BC SPCA issues warning about cats falling from high rises

The BC SPCA is urging cat owners to be vigilant about their pets if they live in high rise apartments. The animal rescue organization said they have had five cats brought to them in the last month alone who had serious injuries from falling off of balconies.

“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,” said manager of the Vancouver SPCA branch Judi Dunlop.

At the moment, the Vancouver SPCA is caring for a five-month-old orange tabby cat named Tandem who fell from the eighth storey of a building. He is suffering from multiple broken bones, including a broken jaw and three breaks in his front leg.

The total for his vet bill is $4,650. His owners had to give him up because they could not afford to foot the bill.

“If anyone is able to help us with this little kitten’s care we would be so grateful,” said Dunlop. “We want to ensure he has a healthy and happy future.”

Once Tandem has recovered from his injuries, he will be up for adoption.

Cats don’t always land on their feet and they aren’t exempt from accidents, said Dunlop.

“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.”

“We hope that by issuing this warning we can prevent other injuries and deaths from occurring.”

There are steps apartment dwelling cat owners can take to avoid a tragic outcome. Ensuring their balconies are enclosed is a start, Dunlop said.

To help out with Tandem’s vet bill, you can donate to the BC SPCA’s emergency medical fund by visiting spca.bc.ca/medicalemergency or calling 604-681-7271.