Warning after curious cats fall foul of open windows during hot spell

As temperatures rise, we're warning cat owners against leaving windows open after Blue Cross vets treated three cats in just one week after they all fell from heights.

Every summer, we see a sharp rise in cats with serious injuries brought to our animal hospitals after falling from heights when their owners open the windows. 

One-year-old cat Domino (pictured) was brought to the Blue Cross hospital in London's Victoria after falling from his owners’ second floor flat. He suffered a fracture to his femur so severe that vets had to amputate his back leg. 

A second cat also had a back leg amputated after falling four storeys, while a third suffered lung and ligament injuries after falling from a fifth floor window. 

Alison Thomas, Blue Cross Senior Veterinary Surgeon, said: “Domino is really lucky to have survived a fall from such a height, but his leg was really badly damaged so the best option for him was to amputate. Cats do adapt well to life on three legs, so hopefully Domino will go on to lead a happy and long life.”

Blue Cross hospitals treat around a hundred cats every year following falls from windows, most of which occur during the summer months.

Alison added: “Sadly, this is quite common as owners leave windows open when the weather starts to warm up. Cats get curious about the sounds and smells outside and may lose their footing and fall. After treating three cats in just one week following falls we hope more owners will take heed and make their windows safe for their pets.”

To keep your cats safe and still enjoy a cooling breeze during the summer months, Blue Cross advises either installing tip and tilt windows which allow air into the room without offering access outside to curious cats or using netting or a screen across windows when they are open to prevent the cats getting out.

For more advice on keeping your pets safe and happy during the summer read our Summer survival guide.