Is it dangerous to have a cat when I have a balcony on a high floor?

Question

I love cats and really want to have one in my apartment, but I live on the 11th floor and am worried that the cat will fall off the balcony. Of course I'd try to keep the balcony door closed, but if it ever did run out there, would a cat jump off accidentally, or would it sense its height?
Does anybody have experience wtih cats in an apartment with a balcony? I have only had cats in a private house before.

Answer 1

Hi there...cats have very little fear of heights since they enjoy perching high above to see everything, however because they have exceptional focus abilities on anything which interest them such as with birds, bugs etc these may be enough to ensue a chase and cause a cat to accidentally leap and fall. Therefore, it's generally recommended to keep all exits well-secured to avoid the potential risk of accidental falls if a cat happens to be in an intense chase or suddenly startled. Many vets see cats frequently who fall from great heights known as high-rise syndrome. Here's a detailed article on how to best kitty-proof your apartment to eliminate this when you decide to adopt: http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_highrise

When summer comes around, many pet parents are eagerly opening their windows to enjoy the weather. Unfortunately, they are also unknowingly putting their pets at risk. Unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats, who fall out of them so often that the veterinary profession has a name for the complaint—High-Rise Syndrome. During the warmer months, veterinarians at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital see approximately three to five cases a week. Falls can result in shattered jaws, punctured lungs, broken limbs and pelvises—and even death.

Fast Facts: Feline High-Rise Syndrome
- Cats have excellent survival instincts, and they don’t deliberately “jump” from high places that would be dangerous. Most cats fall accidentally from high-rise windows, terraces or fire escapes.

- Cats have an incredible ability to focus their attention on whatever interests them. A bird or other animal attraction can be distracting enough to cause them to lose their balance and fall.

- Because cats have little fear of heights and enjoy perching in high places, pet owners often assume that they can take care of themselves. Although cats can cling to the bark of trees with their claws, other surfaces are much more difficult, such as window ledges, concrete or brick surfaces.

- When cats fall from high places, they don’t land squarely on their feet. Instead, they land with their feet slightly splayed apart, which can cause severe head and pelvis injuries.

- It is a misconception that cats won’t be injured if they fall from one- or two-story buildings. They may actually be at greater risk for injury when falling shorter distances than by falling from mid-range or higher altitudes. Shorter distances do not give them enough time to adjust their body posture to fall correctly.

- Remember that when cats fall from high-rise buildings, they may end up on sidewalks or streets that are dangerous and unfamiliar to them. Never assume that the animal has not survived the fall; immediately rush the animal to the nearest animal hospital or to your veterinarian.

- There is a 90-percent survival rate for cats who are high-rise victims if they receive immediate and proper medical attention.

High-Rise Syndrome is 100-Percent Preventable
To keep your cat safe during the summer, the ASPCA recommends that you take the following precautions:

- To fully protect your pets, you’ll need to install snug and sturdy screens in all your windows.

- If you have adjustable screens, please make sure that they are tightly wedged into window frames.

- Note that cats can slip through childproof window guards—these don’t provide adequate protection!

- Cat owners should also make sure they keep their cats indoors to protect them from additional dangers such as cars, other animals and disease. People who want to give their cats outdoor stimulation can look into full-screen enclosures for backyards and terraces.

...for more details also click: http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_savingserafina

Answer 2

I have 8 cats and live on the 8th floor w/ a balcony. I NEVER let my cats outside. My sister had a cat a long time ago. It escaped outside. When she tried to get him back in the apartment he jumped off the balcony! He survived, but that was so scary! My sister has never had a cat since. But I would say yes, get a cat but keep it inside please! Some cats are smart, but others are just so stupid! They have no sense at all and even if they are in danger, they cannot figure out how to survive. So get a smart cat too.

Answer 3

It could be dangerous for a kitten. Kittens don't have any common sense and will fall out windows, etc. Older cats are a lot smarter and aren't very likely to get into trouble. I would adopt a cat that's about 5 years old (That's about like a human being who's 28). I might also put chicken wire around the balcony, even with an older cat, so you'll be less nervous.

Answer 4

I have the same problem (but im on the second floor).
A.) but like mesh or something that has small holes around your balcony that way your cat can enjoy some air and not jump off
B.) Don't let your cat ouside
C.) trust your cat, let him/her out and eatch for a while if the cat looks over and backs away that means its not going to jump. If it looks like it is about to jump then run and pull him/her back into the apartment.
D.) get someone to train your cat
E.) let your cat sit on the window ledge (the part inside your house) most windows have that insect fabric (wiring) on it so your cat wont be able to jump out but enjoy some fresh air

For my cat I took chioce C and E My cat never jumped off but i was worried when he went onto the balcony.

Hope it helps GOOD LUCK

Answer 5

If you get an older more settled cat then You should not have any worries. However, kittens and teen cats love to climb and chase everything. During those stages they are also very off-balanced. They tend to climb on top of everything exploring, sometimes they do to much exploring not look where they are going and fall off. They also love chasing things especially birds. So keep in mind these things if you decide to purchase a cat. Also remember to check your balcony door. I hope this helps!!!! I own five cats, my tabby is expecting so I know a lot about cats.

Answer 6

The balcony can pose a hazard, and it would be hard to protect as cats can jump. So your friend will need to think of a strategy of keeping the cat off the balcony, either by some type of screening or other barrier when they are out on the balcony. The cat is not going to want to race onto the balcony to jump off, so the barrier needs to be in place to keep the cat off the balcony when the balcony door is open but no one is on the balcony.

Answer 7

I have a now 6 month old kitten and she did the oddest thing about a month ago - I brought her to a friends house who has huge windows and she jumped into the glass as if to jump out... she's never done it at my house so I think once they get used to it, they will realize this isn't for jumping and she looks down - I'm on the 25th floor and she's never wanted to jump but jumped into a glass window at a friends house... I find she's quite an unpredictable little handful. I think you need to sit with your new kitty and watch it and make sure you learn her behavior, no one knows for sure what the cat will do but you can avoid letting the cat out. Good luck!

Answer 8

I've never seen a problem and I don't think there would be one UNLESS it is a kitten. Adult cats know better and have the grace to mange themselves in high places. Kittens however like small children aren't very graceful or experienced with heights. I'd recommend getting an adult cat from a shelter if you are still feeling some concern, I'm sure that the staff will be able to offer advice. Good luck! (Tabbies are nice :D)

Answer 9

I've had a cat in an apartment before and he didn't jump and I know many other people that have had cats in high rise buildings that didn't jump either. I'm sure you are safe to get a cat darling.

Answer 10

Cats are smart they wont jump off the balcony, but if somehow they did it would probably land on its feet.

Answer 11

It's only dangerous if you like to see fly-cats. The truth is they do land on their feet but from a high distance of say 30 or more feet they tend to end up a little shorter..