A veterinary practitioner has shared advice for pet owners as temperatures are predicted to reach 29C
A vet has warned pet owners to take precautionary measures ahead of the UK's ‘mini heatwave.' As high pressure builds across the country this week, the Met Office expects temperatures to peak on Thursday, with highs of 29C forecast across parts of England.
In other words, it's getting hotter, prompting homeowners to open windows and balcony doors to try to cool down. While a gentle breeze might be welcome for many, balconies could pose a risk to pets.
As such, a vet has urged cat owners to take steps to secure their homes. The warning comes after 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 back in 2023.
Given that falls can be fatal or lead to other painful injuries such as broken bones and internal bleeding, it's a message pet owners will want to take heed of.
Explaining the danger, 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.
“When climbing up or down from high spots, their extendable claws allow them to grip onto a fence or tree trunk but when on a balcony, there’s nothing between them and the ground below.”
He added: “Although cats have an amazing righting reflex to land on their feet, if they fall or jump from a height, they could potentially sustain serious ‘high-rise syndrome' injuries.
“Outdoor sights, smells, and sounds can be very tempting for a cat, so if their curiosity gets the better of them, and they fall from a balcony, it could be dangerous.”
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.
Alternatively, you could secure the space yourself. The experts at Feliway said: “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.
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The experts 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.”
