fall. However, since cats generally land on their feet, their chances of survival are high.