High-rise syndrome in cats
Also known as Fall from height, Feline high-rise syndrome.
Injuries from falling off balconies or out of windows. Many cats survive falls from a great height, but almost all of them get hurt, even if they seem fine at first.
After a fall, see the vet even if your cat seems to be fine.
- System
- Poisoning and accidents
- Is it urgent?
- Usually
- Spreads to other cats
- No
- Spreads to people
- No
- Typical cost in Spain
- Emergency care and tests, €200–600; fracture surgery, €800–3,000.
Symptoms
- Blood from the nose or mouth
- Broken jaw
- Lameness or a leg it will not put weight on
- Difficulty breathing (pneumothorax)
- Hides
Causes
Unprotected balconies and windows: the cat leaps after a bird or falls while sleeping on the railing.
How it is diagnosed
A full examination, X-rays and chest and abdominal ultrasound.
Treatment
Treatment for shock, oxygen, pain relief and fracture surgery.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Good in most cases if the cat is seen in time.
Prevention
Protective netting on balconies and windows.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do after a fall from height?
After a fall, see the vet even if your cat seems to be fine. At the vet: treatment for shock, oxygen, pain relief and fracture surgery.
Can a cat recover from a fall from height?
Good in most cases if the cat is seen in time. Treatment for shock, oxygen, pain relief and fracture surgery.
How much does it cost to treat high-rise syndrome?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Emergency care and tests, €200–600; fracture surgery, €800–3,000. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
How can high-rise syndrome be prevented?
Protective netting on balconies and windows.
More in poisoning and accidents
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.