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  • Cat Falling – High-Rise Syndrome

    Black cat peeking over a roof.

    What is High-Rise Syndrome?

    High rise syndrome is trauma that occurs most commonly in urban settings due to falls from tall buildings. Cats that can fit through railings are especially at risk for this condition. Cats will often fall with legs in a downward position, with their neck and chin toward the ground, leading to injuries including:

    • Broken teeth
    • Difficulty breathing – commonly due to air leaking from a damaged lung
    • Fractures or dislocations of the limbs
    • Jaw fractures
    • Shock and internal injuries
    • Split in the roof of the mouth

    How can I prevent High-Rise Syndrome?

    Always keep screens on open windows securely fastened, do not allow your cat on terraces or balconies that are not screened, and do not leave windows open wide enough for your cat to squeeze through.

    • Use my location

    Learn lifesaving skills in just 35 minutes! Sign up for our online Cat and Dog First Aid Online course today.

    Emergency Steps

    1

    If the cat is not visible, check the entire area around the fall site, including bushes, brush, and under cars.

    • Cats that survive a fall often will attempt to run away afterward. This does not mean they are not seriously injured.
    2

    Approach the cat cautiously and check the cats ABCs. Perform Pet CPR if needed.

    • Take particular care when opening the mouth because a jaw fracture may be present.
    3

    Control any bleeding.

    4

    Take the cat to a veterinary hospital immediately.

    • Transport in a box or carrier. Place her on a flat board if a spinal injury is suspected.

    Download the FREE Red Cross Pet First Aid App

    Pet First Aid App. The free Pet First Aid App provides guidance on your pet's health, what to do in emergencies and how to include your pets in your preparedness plans.

    The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. With videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know pet first aid. Get the app and be prepared to act when called upon. iOS App, Google Play, or text "GETPET" to 90999.

    Help Save Pet Lives with an American Red Cross Pet First Aid Class

    Be prepared for any pet emergency! Sign up for our 35-minute Cat and Dog First Aid Online course. Learn the basics in caring for cats and dogs through a variety of topics – from understanding and checking your pet's vital signs, to preventative care for cats and dogs, to caring for the most critical emergency situations - including breathing and cardiac emergencies, wounds, bleeding, and seizures.

    Our pet first aid online course can be good for: Pet Owners, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, and Dog Trainers, Animal Shelter Staff & Volunteers, Groomers, Pet Retail Employees, Other Pet Care Providers, and more!

    Register Now!

    You love your pets and want to keep them happy - heart. Our Cat and Dog First Aid Online Training can help. Learn how to provide a healthy lifestyle and deliver first aid to your pet. Register today! American Red Cross

    Information Provided Deborah C. Mandell, BS, VMD

    Dr. Debbie Mandell

    Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.

    About Red Cross Training Services

    More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.