TL;DR: While cats often land on their feet, falls can cause hidden internal injuries; monitor for breathing changes or limping, and seek immediate care for bleeding or inability to move.
What happens when my cat falls from a high surface?
When a cat or kitten falls from a high surface—sometimes called 'High-Rise Syndrome'—the impact can cause a variety of injuries. Even though cats are known for their ability to land on their feet, the force of the landing can lead to:
- Bone fractures
- Dental injuries
- Internal trauma that may not be immediately visible on the skin
Is it an emergency if my cat falls from a height?
A fall is generally considered a Medium Urgency situation, but adrenaline can mask pain or internal damage. You should seek veterinary care if you notice:
- Limping or hiding
- Changes in breathing
- Loss of appetite
- High-priority signs such as unconsciousness, bleeding from the mouth or nose, or being unable to move
How can a photo or video help triage my cat?
Capturing visuals of your cat’s current state is vital for remote triage, as high-quality images allow a veterinary professional to assess:
- The cat's gait and posture
- Respiratory effort
- Subtle signs of discomfort, such as a hunched back or dilated pupils
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
When a cat or kitten falls from a high surface, owners should adequately restrain the animal to ensure safety while minimizing motion of the head, neck, and spine during transport using a flat, firm board. In unconscious animals, assess for cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) by observing chest excursions and checking for corneal or palpebral reflexes. Upon veterinary presentation, resuscitation of airway, breathing, and circulation, hemorrhage control, and pain relief should be followed by a thorough evaluation of the nervous, thoracic, abdominal, integumentary, and musculoskeletal systems. Immobilize the neck and spine until spinal fractures or luxations are ruled out, and perform thoracic auscultation to identify cardiac arrhythmias and lung abnormalities. Abdominal palpation should assess for pain, fluid, or hernias, and extremity fractures should be supported or splinted. Due to the potential for delayed presentation of internal injuries (12-48 hours), close monitoring is essential. Survey lateral radiographs of the chest and abdomen can demonstrate initial trauma changes, with orthogonal views performed as needed. Ultrasound examination can provide additional information about internal injuries and may be performed during fluid resuscitation.
Chapter: Emergency, General Principles, Cardiopulmonary
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1659)