The BC SPCA is issuing a warning to cat guardians in highrise buildings to safeguard their pets after a number of cats have suffered injury or death after falling from balconies.
“At the Vancouver shelter we’ve had four cats brought to us in two weeks alone who were seriously injured after jumping or falling from highrise balconies,” says Jodi Dunlop, manager of the Vancouver SPCA Branch. “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.”
One of the survivors, a three-month-old Himalayan kitten, is in the care of the Vancouver SPCA after falling or jumping an unknown number of floors from a 26-storey building. Named after Roger Moore, known for his role as man of action James Bond, the tiny feline suffered a broken front leg and has trauma to his T2 and T3 vertebrates.
“He purrs non-stop and loves everyone! Apparently, he thinks he’s a stunt kitten though,” says Dunlop. “He loves to cuddle and will be available for adoption when he has recovered. He’s lucky to be alive!”
Dunlop says it is important for cat guardians to recognize the dangers of high-rise living.
“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,” she says. “We hope that by issuing this warning we can prevent other injuries and deaths from occurring.”
Dunlop says that if cats are allowed out on highrise balconies, guardians should ensure that the area is enclosed so that cats cannot fall through the bars or above the railing of the balcony.
“There are a variety of ways that landlords and strata councils allow this safeguarding to be done and we urge all cat guardians whose pets may be in danger to take steps to prevent a tragedy.”
The medical costs for Roger Moore’s care are expected to be nearly $5,000. If you can help him and other animals like him at the Vancouver SPCA, you can donate online at spca.bc.ca/medicalemergency or in person, at 1205 East 7th Ave., Vancouver.
