Vet's warning to cat owners as 'mini heatwave' hits

A vet has warned pet owners to take extra precautions as sunny skies continue across the UK.

Unseasonably warm weather will naturally lead to people opening windows and balcony doors to air out their hot, stuffy homes.

While a gentle breeze might be welcome, balconies could pose a risk to pets.

The London Cat Clinic previously said they’d seen an increase in injured cats being admitted after falls from high-rise apartments, with as many as three falls in one weekend, reports The Mirror.

Dr Jeremy Campbell, clinical director at the clinic, explained: “A fall from a relatively small height can be very serious. One cat, which sadly fell from a second-floor apartment suffered haemorrhaging into the bladder and, while the poor feline thankfully pulled through after 12 hours of intensive treatment at our 24/7 hospital, it was touch and go for quite a while.”

Common injuries include broken bones, facial and chest trauma, and internal bleeding. In serious cases, falls can be fatal if an injured cat is not treated promptly.

The severity of injuries depends on various things such as the height of the fall, the landing surface, the cat’s age and health, and the availability of vet treatment.

Jimmy Bratley, veterinary practitioner for Feliway, said: “Cats are experts at jumping and climbing, but just because they frequently climb up high trees or even onto the roof of a house, it doesn’t mean they are safe on balconies.

“Fortunately, there are steps owners can take to help keep their four-legged friends safe. For instance, you can cat-proof your balcony by purchasing a ‘catio’ or ‘cat pen’ for your outside space.

“If DIY is your thing, make sure the material you use is durable, weatherproof, and has no sharp points once you are done. Check regularly for any areas of damage.”

If you do opt for a catio or cat pen, it's important to ensure your pet has access to water and shade and can go back inside. Additionally, larger catios may require planning permission from a local authority.

Other, simple precautions include relocating furniture away from windows, installing window limiters or meshes, and cat-proofing balconies with safety nets.

Owners could also try to draw their cats away from high-rise windows and balconies by providing other cooling spots around the house with the help of cool mats or fans.

Dr Bratley added: “If your cat is not going to have any access to the outdoors, make sure that their indoor space has lots of high-up perches with ‘stepping stone’ routes to access them.

“Scratching posts will help them stretch and keep their claws in good condition, and don’t forget to build lots of playtime into their daily routine. If your cat has everything they need, they may be quite content to stay indoors.”