June 29, 2025, 6:38 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Thanks to a reflex, cats often—but not always—land on all fours when they fall. However, the risk increases in the summer: In addition to trees, scratching posts, and balconies, unsecured windows can pose a particular danger to pets. PETBOOK explains from what height a fall becomes dangerous for cats and how you can prevent it.
Cats have a natural reflex that helps them twist in mid-air and land on their feet–the so-called righting reflex. This develops within just a few weeks of age. However, falls are far from harmless. This applies not only to heights of several stories but also to lower heights, such as from ground-floor windows, which can be dangerous. “We can now speak of a window fall season. With the first warm days, the first window-fall cats come to us,” says veterinarian Yvonne Seidler from the Berlin Animal Shelter.
Overview
At What Height Does a Fall Become Dangerous?
To land safely on all fours, a cat needs a certain minimum height–only then does it have enough time to twist correctly in the air. This reflex is controlled by the inner ear: First, the cat turns its head, followed by the front and hind legs. Just before impact, it stretches out all four paws and tenses its body to cushion the fall. Short falls are often more dangerous than one might think because the cat is startled or doesn’t have time to fully execute its reflex. The result can be broken bones or internal injuries.
In a fall from about two to five meters (1st to 2nd floor), cats usually have enough time to twist in the air, but the impact is already significant. Therefore, these heights are considered particularly dangerous. Injuries such as jaw injuries or leg and pelvic fractures are common. The age and weight of the animal are also significant in a fall. Older cats and those with increased weight are more prone to bone fractures.1
It sounds surprising, but studies (including those from New York in the 1980s) found that cats falling from more than seven stories had better survival chances than those from mid-level heights.2 However, even if the animal has a better chance to twist during free fall and land on its feet, falls from open windows or balconies can still lead to severe injuries.
What Are the Symptoms After a Fall?
The symptoms after a fall from a window can vary greatly–they depend not only on the height and course of the fall but also on the cat’s general health. The most common signs after a fall include:2
- Movement abnormalities: limping, avoiding movement
- Bone fractures
- Breathing problems: rapid or shallow breathing, wheezing
- Apathy, disorientation, withdrawal
- Chest injuries, lung injuries
- Bleeding, swelling, open wounds
- Internal bleeding
Often, animals appear outwardly unscathed after a fall, but internal injuries, bone fractures, or even shock symptoms are not always immediately apparent and may only appear later. It is all the more important to observe the animal closely and not hesitate to seek veterinary advice if any abnormalities are noticed.
Do Cats Really Always Land on Their Feet?
Why air conditioners and fans are dangerous for dogs and cats
How to cat-proof your balcony and keep it varied
How Do I Prevent a Fall?
Ventilation is standard in summer. However, an open window or unsecured balcony can quickly become a risk for a cat. A fall can be life-threatening, warns the Animal Welfare Association for Berlin. The association therefore advises securing windows and balconies with suitable nets. These should be installed at a sufficient height to prevent the animals from jumping over. A tilt window guard or special window grilles or nets can also prevent accidents at tilted or open windows.
With material from dpa