WILL INDOOR CATS JUMP OUT OF A WINDOW?
Will indoor cats jump out of a window? Of course, we all know about the incredible ability of cats to jump from very high places, climb and do other fun things. But will they jump out of a window if it is too high? Or do they know when it is dangerous?
Indoor cats will jump out of a window if it is open. Often, cats will assess if it is too high to jump and refrain from it. However, particular cats may try to jump anyway, while some other cats will fall because of an accident or lost their balance, not because they attempted to jump.
Let’s see how cats behave in the presence of an opened window and what we can do to protect them from falling and hurt themselves.
DO CATS KNOW NOT TO JUMP FROM HIGH PLACES?
Cats know not to jump from high places in general, but at the same time, they may not realize they are actually jumping from too high a position. Cats are very agile and can keep their balance even in the most challenging circumstances, but they can also be very clumsy.
You can see some cats stuck in trees and aware that they cannot jump from such a high place, but you can also see cats chasing a fly jumping from three or four stories without even realizing the danger they are facing.
Cats owners should not rely on their cats’ ability or awareness when deciding whether or not to jump out of a window or a balcony. While some cats are smart enough, some others are not, and some others may have accidents or cannot stop themselves when chasing insects.
While cats usually will not commit suicide and may be aware of the danger of a jump, they may not realize what they do or get into an accident in certain circumstances. Therefore, the best course of action is always to cat-proof windows and balconies.
There have been so many accidents that when I went to adopt my second cat, I had to provide evidence to the shelter that I had placed protections on my balcony so that my cat would not be able to jump or fall. Without it, I was not allowed to adopt any cat!
WILL INDOOR CATS JUMP OUT OF A WINDOW?
Indoor cats will try to jump out of a window and, in general, will try to go out and explore. It is in their nature. When windows are high, cats may try to walk on the sill and reach other sites or fall by accident. Cats will try to do something. In any case, it is hard to think of a cat that stands still.
If you have a balcony or a window that allows cats to jump or is situated in a high place, and it is not cat-proof, you have to take action and not trust your cat to stay safe. Cats may decide to hunt an insignificant fly and jump or lose their balance trying to climb.
Personally, I have protection on my balcony, and I have a mosquito screen on my windows, which also prevents cats from jumping out. In summer, they are happy because I can leave the windows open, they can watch the bird outside and get some fresh air at the same time. On the other side, I feel reassured knowing they can’t run away or hurt themselves.
People planning to get a cat to have to consider the window and balcony situation. While cats are famous for surviving falling from very high places, this is not the norm. As a result, many cats die or get severely injured.
SHOULD I LEAVE A WINDOW OPEN FOR MY CAT?
If your window is not screened and your cat can jump out or fall, it is better not to do it. I have mosquito nets on my windows, and I can leave them open even when I am not at home for my cats to look outside and have some fun.
You also have to pay attention to intelligent cats that can breach through a window screen or a mosquito net. For example, one of my cats can remove the window screen at the corners. But fortunately, she has not figured out how to go out.
Cats like to have open windows and look through them. Therefore, cats owners should allow them to enjoy an open window without running into personal danger.
CAT PROOFING WINDOWS
To prevent cats from jumping out of a window, it is necessary to cat-proof them. There are many cheap solutions for those who want to get window screens. Window screens, especially the ones used to keep mosquitos and flies outside, are perfect for cats.
They can take advantage of the fresh air and look outside while at the same time being protected. Here are some excellent ideas in terms of window screens:
Window screens are easy to get and install. But, getting them can be life-saving for a cat. But what to do in case of a balcony? If you have a balcony that allows a cat to get through and fall, you can also try a balcony screen, or in the alternative, if your cat can still jump or climb, you should create a balcony enclosure.
Here are some ideas for balcony screens:
OTHER THINGS TO DO TO PREVENT YOUR CAT FALLING OUT OF THE WINDOW
Window screening, balcony screening, you can make sure to open only the window top if you have such a type of window. If you have no protection and want to open a window, you have to keep your cat in another room or supervise him closely.
But remember that it can take a second for a cat to jump. So in the alternative, you can limit the window’s opening in a way that a cat can’t get through. Window guards can be another idea. The purpose is always to prevent the cat from falling accidentally or jumping.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I make sure my cat doesn’t jump out the window?
To make sure your cat is not jumping out of the window, you have to use window screens, window guards, or open the window only a little bit so that your cat can’t go out. Window screens are the best solution. They can also prevent mosquitos and flies from coming in and protect your cat from various diseases too.
What happens if a cat jumps out of a window?
Typically, cats try to move their body to land on their feet in a way to cushion themselves in the landing. But, they can’t do it all the time, and often they can land on other parts of the body and get injured.
Will indoor cats escape?
Indoor cats will try to escape, especially if they are not neutered or spayed. It is usual for cats to desire to go out and explore, but indoor cats are not used to go outside, and if they go out to explore, they may not find their way back, or they will get scared if they meet other people, animals, and cars. In this case, they may hide and never come back home.
Is it good for cats to look out the window?
It is good for cats to watch out of the window. They love it. Cats spend their time enjoying the scenario, the sun, and the birds they can watch through their window. Since they are not going outside, their instinct and curiosity drive them to “chase” each moving thing outside the window.
Can a cat jump from a first-floor window?
Cats can jump from the first-floor window and land fine. They could also make it jump from the second-floor window and still get away with it. Some cats may not land properly and get injured.
