Why Do Cats Climb to High Places?

It is not uncommon to be impressed by the skill of cats in hiding when living with them. They have a strong inclination towards high places and often spend time in positions higher than human eye level where they cannot be easily seen. Despite their frequent presence in high places, it is intriguing to consider why cats opt for these heights. High places are perceived as safe and low-risk zones by cats, a remnant of their solitary wild days. Such areas are less likely to be discovered by outside enemies and offer a better view for spotting prey, as well as fewer parasites like dust mites and fleas. This demonstrates their excellent balance and physical strength, leading to individuals displaying their superiority by climbing to high places even within a room.

✨How high is considered safe for a cat to fall from without getting hurt?

The reason behind cats climbing to high places is understood, but as pet owners, there is also concern for their safety and potential accidents. Even the most agile cats can suffer harm if they are unable to land correctly. Understanding what is considered a safe height for cats to fall from is crucial.

While indoor cats are protected from external threats, they may also lack physical activity. Therefore, it is important to create an environment that allows for climbing and jumping exercises. Determining what is considered a safe height for cats is also significant.

It is commonly believed that cats can fall from a height of approximately 2.5 meters without being injured. This is the equivalent to the height of a one-story building roof, reducing the likelihood of serious harm if an indoor cat falls from a high place. Nevertheless, considering the physical abilities, balance, and body structure of cats, they are capable of landing safely even if they fall from a height of two stories. Of course, building heights vary, but falling from a height higher than three stories is not considered safe. If the fall is from a height between 6 to 7 meters, the cat can safely land by utilizing its physical abilities and body structure.

In this scenario, it is important to consider whether the cat’s fall from a high place is intentional. If the cat is not ready, landing safely may be challenging, so it should not be assumed that the safety of the fall is solely based on height.

✨Reasons for Failure in Landing from High Places

It is not surprising that some cats may miss a landing even when there is no chance to land from a height of approximately 6 to 7 meters if the situation is indoors. The reasons behind this can be attributed to cats that have had many experiences falling from high places.

❂Slipping Feet

Cats that are kept indoors may not be concerned if they fall from a low height, but if this occurs frequently, they may become anxious. Most cat towers and steps are constructed in a way that prevents slipping, however, furniture that is made of slippery materials like flooring may not provide a secure landing. With the increasing popularity of flooring in modern homes, even a cat with good balance may experience slipping when attempting to land on the floor from a high place. While the pads on a cat’s feet may make it appear that slipping is not an issue, cats with a lot of fur on the soles of their feet and those that have not been groomed regularly need to exercise caution as they may be slippery.

❂ Overweight

Overweight and chubby cats, regardless of their abnormal body shape, are prone to falling from high altitudes. The additional weight due to obesity places a heavier load on the body, particularly the limbs, making it challenging to maintain stability when landing from a high place. The added weight not only leads to injuries such as sprains or fractures but also affects various internal organs, highlighting the significance of maintaining a healthy diet. To prevent overweight cats from falling from high places, it is recommended to limit their access to elevated areas inside the home.

❂ Poor at exercising

Cats that sleep frequently tend to be insufficient in sudden physical activity as a result of their lack of exercise. It is advisable to have furniture arrangements that promote daily exercise in order to prevent falls when ascending or descending from elevated places. This is particularly important for elderly cats that sleep a lot and do not actively engage in physical activity. If they are not given the opportunity to exercise, their physical capabilities will deteriorate over time. It is essential to allocate time for daily exercise, provide multiple low steps, and create an environment that allows for easy movement up and down.

❂ I am injured

If it is observed that a beloved cat has begun to fall from elevated areas, it is probable that an injury has occurred. It is crucial to identify the injury early as the possibility of falling again increases if the cat continues to climb to high places. If the cat is limping or has a swollen area, it is likely to be a sprain where the ligament has been stretched. If there is no improvement in the condition after a few days, a fracture is suspected. Both conditions are accompanied by significant pain, hence prompt treatment is necessary. For cats that frequently sleep in elevated areas, even inside, it is important to remain vigilant of potential dangers as they may fall asleep and fall.

✨What is Cat High-Rise Syndrome?

The reasons for cats falling from high places have been analyzed, and it has been determined that the frequency of these incidents can be diminished to some extent by the caretaker. However, the primary factor that causes cats to fall from high elevations is their tendency to jump without considering the height. If the fall occurs indoors, the impact is less severe and less likely to result in serious harm. On the other hand, if the cat falls from a height of eight meters or more, the risk of death increases. This phenomenon is referred to as “Cat High-Rise Syndrome (Flying Cat Syndrome)” or “High-Rise Syndrome” in veterinary terminology.

The name was given due to the large number of cats who were injured from falling from buildings or high-rise apartments three stories or higher. The concerning aspect of Cat High-Rise Syndrome is that once a cat survives a fall from a high place, their resistance to heights is weakened, causing them to repeat the behavior. The survival rate of Cat High-Rise Syndrome is approximately 90%, but this number varies depending on factors such as the weight and volume of the cat and the height from which they fall. Despite this, the causes of Cat High-Rise Syndrome, such as an obsession with prey or poor eyesight, are still largely unknown.

During a fall from a high place, cats adjust their posture, spreading their limbs to increase air resistance and reduce the impact. Therefore, it is believed that falls from intermediate heights are more likely to result in serious harm due to the limited time to increase air resistance. Regardless, it is important to keep an eye on our cats and prevent them from falling from high places.

✨Conclusion

The structure and ecology of a cat’s body remains mysterious despite our efforts to understand it, only adding to its alluring charm. Despite their impressive physical abilities, it has been discovered that cats can still fall from high places for various reasons. It is crucial for humans to acknowledge the dangers of high places for cats, regardless of their height. Some cats are able to survive falls from great heights, while others do not. As a cat owner, it is essential to provide a safe living environment and to be cautious when opening doors or windows to prevent the escape of your furry companion.