style="font-size:15px;"> Thomas, Dustin’s companion cat, loved to sit on the outside ledge of my balcony perched directly above the street, twelve floors away from certain death. He loved the incredible view and the privacy realized on the ledge that was only large enough for his solitary moments of quiet contemplation. I kept my litter boxes on the balcony during the Summer months and therefore could not control his movements while I was away working. When home I would lure him back onto the main balcony with his favorite treats and would then prevent his access to the smaller eight-inch square ledge.
I must stress again that I permitted my cats balcony access before any information was available on the important subject of High Rise Syndrome. It is best to be aware of any situation that could lead to sudden death or danger for your beloved cat. Both the American Humane Association (AHA) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) have written extensively on this topic. I wish to acknowledge these sources for the following passages that appear in italics:
High Rise Syndrome
Your apartment is a terrific home for your feline friend. High above the busy streets, your cat will be safe from speeding cars, dangerous diseases and cruel people. However, living in an apartment might not protect your cat from serious injury. Balconies, terraces, fire escapes and open windows can be unseen enemies if you do not take precautions.
While High Rise Syndrome is primarily a problem of city cats, even suburban and country cat owners need to take heed. Although cats usually land on their feet, depending on the distance of the fall and the kind of surface they land on, they can sustain severe injuries and/or death. Cats appear to like perching in dangerous, high places and have little fear of heights. Many owners believe they will not fall. However thousands of them do fall each year from balconies, open windows and rooftops. Sometimes a cat who has been watching a bird will become so focused, he or she may step out into thin air. Likewise, sometimes a cat chasing a moth indoors can sail right out an open unscreened window.
A determined cat can wiggle through the smallest opening of any window or glass sliding door. Tiny balcony ledges are a particular hazard for cats living in high rises. A comfortable body harness and leash held by you is the best protection against any falls.
ASPCA president and CEO Dr. Larry Hawk says, “Pet owners need to know that this syndrome is 100% preventable if they install full window screens and take other simple precautions.” When cats fall from high places they don’t land squarely on their feet. Instead, they land with their feet slightly splayed apart which can cause severe head and pelvis injuries. It is a misconception that cats won’t be injured if they fall from one or two story buildings. They may actually be at greater risk for injury when falling shorter distances than by falling from mid-range or higher altitudes. Shorter distances do not give them enough time to adjust their body posture to fall correctly.
There is a 90% survival rate for cats that are high rise victims if they receive immediate and appropriate medical attention. Cat owners should also make sure they keep their cats indoors to protect them from additional dangers such as cars, other animals, disease or getting lost. People that want to give their cats outdoor stimulation can look into full screen enclosures for backyards and terraces.
If Your Cat Should Fall...
• Never assume that your cat has been killed, even if you look down and see him/her lying lifeless.
• Do not give up looking should your cat disappear after a fall. It is not uncommon for cats to hide in bushes or creep into buildings if the fall has upset or frightened them.
• Call your veterinarian immediately.
Prior to my understanding of HRS I had maintained an open balcony policy and permitted my three cats free liberty. Had I been aware of High Rise Syndrome they would have remained strictly indoors unless I was on the balcony with them. I would have hung planters to prevent any high wire feline acrobatics such as my cats running across the long balcony ledges. I would also have removed all balcony furniture unless I was outside with them. Thomas, my most adventurous wanderer would have been trained to use a cat harness. He never would have discovered the tiny ledge on the outside of my balcony with the spectacular private view which lay before him at free will.
For those residing with enclosed glass screened balconies your feline is offered the best of both worlds. Your home not only provides additional space, but your cat is given the luxury of fresh air without the dangers outside cats are subjected to on a daily basis. Many condominiums offer completely enclosed balconies that provide felines with a wonderfully fulfilling life. However even those dwelling in apartments are able to extend a limited amount of fresh air to their cats as well. It’s not the enclosed outside spaces that are important but rather the love a cat receives and the treasured space they occupy within their owner’s heart that truly matters.
~~Time spent with cats is never wasted.~~ May Sarton
Condominium Living
Whether you are renting or have the opportunity to purchase a condo you will be presented with unique and varied challenges. Condo rentals can sometimes be obtained from professionals earning higher incomes who often purchase quality units as yearly tax write-offs. Some professionals will consider their investment as simply a short-term holding property. Others will view their purchase as a longer term retirement investment opportunity. Should you locate the perfect condo consider the age of the professional in determining their true intentions. If you wish a longer term rental it is best to ascertain the owner’s commitment of holding the condo as a short or long-term investment. Professionals owning condos are usually concerned with acquiring a responsible tenant to provide income to satisfy annual property taxes and monthly condo fees. Physicians are more inclined to handle their own condo rentals to avoid incurring fees. Conversely, legal professionals desiring their privacy will pay to utilize a rental management company to handle all contact with their tenants.
If you are renting directly from the owner you will have the benefit of additional information prior to committing to a rental agreement. A physician handling their own tenancy requirements will be consumed with maintaining a growing medical practice. They work long hours with their practices requiring time for both business and travel. Many physicians prefer to protect their income and become an incorporated company holding diversified interests. Their condominium concerns will simply be in acquiring a responsible tenant who will care for the property during their many absenses. Once a physician is satisfied they have found a good tenant you may then expect limited contact with the owner. Unless you initiate the contact you may only expect to receive the standard annual rental increases by mail.
Should you be dealing with a rental management company you may have limited information regarding the owner of your suite. If you indicate your preference for a long-term tenancy it is best to not rely on the accuracy of the information provided. The rental management company is only aware of details as provided by their client or the investment company listed as the registered owner of the suite.
The option of renting a condo may be a possibility depending on your area. The deciding factor will be determined by your personal preference and desired length of tenancy. Should the owner wish a yearly lease you may only have the option to rent the suite for that limited period of time. Do not rely on a verbal commitment from an owner despite any confirmation stating they intend to hold the property as a longer term investment. Once the condo has been sold, you will be requested to vacate as more often than not the new owners intend to live in the suite themselves.
Condos may be more costly to rent but will provide a superior living environment. Balconies are often enclosed offering greater privacy and safety
