Ottawa Humane Society warns cat owners about ‘high-rise syndrome’
Ottawa Humane Society
Friday, May 04, 2007
OTTAWA, Ont. (4 May, 2007) —With warmer weather prompting more of us to let the fresh air in, the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) is warning cat owners about the dangers of allowing cats access to apartment balconies, terrace windows or open windows. In the past week alone, the OHS has received several emergency calls about cats that have fallen from outdoor balconies, and sadly, only some of the cases had happy endings.“In the spring and summer we see an increase in the number of cats that are injured or have died due to a fall,” says Bruce Roney, executive director of the OHS. “Cats lose their balance and they fall and unfortunately, they do sustain serious injuries.”
Veterinarians call this type of injury ‘high-rise syndrome’. While ‘high rise syndrome’ is primarily a problem for city cats, even suburban and country cat owners need to take heed. Although cats usually land on their feet, their injuries depend on the kind of surface they land on and the distance of the fall. It is a myth that cats always land on their feet.
Cats appear to like to perch in dangerous, high places and have little fear of heights. Many owners believe that cats will not fall. But they do fall, thousands of them each year from balconies, open windows and rooftops. Sometimes a cat that has been watching a bird will become so focused, he/she may step out into thin air.
The precautions against ‘high-rise syndrome’ for cat owners are quite easy. First, do not allow your cat free access to balconies. If you do want the cat to have access to the outside, ensure it is supervised and be sure to provide a comfortable body harness and leash that is held by the owner as this is the best protection against any falls. Most importantly, have your cat spayed or neutered, as this can enhance their concentration and decrease their desire to roam. It’s also imperative to have cats microchipped, so they have the best possible chance of making it home should they ever become lost.
For media enquiries, contact:
Tara Jackson, Communications Manager
(613) 725-3166 ext. 261
A word about the Ottawa Humane Society:
The Ottawa Humane Society is a registered charity founded in 1888. The Society works in and with the community to provide leadership in the humane treatment of all animals, to address the causes of animal suffering, to encourage people to take responsibility for their animal companions, and to provide care for animals who are neglected, abused, exploited, stray, or homeless.
Tara Jackson
Communications Manager
Ottawa Humane Society
phone (613) 725-3166 ext. 261
www.ottawahumane.ca
