The BC SPCA is issuing a warning to cat owners living in high-rise buildings after a number of pets have been injured or died after falling from balconies.
"At the Vancouver shelter we’ve had five cats brought to us in the past month alone who were seriously injured after jumping or falling from highrise balconies,” said Jodi Dunlop, manager of the Vancouver SPCA Branch. “Two of the cats were in such extreme distress with multiple injuries that we couldn’t save them. It is heartbreaking to think of the excruciating pain and suffering these cats must have endured.”
The Vancouver shelter is currently seeking help for Tandem, a five-month-old orange tabby who was badly injured after falling off an eighth-storey balcony.
“He will need veterinary treatment costing about $4,650 for a bilateral mandible fracture, a broken pallet (jaw) and three breaks in his front leg,” said Dunlop.
Tandem was brought into the SPCA with his injuries and surrendered by his owner as they could not afford the medical treatment necessary.
“If anyone is able to help us with this little kitten’s care we would be so grateful,” added Dunlop. “We want to ensure he has a healthy and happy future.” Once he recovers from his injuries, Tandem will be up for adoption.
Dunlop said it is important for cat guardians to recognize the dangers of high-rise living. “People assume cats have wonderful balance, but all it takes is an unexpected gust of wind or a sudden noise to spook a cat for a potentially fatal fall to occur,” she warned. “We hope that by issuing this warning we can prevent other injuries and deaths from occurring.”
Owners are reminded that if their cats are allowed out on high-rise balconies, to ensure the area is enclosed so the animals cannot fall through bars.
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