It's summertime, and with that pet owners are eagerly opening their windows to enjoy the warm weather, and in doing so unknowingly putting their pets in risk.

Windows without screens can pose a real danger to all pets, particularly cats, who can fall out of the windows causing shattered jaws, punctured lungs, broken limbs and pelvises-and even death.  Most cats do not deliberately "jump" from high places, instead fall accidentally from high-rise windows, terraces, or fire escapes.

This epidemic is so common in cities that veterinarians have named it, "high-rise syndrome." As the name implies, the worst accidents usually occur from  high-rise buildings in metropolitan areas.

And it doesn't just happen in super high-rises.  2-3 story buildings can be just as dangerous.  Cats may actually be at greater risk for injury or death when falling shorter distances.  The reason - shorter distances do not give them enough time to adjust their body and land correctly. 

Prevention includes a regular check of your screens and installing snug and sturdy screens in all windows.  And if your cat experiences a fall, be sure to contact your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.  There is a 90% survival rate for cats that if they receive immediate and appropriate medical attention.