High-rise syndrome refers to injuries sustained by cats falling from heights typically higher than two stories (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-rise_syndrome). It is a common condition seen in veterinary clinics for cats that live in or have access to high-rise buildings. Key questions around high-rise syndrome include: Can cats survive falls from tall buildings? What types of injuries do cats sustain from long falls? What factors influence a cat’s chance of survival? This article will examine the anatomy, terminal velocity, injuries, statistics, and prevention around high-rise syndrome to shed light on cats’ ability to withstand falls from great heights.
Anatomy
Cats have several physical attributes that allow them to survive falls from great heights. Their flexible backbone allows their body to absorb impact when they land (1). Cats have a low body weight relative to their surface area, which reduces the force applied to their body on impact with the ground (2). Their fur acts as padding and protection for their skin and body when they land. Cats also have strong, flexible legs that compress on impact, acting as shock absorbers to diffuse the force of the fall (1).
(1) https://www.catit.com/spotlight/how-do-cats-survive-a-fall-from-great-heights/
(2) https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-17492802
Terminal Velocity
Terminal velocity is the maximum speed an object can reach while falling through the air when the force of gravity is equal and opposite to the force of drag. For cats, terminal velocity is approximately 60 mph or 97 km/h, which they reach after falling about 5 stories [1].
Cats are able to achieve terminal velocity so quickly due to their light body weight and loose skin that increases drag. This rapid acceleration to terminal velocity is a key factor in how cats can survive high falls. The quicker a cat reaches their maximum speed, the less time they accelerate and the less impact they experience when landing.
Injuries
Cats can suffer a variety of injuries from high falls, though they have a better chance of surviving than most animals due to their natural agility and ability to right themselves while falling. Some common injuries cats can sustain from high falls include collapsed lungs, broken jaws, and broken legs.
Pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, occurs in around 20% of cats suffering a high-rise fall according to one study examining 119 cases from 1998-2001 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15363762/). This happens when trauma to the chest causes air pressure in the pleural space between the lungs and chest cavity, preventing the lungs from fully inflating.
In the same study, around 13% of falling cats suffered pulmonary contusions, which are bruises to the lung tissue. This can lead to internal bleeding and difficulty breathing.
Broken jaws and legs are also common injuries, as cats tend to land feet-first which sends shock up through the legs. One study found over half of falling cats had some sort of limb fracture (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5811a1.htm). Landing on their head or neck can cause fractures of the jaw, spine, or skull.
While surviving the initial impact, injured cats will require urgent veterinary care to treat and stabilize these traumatic injuries. Pneumothorax in particular can quickly become life-threatening without prompt treatment. Careful handling and transportation of the cat is required to prevent exacerbating the injuries.
Fall Factors
There are several key factors that influence a cat’s chance of survival when falling from heights:
Height
According to wired.com, cats actually have a greater chance of surviving falls from higher places, such as 7-9 stories, compared to shorter falls of 2-4 stories. This is because cats reach their terminal velocity after falling about 5 stories. At this point, their velocity remains constant regardless of the fall height. Shorter falls don’t allow enough time for cats to orient themselves properly.
Landing Surface
Cats fare much better landing on softer or elastic surfaces that absorb impact, such as grass, bushes, soil, or snow. Hard surfaces like concrete significantly increase injury and mortality risk.
Body Positioning
Cats instinctively twist themselves mid-air to land on their feet if possible. Landing feet-first allows their legs to absorb some impact. Landing flat on their side or back often causes severe injuries.
Notable Cases
There are several remarkable real-world examples of cats surviving falls from extreme heights with limited injuries. In June 2022, a cat named D’Artagnan fell 32 stories from an apartment building in Chicago and survived with only a chipped tooth and swollen legs, according to an article from Business Insider. The cat landed on grass which likely cushioned the impact.
Another cat named Sugar Ray survived a 19-story fall from an apartment building in Boston in the 1980s. According to Sugar Ray’s owner, the cat came home just a few days after the fall with minor leg injuries and made a full recovery, as reported in this news article. These cases demonstrate cats’ remarkable ability to survive falls from extreme elevations under certain conditions.
Statistics
Studies have found that cats have a remarkable ability to survive falls from great heights. According to one extensive study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, cats that fall from heights between 2 to 32 stories have an overall survival rate of about 90% 1. This refers to cats that were still alive when brought to a veterinary clinic after their fall.
More specifically, the study found survival rates of 96% for cats falling 4 stories, 90% for those falling 5 to 7 stories, 81% for falls between 8 to 10 stories, and 59% for falls over 32 stories. Falls from the 13th to 16th floors had a survival rate of 37%. So while overall survival is very high for cats, the chances do decline somewhat with increasing height.
Another study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science looked at 119 cases of cats falling from high-rise buildings, and found an overall survival rate of 85.4%. This study also noted survival rates over 90% for falls up to 10 stories.
So multiple studies confirm cats have a remarkably high rate of surviving high falls, with 90% or higher survival for falls up to about 7 stories. The ability declines for very tall buildings over 30 stories, but remains surprisingly high at 59% nonetheless.
Landing Behavior
Cats are able to orient themselves and land on their feet due to a reflex called the righting reflex [1]. This reflex causes the cat to quickly twist its body and arch its back to turn itself right side up as it falls. The cat extends its front legs to prepare for impact while keeping its rear legs tucked.
Just before landing, the cat relaxes its rear legs to absorb some of the impact. This distributes the force of the fall throughout the cat’s body rather than just the legs. The cat also spreads out the pads on its paws to increase surface area and further distribute impact.
Interestingly, research shows that cats reach terminal velocity after falling about 5 stories [2]. This means falls from higher heights don’t result in greater impact forces. However, falls from 2 stories or less don’t give the cat enough time to orient itself, so short falls can be more dangerous.
First Aid
If your cat falls from a height and is injured, it’s important to provide first aid as soon as possible. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, gently place your cat on a rigid surface like a baking sheet and cover them with a blanket before seeking emergency veterinary care for potential back injuries.
Check for limping or other signs of injury. Apply ice packs to any swollen areas for 15 minutes twice a day to reduce swelling from sprains, bruises or tendonitis according to VCA First Aid for Limping Cats. Remove any debris around wounds, rinse with clean water and apply pressure with a clean towel to stop bleeding according to Banfield Pet Hospital’s basic first aid.
Monitor your cat closely over the next few days. Limit activity and keep them confined. Call your veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms like vomiting, difficulty breathing, weakness, or not eating. Prompt vet care can prevent more serious complications from developing.
Prevention
There are several tips cat owners can follow to help prevent dangerous falls:
- Install secure screens on all windows. Screens should be tightly fitted and sturdy enough that cats cannot push through them (see WebMD).
- Keep windows shut as much as possible, especially when not home. Even small openings can allow cats to slip through and fall (see ASPCA Pet Insurance).
- Consider installing child safety locks on windows to restrict how far they can open.
- Provide stable, secured cat furniture near windows so cats can enjoy the view safely.
- Never leave cats unattended on balconies, terraces or patios.
- Keep balconies clear of furniture or items cats could climb up on and fall from.
- Use deterrents like aluminum foil or citrus scents on balcony railings and other tempting areas.
- Place nets beneath balconies and railings to catch falling cats.
Taking preventative measures is key to avoiding high-rise falls that can seriously injure or kill cats. With some simple precautions, cat owners can allow their cats to enjoy height and fresh air while still staying safe.