Nine Lives Can’t Beat Gravity: High-Rise Syndrome

The Reflex Doesn’t Guarantee Survival

Even if a cat lands on its feet, gravity always wins.

 The impact forces from high falls — especially onto hard surfaces like concrete — can cause severe internal and skeletal injuries.

Common reasons cats still end up in the emergency room:

💥 High impact on landing: Even with feet-first landings, the shock force travels up through the limbs to the spine, chest, and head.

🌳 Hitting obstacles on the way down: Cats often strike walls, branches, balconies, or aircon ledges before reaching the ground.

🪟 Hard, unyielding surfaces: Urban cats rarely fall onto grass or soil — they hit concrete or tiled floor or sometimes, in between drains surrounding our HDB flats instead.

🫀 Gravity and speed: After about 7 storeys, cats reach terminal velocity (~60 mph) — meaning no further slowing down, only severe impact trauma.

So, while they might land feet-first, they don’t always land unharmed.

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Common Injuries Seen in High-Rise Syndrome:

When cats are brought into emergency care after a fall, veterinarians often diagnose:

Chest and Internal Injuries

• Pulmonary contusions (bruised lungs) – the most common and life-threatening

• Pneumothorax – air leaks into the chest cavity, making it hard to breathe

• Diaphragmatic hernia – the diaphragm tears, letting organs move into the chest

  
  

Bone and Soft Tissue Trauma

• Fractured jaws, teeth, or hard palate (from head-first impact)

• Broken limbs or pelvis

• Spinal fractures or nerve injuries

• Soft tissue swelling and bruising

  
  

Neurological Injuries

• Head trauma, brain swelling, or concussion due to high impact

• Shock and internal bleeding from blunt force

  
  

Unfortunately, most cats come into the ER with more than one of these injuries at a time.

Love Them? Lock the Windows.

High-Rise Syndrome is 100% Preventable

 Falls from heights can be completely avoided with proper precautions. 

1. Secure Windows and Balconies

• Install sturdy screens on all windows

• Use cat-proof netting or barriers on balconies and patios

2. Supervise Outdoor Time

• Don’t leave your cat unsupervised on high ledges or balconies or corridors

3. Spay/Neuter & Enrich Indoor Environment

• Unneutered cats are more likely to attempt escapes

• Bored cats may try to explore — provide toys, perches, and playtime

High Rise Syndrome is 100% preventable...

Keep your cats safe because love means keeping all nine lives intact.