With the arrival of summer, many pet parents eagerly open their windows to enjoy the weather. Unfortunately, they also unknowingly put their pets at risk.
Unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats who fall out of them so often that the veterinary profession has a name for the complaint -- High-Rise Syndrome.
Falls can result in shattered jaws, punctured lungs, broken limbs and pelvises and even death.
To keep your cat safe this summer, the ASPCA recommends taking the following precautions:
* Install snug and sturdy screens in all your windows.
* If you have adjustable screens, make sure that they are tightly wedged into window frames.
* Note that cats can slip through childproof window guards -- they don't provide adequate protection for felines.
For additional information, visit ASPCA.org.
Posted: June 24, 2006, 5:00 a.m. EST