Many cat owners have experienced their pet jumping or falling out of a window. At first glance, this seems strange: surely a cat doesn't understand that falling from a great height will result in injury or death? Surely there's a survival instinct—why doesn't it?
Why are cats so attracted to open windows?
Cats have well-developed instincts, but they work somewhat differently than humans. Moreover, it's precisely these instincts that animals become hostage to in this situation.
Lack of fear of heights
Cats are naturally inquisitive creatures, and their evolutionary lack of fear of heights prevents them from sensing danger. These animals are excellent tree climbers, hunting birds. Therefore, nature has ensured that their hunting is as efficient as possible, eliminating their fear of falling.
Living within four walls forces a cat to seek out new experiences and sensations. An apartment is a completely familiar space, devoid of new smells and sounds, and most of the time, nothing interesting happens. But there's always something interesting happening outside the window.
Lack of sunlight and fresh air
Humans aren't the only ones who suffer from stuffy conditions and lack of light. Animals also need fresh air and ultraviolet light to stay healthy and alert. This need is heightened in indoor cats who live permanently in apartments without the opportunity to roam freely.
Why do cats fall out of windows?
We've figured out what makes the space outside the apartment so appealing to furry pets. Here's what makes them step over the edge of a windowsill or railing:
- Hunting instinct. A bug or pigeon flying past the window turns a cute house cat into a predator, whose primary goal is to snatch prey, while assessing the risk of falling becomes secondary;
- The reproductive instinct. For an unneutered male cat, the eighth floor doesn't seem like a serious obstacle to meeting a cute female cat spotted in the nearby bushes, and even unspayed female cats aren't known for their prudence in these matters;
- Curiosity. In an attempt to get a better look at something interesting, a cat may become carried away and lose its balance;
- Fright. A loud, sharp sound from inside or outside can provoke an animal to make rash movements. In the wild, there's no time to think in such a situation; you need to save your life; instinct compels you to act immediately;
- Overestimating one's own abilities. When cats climb trees, they use their claws when they lose their balance. This usually allows them to securely grip branches, but try holding on to a metal window sill with your claws.
How to protect your pet from falling
The existence of risks doesn't mean you have to live in a tightly sealed apartment and deprive yourself of fresh air. It's enough to take precautions in advance:
- Don't leave your cat unattended. For example, if you go out onto an unglazed balcony, make sure your cat remains inside. All cat owners know the almost mystical ability of these creatures to "sneak" into the most unexpected places without being noticed;
- Install mesh on the windows, and make sure it is strong enough to support the weight of the animal;
- Let your cat out for walks. It's been observed that cats with free range rarely fall out of windows. Even if your pet only experiences freedom during the summer, during the summer cottage season, this will allow it to gain the necessary experience to become more cautious. If you don't have a cottage, regular walks can also be beneficial.
What to do if a cat jumps out of a window
If an accident does occur, you should try to avoid serious consequences. Statistics show that 90% of cats survive even falls from high floors.
The first task is to find the animal
After a fall, your pet is likely stressed, frightened, and confused. Their instinct is to hide and avoid attention, so a response to your call is unlikely. Cats that have fallen from a window usually don't run far unless they've been affected by external factors (such as dogs). You should look in the basement, nearby bushes, under cars, and anywhere else the animal might hide.
There is a chance that your pet will be picked up by neighbors, so don't neglect posting notices on nearby houses.
The best allies in the search can be the grandmothers sitting at the entrance and the children from the playground.
Take care of your pet's health
Even if there are no visible injuries, it's worth visiting a veterinarian. Animals are unable to communicate pain or discomfort. A cat's legendary ability to land on all fours doesn't always protect against injury. Landings often damage ligaments and joints, can cause organ ruptures, internal bleeding, a fractured jaw, and many other injuries.
After the animal has recovered from the stress it has experienced, it is advisable to carry out sanitary treatment against insects and parasites.
Many people mistakenly attribute human-like thinking to pets. But nature is multifaceted—living creatures evolved to possess diverse abilities. If you live on a high floor and have a cat, be sure to eliminate the risk of your pet falling out of the window, especially since it's not difficult at all.
