The cat fell from the 5th floor with its paws shaking. What to do if your cat falls off the top floor
About 15% of cat injuries are caused by falls from a height. More often than not, such a nuisance happens to them at night. It turns out that the safest floors for cats to fall in residential buildings are from the fifth to the ninth. When falling from low floors, the animal does not have time to correctly group, and when falling from a higher height, the grouping will not help. Even falling off the kitchen table can be traumatic for small kittens, since they gain full control of their bodies with age.
If the cat falls, it comes across obstacles in the form of clotheslines or tree branches, the injuries can be more serious than a simple fall.
The cat may be injured if it falls. varying degrees severity. May be limited to the usual fright, but may also break legs, get a head or spinal injury, or severe bruise internal organs... If the cat is not very old and after an injury seek veterinary help, then almost any injury can be cured. Measures must be taken to prevent accidental falls of the animal. It is better to keep the windows closed, or be sure to install a grid.
If the fall could not be avoided, then first aid should be provided. A frightened animal can simply huddle somewhere to lie down in a secluded place. It is imperative to find it and conduct an inspection. In such a situation, the cat can behave very aggressively, so gloves will not interfere with you to protect from claws and teeth.
Cats are very patient and hardy. By outward appearance it is very difficult to determine whether or not an animal is hurt after a fall. It happens that a cat after falling quickly jumps up and runs away without external signs damage. Although some time after this misfortune, she may die of internal bleeding... Therefore, after any serious fall, you should definitely contact your veterinarian for help. If, after the fall, the cat continues to lie at the site of the fall, then you need to act very quickly and carefully. The best option is to carefully place the victim on hard surface, for example, a sheet of plywood and deliver to the nearest hospital.
Most often, animals that have fallen from a height do not die from injuries, but from shock!
First aid for a cat or a cat falling out of a window
Action 1. If you suspect your pet has fractures of the spine, limbs or skull, then there can be no talk of any carrying! Any movement should be minimized. It is necessary very carefully, without changing the position of the body, to place the cat on a firm, flat surface. To do this, you can use a large board, a sheet of plywood or very thick cardboard... But first, you should cover it with a blanket, on which you need to put an absorbent diaper.
Step 2. Examine the pet for superficial bleeding. If the cat has a strong or even gushing blood flow, then this is most likely venous bleeding. If the wound is on a limb, then a tourniquet must be applied - a tight bandage above the bleeding. It is applied for a short time, in summer time the tourniquet can be kept for about 1.5 hours, in winter - about 30 minutes. Then it must be removed, but if the bleeding continues, then after 15-30 minutes, it must be applied again.
On the wound itself, you should put a less pressure bandage moistened with a disinfectant solution, for example, furacilin, miromestin, or chlorhexidine. This bandage should not be removed before visiting a doctor. In addition to disinfecting, it will also restrain blood flow when you remove the tourniquet.
For normal capillary bleeding, you can use the same disinfectants... To stop the blood, 3% hydrogen peroxide is suitable. A tourniquet is not needed in this situation.
Step 3. If your pet has a limb fracture, then it must be fixed. To do this, you need to use a splint and bandages. It is important that the limb is immobilized, as bone fragments can seriously injure soft tissue and give the pet severe suffering. However, in no case try to fix the bones yourself! So you will only harm your pet. This can only be done by a qualified veterinarian.
Step 4. If your cat is breathing heavily after falling, then most likely she has a bruised lung. In this situation, the animal must be placed in an oxygen chamber. Therefore, you must urgently go to veterinary clinic... And on the way, you need to open the window of the car in which you will take your pet so that it has access to fresh air. And at a distance of 10 centimeters from the muzzle, hold a swab moistened with alcohol or vodka. This will help flush fluid out of your pet's lungs.
Even if your pet does not have all of the above symptoms after a fall, and he seems only a little scared, this does not mean that he is all right. Often times, the shock of a cat or cat can obscure the natural pain reactions of fractures and internal bruises. Therefore, no matter how good your pet looks after falling from a window or balcony, you still need to contact veterinarian and conduct anti-shock therapy.
The most common injuries in cats and cats falling out of the window, and their consequences
Most often, veterinarians record the following injuries:
- fractures (from limbs and spine to splitting of the hard palate);
- traumatic brain injury (mild ataxia, mydriasis, severe neurological disorders);
- pneumothorax (presence of free air in the chest cavity) due to contusion or rupture of the lungs;
- diaphragmatic hernia (there is a rupture of the diaphragm and organs abdominal cavity penetrate into the chest cavity);
- rupture of the abdominal organs (spleen, liver), this leads to large blood loss;
- break Bladder leads to urinary peritonitis.
In most cases, if the cat falls out of the window, a general state of shock is observed, it develops as a response to trauma, accompanied by a disruption in the functioning of the NA, breathing, blood circulation and metabolism.
For all its aviation abilities, the animal is not immune from fractures and severe bruises. It is believed that if a cat falls from a window or balcony, then most often it dies from traumatic shock due to polytrauma - a combination of several serious injuries. Traumatic shock is the body's response to a complex multiple injury, in which a serious disturbance of tissue blood flow takes center stage. As a result of this situation, the regulation of vital systems and organs is disrupted.
Blind faith in a cat's ability to land only on its paws and live nine lives leads to the fact that the owners become completely careless and do nothing for the safety of their pet. Especially if he has already sat on the window or balcony many times and has never fallen.
However, the statistics of feline "flights" suggests that these animals are capable not only of falling out of long-studied windows, but also of being seriously injured. Most often, if a cat falls out of a window, it breaks the forearms of both paws. Complete bone fractures are quite often observed, which lead to severe tissue edema and the exclusion of the paw from the support. A spinal fracture has even more dangerous consequences when there is complete paralysis or paresis of the pet's pelvic limbs.
A fairly common consequence of a fall in a cat is damage to the upper palate, resulting in a message between the mouth and nasal cavity. It can be either barely noticeable or 5-7 mm wide. Typically, this cleft can be seen when the pet meows or yawns. If it is not sewn up, then this threatens that food will fall from the mouth into the nasopharynx and Airways.
If before the fall the cat long time did not urinate, then a full bladder may simply burst from a blow. As a result rapid development peritonitis and poisoning of the body with products of nitrogen metabolism, the animal can die almost immediately.
Contusions of the liver, spleen, kidneys and other parenchymal organs can lead to both minor dysfunction and massive internal bleeding. A blow to the lungs can result in an accumulation of air in the pleural cavity - pneumothorax. The presence of blood in the urine after a fall indicates a bruised kidney or bladder. In this case, an X-ray should be taken to see if there is a ruptured bladder.
To ensure that your pet does not have the slightest chance of falling from the balcony or from the window, you should definitely take precautions. Even if you live on the lower floors of the house, your pet can be seriously injured if it falls. That is why it is necessary to put bars on all vents and windows that you open. A simple plastic insect net will work if you have a calm, small pet. However, if the cat is active, curious and strong, then he can push such a net out into the street or tear it apart with his claws.
The safest options are a metal mesh grill, which is used for rabbit cages, or a thin metal mesh for country houses... The latter is light and looks almost transparent, so it does not spoil the view from the window or the view of the apartment from the street, it allows air to pass through well. It is very important to properly secure the net to the window, as cats can jump on or push it. Standard metal mosquito nets should be installed on plastic windows.
The balcony also needs to be secured, the tailed beasts simply have a virtuoso ability to penetrate the balcony, unnoticed by you, literally in an instant. In addition, you should use a swing screen for your balcony door if you open it in the spring or summer.
A cat falling from a window or balcony is always the owners' fault. Unclosed and unbarred windows, open balconies are the main sources of danger for animals. But taking precautions is very simple, just install simple grid! Do not put your pet in mortal danger, take measures to protect him.
The owners of domestic cats should always remember that their pet is a fearless predatory animal that sometimes loves to climb incomprehensible heights. Cats are practically not afraid of heights, so the pursuit of some accidental prey can end in tragedy for them and their owners. That is why every cat lover should be able to provide first aid to an injured animal.
Animals small size differ from humans in the ratio of body weight and bone strength. That is why cats can take a fall much easier, even from a sufficiently high height.
It's safe to say that the height of three stories for a cat is actually not height. Springy limbs do not allow the animal to be injured. What to do, if the cat fell from fourth floor ? She can get off like a slight fright in the event that she landed on soft grass or in the snow.
If the height was greater, for example , the cat fell from the fifth floor and above, and the surface below was solid, the case may end with the following consequences:
- broken paws - if the animal has landed on a limb;
- head injury - this is another part of the torso that is often hit;
- concussion;
- spinal injuries;
- bruised internal organs;
- internal bleeding;
- a state of shock.
What to do if a cat falls from a great height
It happens that cats fall from a very great height, but do not receive a single injury, but it also happens vice versa: a small height brings almost fatal injuries. What to do, if the cat fell from heights fifth floor and higher:
- find a cat. Do not forget that she is in shock, so she can move far enough from the place where she fell;
- carefully approach her. You cannot frighten an animal in this state. If it rushes about, you need to immobilize it and try to calm it down;
- do not commit sharp movements... Severe fractures and trauma can easily lead to the death of a cat;
- you need to carefully examine the pet, as well as provide assistance if he needs it;
- place the cat on a hard surface, especially if you suspect spinal injury is taking place. After that, you need to urgently contact your veterinarian;
- Give your cat artificial respiration if it starts to faint.
In the United States, the statistics of 130 cases when cats fell out of windows were studied. The logical result: the higher the height, the more damage the animal has. However, at a height greater than the seventh floor, the injuries become less severe.
This can be explained by the fact that higher height gives the cat more time to bring its body into the most correct position.
With the correct grouping of the limbs, the animal will brake against the air, so it will fly at a speed of no more than 85 km / h.
First aid
If your pet needs first aid, you have to act.
Bleeding
If your pet is bleeding from open wounds, you need a tourniquet and bandage. It is quite simple to stop capillary and venous bleeding - sometimes it is quite simple to use a clean bandage from a handkerchief, for example.
Arterial bleeding can be stopped only by the imposition of a tourniquet, weakened for one minute every hour. Measures here must be taken very quickly, otherwise everything can turn out to be fatal.
Blood that leaks from a cat's nose, mouth, or genitals often indicates that internal organs are damaged. Calm the animal and don't let it move, then apply cold to the bleeding area.
Fracture
What to do if a cat falls from the ninth floor and hurt your spine? A fracture of the spine is defined simply: the cat is unable to move, the limbs are hanging. In this case, shaking is contraindicated for her.
Fractured paws are also easy to spot: the bones are twisted and any touch causes pain. A splint should be applied to the injured limb, and the wound should be treated with a disinfectant.
Shake
The cat may vomit if concussed. Turn her head to the side so she doesn't suffocate.
As soon as the animal wants to eat, feed it light food. Monitor all vital signs closely.
If your cat does not feel better for a few days after a fall, call your veterinarian.
Preventive measures
The most banal precautions will help to avoid cat falls: closed windows or metal nets placed on them, since a cat can break a simple anti-mosquito net in no time.
There should be a first-aid kit at home so that you can help the injured pet in a timely manner.
Keep the addresses and phone numbers of good veterinary hospitals nearby. It is better if you have your “own” doctor to whom you can turn for help at any time.
Once a cat has fallen from a height, it may again fall into a similar situation... That is why the ability to provide first aid is very important for the owner of the mustachioed and tailed pet.
Sunny and warm weather promises us a great summer day. A day that can turn into a real nightmare.
You so want to open the window and let the long-awaited summer into your home. But if you live above the second floor and you have a cat, then ...
However, read for yourself:
“Today a cat died in my arms. A two year old British friend of mine. Never before have I felt so sorry for an animal and so sorry for the owner, as if we had not been friends for eight years. The cat fell from the fifth floor. He died after that for three days. He choked with black blood under the dropper in my arms, shook in convulsions, and we tried to hold him and at least remove the catheter ... second day), and his ribs are broken. He even in convulsions looked for his mistress and pulled his paw towards her, and I felt like a tormentor ... "
“We have grief - our cat died at 10 months. With a run, I knocked out the mosquito net (11th floor). Not saved (fell on the entrance visor). And the nets seem to be strong, but ... "
“There are nets on the windows, I took them off to wash the windows and distract my daughter, 5 minutes - and we don't have Felichka ... I would have stayed alive if not for the gas pipe around the perimeter of the house. Felix ran into her in flight, a 15-20-centimeter valve was removed from this pipe ... "
These are just a few quotes from one of their cat forums on the Internet: THEY WANTED TO LIVE
In the photo: cats are victims of the carelessness of their owners
And you can't even imagine how many cats fall out of windows every summer day, fall from balconies, die or become disabled.
Sometimes you can hear such stories: “My cat fell from the third / fifth / seventh / ninth floor - and nothing. I got off with a slight fright. They brought him home - and he again to the window / to the balcony! "
Well, miracles happen. And here is what veterinary statistics say: the most serious injuries are received by cats that have fallen from the height of the third to eighth floors. Exactly so: from the third to the eighth. Most serious injuries. Don't you feel the catch?
And there is a catch. And here's what. Cats that have fallen from the second floor are less likely to go to veterinarians. They often get by with "slight fright" from minor injuries. As for cats that have fallen from the ninth floor and higher, they rarely go to veterinarians. But for another reason - they don't need it anymore.
In the photo: the visible consequences of falling from a height
Veterinarians have this term: "high-altitude syndrome". He describes complex fall injuries in cats. As a rule, these injuries do not happen one at a time, but in bulk:
Trauma chest with rib fractures (up to 90% of cases)
- bruises and injuries of the lungs (up to 55% of cases)
- limb fractures
- fractures of the upper and lower jaw, roof of the palate
- bruise and brain tumor
- painful shock
- bruises of the myocardium (heart) with violation heart rate
- broken teeth
- bruises and injuries of the bladder
- internal bleeding
As you know, when a cat falls, it tends to roll over with its paws down. Watch this video and try to imagine for yourself what happens to a cat when it falls from a great height, when its legs, ribs and jaws are successively broken (from a blow to its head by inertia).
Unfortunately, even if the cat survived the fall, the true and complete picture of damage appears within two to three days. All this time, the cat suffers, and its owners pay for veterinary procedures, sometimes very expensive, with an unwarranted outcome.
How can tragedy be prevented?
Anything can cause a cat to fall from an open window or balcony. You turned on the vacuum cleaner or blender - the cat jumped up from surprise and lost its balance. A fly / butterfly / beetle flew into the window or onto the balcony - and that's it, it's all gone. The rain soaked the window sill or the railing of the balcony - the cat slipped and you can't bring it back.
Only special bars for windows and balconies can reliably protect the cat from harm. What are they like?
Anti-mosquito net or "Anticoshka" net
In the photo: plastic mesh "Anticoshka"
A simple plastic mosquito net will not help protect the cat: it can easily withstand the blows of the strongest mosquitoes, but even a small child can knock such a net out of the frame:
Manufacturers of plastic windows offer ready-made nets under the name "Anticoshka". Unfortunately, this is more often than not a slightly reinforced version of the mosquito net. A cat can tear it up or knock it out of the window - it just takes more time and effort. Unreliable solution.
Special grill
In the photo: anti-cattle grille in the sliding section of the balcony glazing
Only a metal mesh and a secure attachment to the frame can provide absolute confidence in the safety of the cat. These meshes are made of galvanized steel, which does not corrode. The mesh sizes of steel nets can vary - from small "mosquito nets" to large 5x5 centimeters.
The fine-mesh "anti-mosquito" steel mesh is a "two-in-one" device, it protects the cat and keeps insects out of the house. But it has drawbacks: a dense mesh does not transmit sunlight well and Fresh air, moreover, prevents the most favorite pastime of cats - contemplation of the surroundings.
The best option is grids with a mesh size from 2x2 to 5x5 centimeters. They are almost invisible, breathe easily and do not interfere with cats looking out the window. And they can even become a new entertainment for your cat - extreme, but absolutely safe:
If you have access to windows with outside at home (for example, windows overlooking the balcony), you can install such a mesh yourself by screwing it to the window frame from the outside with self-tapping screws. Nets and screws are sold in hardware stores and markets. Choose a suitable steel mesh and ask them to cut a whole (!) Piece to the size of your window frame, plus a couple of centimeters on each side for securing.
If there is no access to the windows from the outside, then you need to make a suitable frame for the mesh. In this case, it is better to turn to professionals. In Russia, there are firms and craftsmen offering their services for the manufacture and installation of strong metal nets for windows and balconies. Search for them on the Internet for "anti-cat grille" or "anticot grill".
In the photo: anti-cattle grill, full security guarantee
You can order for yourself any anti-catcher grille: removable or permanent, for a window, a window or for a balcony door, in a wooden or plastic frame, to match the color of your window frames or balcony walls. A very convenient solution is a grille inserted into a sliding frame for glazing loggias.
In the photo: sliding section with grating on the glazed balcony. The section is fixed in the frame with a built-in latch. Pay attention to the glazed sections on the left: they are connected to each other with Velcro fasteners. This is done in order to prevent the sections from opening separately. Thanks to the latches, the sections cannot be pushed apart even by accident. Absolute safety!
An ingenious solution - "walking" for cats. This is a special barred balcony mounted outside the window. Cats love such "walks" for the opportunity to contemplate the world on three sides of the world at once!
In the photo: "walk" for cats with a door mounted in the window glass
Security arithmetic
It costs money to make and install secure meshes and grates. For some, it’s not small. If you are not sure if these expenses are necessary, just ask yourself: how much does it cost to lose your beloved cat? Besides the fact that it is - mental wound and pain for the rest of your life - for you and your children?
Let's count.
The author of this article several years ago installed two grilles in his apartment: one for the window in the living room and one, in the form of a sliding section, on glazed balcony... At that time, even in Moscow, this service was rare and expensive. For both grilles (from a plastic profile, from all necessary fittings and fasteners), together with the installation, the author gave about 6500 rubles.
In the photo: the installation of the lattice made it possible to equip comfortable shelves for the cat on the balcony!
And recently, the neighbors had a misfortune. Young guys adored their kitten and watched carefully so that he did not get on the balcony. But one day they did not follow, and the kitten fell from the height of the tenth floor. He was alive, only blood oozed from his front paws and muzzle. In the nearest clinic the kitten was examined, X-ray and ultrasound were done. Diagnosis: multiple fractures of the front paws, fractures of the hind paws, fractures of the upper and lower jaw, fracture of the roof of the palate, through trauma of the left lung (it was punctured by a broken rib), painful shock, contusion of the bladder.
A day of treatment for a kitten in this clinic cost its owners 4,000 rubles for examinations, 5,000 rubles for a hospital stay and another 1,300 rubles for procedures, a total of 10,300 rubles. Theoretically, the kitten could survive, but in this case it would forever lose the ability to eat, drink, move and go to the toilet on its own. But this is purely theoretical. In practice, cats with such injuries die in a few days: the heart cannot withstand the painful shock. The lulling and cremation of a beloved animal cost another 3,500 rubles.
As a result, the kitten's agony and death cost its owners an excruciatingly long day and 13800 rubles. And also tears, fears, experiences and terrible memories for the rest of your life.
So count it.
***
Trouble always comes at the wrong time. She brings with her sudden pain, destroys all plans and empties the wallet. Don't let trouble come into your life. Protect your cat. Do it now.
P.S. In this article, we do not advertise and do not mention the names and addresses of companies and craftsmen who manufacture protective grilles for windows and balconies. Believe me, they are not at all difficult to find on the Internet. But if for some reason you don’t find, then write to us, we will show you how to find them.
When you see a tailed dodger, fearlessly walking along the parapet of the sixth floor balcony, your heart literally stops with a terrible premonition. It will rain, a bird will fly past, a paw will fall uncomfortably on a thin crossbar - in such cases, cats are very likely to fall from a height. What if your pet fell from a tree or balcony? How to provide first aid to a victim without harming or aggravating an already difficult situation?
First of all, you need to realize that a layman at home is not able to significantly alleviate the condition of an injured pet. Therefore, if the cat has fallen from a height, it is necessary to show it to the veterinarian. A visit to the doctor is required, even when it seems that the pet got off with a slight fright: many injuries go unnoticed until the moment of the sad outcome. Don't rely on external symptoms! Only a veterinarian will be able to assess the consequences of a cat falling from a height and provide qualified medical assistance.
Another important nuance: the cat, in pain, forgets about all attachments. An always affectionate pet can grab onto the face, bite on the hand, or simply run away. The shock after the cat has fallen is also not conducive to obedience. Therefore, it is important to protect yourself by immobilizing your pet. An impromptu muzzle saves from bites, thick gloves (worn on your hands, not on cat paws). But the best way- ask someone from your family for help, as it is unacceptable to treat an injured cat rudely, even with good intentions.
Bruises, lacerations
The smallest consequences if the injuries are not extensive. Basic Tasks at Breaking skin and soft tissues - to stop bleeding and prevent infection. If cats fall on a hard surface, fragments of foreign bodies (glass, twigs, etc.) may remain in the wound, which must be removed. The wound is treated with peroxide and bandaged with an absorbent gauze pad (sterile). If the blood literally gushes (large veins, arteries are damaged), you will need to apply a tourniquet or firmly press a multi-layer napkin to the wound and bandage tightly.
If the cat fell from the balcony directly onto a bush or broken glass, i.e. foreign bodies entered deeply into the muscles and, possibly, damaged large blood vessels and internal organs; in no case should you remove the glass branches yourself. This will be done by the veterinarian after assessing the extent of the damage.
When soft tissues are bruised, blood vessels are damaged. Blood flows outside the walls of the capillaries and veins, a swelling of a reddish or bluish color forms at the site of the injury. It doesn't matter if the cat fell on its side, hit with a hip or paw, in case of bruises, it is necessary to quickly cool the damaged area of the body in order to narrow the blood vessels and thereby slow down the hemorrhage.
Fractures, dislocations
Falling cats from a height quite often ends with dislocations or fractures of the tail and limbs. Cracks and closed fractures are difficult to see, especially if the damaged part of the body remains mobile. Open fractures (bone sticking out through torn tissue) look terrible, but with timely assistance they are not dangerous.
Exceptions are fractures of the skull, spine, pelvic bones, ribs (a fragment of a rib can damage the lungs, liver and other internal organs). In such situations, it is important to deliver your pet to the clinic as soon as possible, not allowing her to move and not forcibly changing her position (in a box, box, etc.).
The main threat is profuse bleeding which must be stopped (bandage or tourniquet, depending on the location of the injury). What if the cat falls and breaks its tail or paw? We apply cold, put the cat in the box and urgently see a doctor. If the cat tries to move the injured limb, causing itself pain, you can apply a splint from any available material (a piece of a branch, a piece plastic bottle etc.). Never try to bring a sprained or broken body part back to its natural position.
Cats love to warm their sides in a straight line. sunlight, especially if in the yard long-awaited spring and finally a long gray frosty period passes. This type of animal is famous for its neatness and ability to maintain balance, balancing on the windowsills and narrow balconies. However, trying to catch a flying bird, insect or rush strong wind can disorient the cat, which can result in it falling from a great height.
In this article, we will tell you about what the pet owner needs to pay attention to if the cat falls from the 5th (4-9) floor. What to do, where to go and should you do anything at all? It should be emphasized right away that felines are quite tolerant of pain, therefore, in the first few hours, it may seem that no disturbances are taking place, however, latent pathological processes that you need to be able to identify. Otherwise, complications can be quite serious, up to lethal outcome animal.
What height is considered safe for a cat?
First of all, it is worth deciding what height is considered serious for a cat. It is very difficult to answer this question unequivocally, but first of all one should recall the law of physical acceleration, which directly depends on the mass, in our case, the weight of the animal. In turn, weight depends on the amount of body fat and bone density. Young cats, under the age of five, very rarely accumulate subcutaneous and internal fat, especially those that regularly produce offspring. In contrast, adults and, moreover, neutered cats are always heavier and lazier, which means that they have a higher risk of injury as a result of falling.
In addition, the age of an animal characterizes the ratio of soft cartilaginous and hard bone tissues in the supporting bones, which determines the quality of the axial skeleton depreciation. The older the cat, the less cartilage it has, which means that the shock absorption in the joints is worse, and the bones themselves are weaker in bending, since they are denser and more fragile due to the large accumulation of calcium.
Not the last place is occupied by filling intestinal tract content. A cat that has been recently fed is more likely to suffer compression injuries of internal organs when falling, such as ruptured stomach or intestines, a ruptured liver capsule, or a complete rupture of the spleen, than a hungry animal that has not eaten in the past six hours.
To reduce everything to some indirectness, we can say that a castrated seven-year-old cat, who has just left the bowl, is able to resist falling from a 3-storey height onto the grass without consequences. For every next 2.5 meters in height, the probability of damage increases by 10-15%. A five-year-old cat that has not eaten for several hours is likely to suffer a fall from the fifth floor without consequences, and a similar risk will increase with each higher floor by 5-10%.
At the same time, it must be remembered that such statistics take into account only healthy animals that did not have a history of surgical interventions on the skeleton and internal organs of the abdominal cavity, as well as those that turned out to be correct feeding and care.
How nature helped the cat
The cat will usually survive a fall well without serious injury. When the animal loses support under all four limbs, the reflex balance system triggers the following defense mechanisms:
- The paws of the animal will be spread out to the sides of the body, which creates additional windage and, accordingly, a decrease in acceleration.
- In order to avoid damage to internal organs and the head, a healthy animal always falls with its paws down.
- The tail will spin like a propeller, providing deceleration and some maneuverability to help the animal coordinate its landing.
The cat received all the reflexes described above from its wild ancestors, who, being true predators, earned food on the web in pursuit of birds, which had to climb trees. Among other things, the anatomy of the wrist and metacarpal joints in this species is formed in such a way that the vertical load on the overlying bones of the limbs is practically excluded. A sufficiently large angle of 30-60 degrees, when landing on all four limbs, smoothes the impact on the ground more than twice.
What to do right after the cat has fallen - step by step instructions for owners
When an animal falls from a great height, the load on the limb bones increases. In addition, the head of the animal under the action of inertia will hit the ground, so the lower jaw is also one of the first to suffer. The simultaneous load on the mesenteric tissue increases dramatically, which keeps the internal organs in suspension. As a result, after the cat has fallen from a height of several floors, most often occurs:
- Fracture of radial and thigh bones, which is observed in the form of lameness on the affected limb and attempts not to step on it.
- Dislocation or fracture of the lower jaw - visible changes in the correct silhouette of the jaw and a violation of the bite.
- Fracture of teeth, most often - canines.
- Cleft palate, often accompanied by epistaxis.
- Internal bleeding, which is manifested by cyanosis of the mucous membranes and skin, impaired breathing, loss of coordination, the desire of the animal to take a lying position. Also, short-term loss of consciousness often occurs.
These symptoms should cause immediate appeal to the veterinary clinic - only emergency help, especially in the setting of internal bleeding, can help save the life of the animal.
As already noted, at first glance, signs of damage may not be noticeable, therefore, for a detailed examination, you need to carry out the following actions:
- The animal must be attracted to itself for the initial examination. It must be remembered that an animal may have a shock, which it can show in the form of aggression, so you need to act according to all the rules personal safety... If the animal is nervous, shows signs of anxiety or pain, you need to be most careful.
- Examine the area around the nose. If blood is present, it could be a sign of damage to the upper palate.
- Next, you should examine lower jaw... It must be anatomically correct shape, not displaced, the animal must freely open and close the mouth. If fractures or displacements are noticeable, it is not recommended to open the oral cavity to the animal.
- If in the jaw area is not noted pathological changes, you need to open the mouth of the animal and carefully examine all the teeth and the upper palate. The organs must be intact, without cracks and blood.
- Mucous oral cavity must be light pink, without bloody spots and spots under the mucous membrane, painless to the touch.
In general, the prognosis for such injuries, provided that timely professional help- favorable. However, the situation is significantly complicated if the animal has suffered damage to internal organs and bleeding into the abdominal or chest cavity has opened. In this case, you should rely on only one of nine feline lives and the skill of a veterinarian.
We hope that the information on what to do if the cat fell, say, from the 5th floor, turned out to be useful, however, we will gladly give an answer to each of our readers to any remaining questions in the comments to this article. Take care of your pets!