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12 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday July 14, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com High-Rise Syndrome is preventable Open windows welcome the summer weather into homes at this time of year, but for cats, unscreened windows put them at risk of injury or even death. Cat falls are so common that the veterinary profession has labeled the problem ­ High-Rise Syndrome. Despite the frequency of these incidents, High-Rise Syndrome is completely preventable. Shattered jaws, punctured lungs, broken limbs, broken pelvises, and even death are just some of the repercussions of cat falls out of a window. All are preventable if caution is used. Cats have excellent survival instincts and don't deliberately "jump" from high places that would be dangerous. Their natural ability to focus their attention on what interests them ­ birds, animals ­ could distract them enough to cause them to lose their balance and sense of the dangerous location they are in. Most cat falls are accidental and most commonly occur from high-rise windows, terraces or fire escapes. Because cats have little fear of heights and enjoy perching in high places, pet owners often assume that they can take care of themselves. Although cats can cling to the bark of trees with their claws, other surfaces are much more difficult, such as window ledges, concrete or brick surfaces. If the cat is declawed it has no ability to hold on and prevent a fall. If it does fall, a cat will position its body with feet slightly splayed. Higher falls can result in severe head and pelvis injuries. Shorter distances do not allow them the time to adjust their body posture, often causing even further injury. In 90 per cent of falls the cat will survive if provided immediate medical care. If you witness the fall, never assume that it will be fatal. Rush the animal to the nearest animal hospital or to your veterinarian. The cat may present itself as okay when you approach it after the fall, but to ensure that there are no internal injuries, seek medical assistance. Despite high survival rates, the emotional and medical cost of a fall as a result of High-Rise Syndrome is preventable. Install snug and sturdy screens in all of your windows and secure blinds so that the cat does not hang itself. If your screens are adjustable, make sure that they are tightly wedged into window frames. Do not count on childproof window guards ­ cats can slip through them with ease. Cats are safest when indoors. Traffic, angry people, wildlife and disease are their greatest threats outside of your home. To provide outdoor stimulation without leaving a screened window open to the dangers of High-Rise Syndrome, consider a full screen enclosure for your backyard or terrace. Also ensure that your cat is always wearing identification. Having a microchip, name tag or Oakville and District Humane Society tag will help bring your cat home if it should get out. If the cat is wearing identification and needs medical attention and you are not home, the identification will provide a way of contacting you to ensure your pet receives the medical attention that it needs. For more information about High-Rise Syndrome, contact your veterinarian or the Oakville and District Humane Society at 905-845-1551. -- Submitted by the Oakville and District Humane Society. Halton Honda Oakville Honda Ontario Auto Salvage CARPET · ORIENTAL RUGS · VINYL · HARDWOOD · CERAMICS · CARPET HARDWOOD AREArRUG Clea ance In-stock only! From Iran Hand Woven , Persian Rugs Tabriz, Isfanhan Bidjar UP TO Area Rug s · · CERAMICS RUGS LF HA 2' x 3' s O R I E N TA L $ 1 60 2 29. Save up to % OFF to k ECaOainville C lv RI area rKulein g P collection "NEW " to DESIGNER RUGS MADE IN CANADA · VINYL 12 MM DESIGNER LAMINATE at compare $3.99/sq. ft. NOW · CARPET · $2.39/sq. ft. · O R I E N TA L 00 Per (Limit One ) Customer WOOL & SILK TIBETIAN RUGS 3/4" HARDWOOD SELECT at compare $7.99/sq. ft. NOW $5.49/sq. ft. RUGS · WALL TO WALL CARPET CLEARANCE $3.99 HEAVY · CARPET at compare at compare BERBER $3.99 only $1.99/sq. ft. only $2.49/sq. ft. NYLON PLUSH at compare 50 OZ. $5.49 NYLON TWIST VINYL only $2.99/sq. ft. · · HARDWOOD CERAMICS BONUS INSTALLATION AND UNDERPAD INCLUDED! Don't Pay till 2008 Across from Home Depot Oakville Quality at Warehouse Prices! Outlet Store - Trafalgar Village · (905) 849-4472 Huge Super Store - 228 King St. E. Downtown Hamilton · (905) 546-1921 CARPET · ORIENTAL RUGS · VINYL · HARDWOOD · CERAMICS · CARPET · To place your business logo or name here, call your Classified Sales Representative today! 905.632.4440 ·