Cat owners are seemingly unaware of what vets are calling High-Rise Syndrome. During the summer months, cat owners open their windows to enjoy the breeze, but at the same time, put their cats at potential harm. Unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats as they become intrigued by a passing bird or wind-carried leaf, and fall out. These accidents can result in shattered jaws, punctured lungs, broken limbs and pelvises—and even death.

The City Animal Care Center points out these common cat myths:

• Cats have excellent survival instincts, and they don’t deliberately jump from high places that would be dangerous.
• Cats have an incredible ability to focus their attention on whatever can become distracting enough to cause them to lose their balance and fall.
• 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.

The City Animal Care Center encourages cat owners to make sure that snug and sturdy screens are installed on all windows and that cats are required to be indoor companions. Cats are susceptible to outside dangers such as cars, other animals and disease if allowed to roam outside. The AACC receives hundreds of lost cats and kittens due to no identification.