Are cats safe in a high-rise home?
QWe are moving into a seventh-floor apartment with our seven-year-old neutered male cat. Friends have advised us this is a bad idea as cats often fall from heights in these buildings. Any advice?
AUnfortunately, your friends are correct in one respect – cats often fall from heights. It’s a well-known problem called high-rise syndrome.
Any vet working in an area with tower blocks will certainly have seen cases, especially in the summer months when windows are left open and balconies are not made secure. Often, young cats are victims.
There is no reason why cats cannot be kept happily in apartments, provided they have environmental enrichment and can play safely. The consequences of getting it wrong, however, can be disastrous for the cat.
Common injuries are fractures of the jaw, front and back limbs, abdominal haemorrhage and chest trauma.
The frustrating aspect of high-rise syndrome is that it is entirely preventable. Much of this is common sense, such as securing windows with limiters, which also protect young children. There are other ways of cat-proofing windows and balconies.
For innovative ideas on doing this visit protectapet.com
I found a stray, emaciated tomcat and have taken him in. He constantly pulls at his fur. I was advised online to use a compound mix with hydrogen peroxide. This hasn’t worked. Would shaving off his fur help? I’m looking for a home remedy as I can’t afford a vet.
AHaving rescued this poor cat I am sure that you would want what is best for him. For that he needs to be examined by a vet. I strongly recommend getting advice and support from one of the cat rescue and rehabilitation societies such as Cats Protection. As the cat’s problems will need further investigation, it may be better for the him to be signed over for professional care.
The cat will need a scan to see if he has a microchip. Cats can sometimes get lost many miles from home and are often unable to fend for themselves well. This could be one of the causes for his emaciated state. By the way, after June 10 it will be a legal requirement for all owned cats to be microchipped once they are 20 weeks old. Other causes of emaciation, apart from inadequate diet, could include kidney, liver and intestinal problems. Blood samples are necessary for a diagnosis, plus immunodeficiency virus testing.
Many diseases cause fur pulling, such as flea allergy and ringworm. These are investigated by hair and skin sampling followed by specific treatment.
The frustrating aspect of high-rise syndrome is that it is entirely preventable