Cats have an impressive ability to jump from tall heights without any problems. If you own a cat, you've perhaps marveled as you've watched it jump off a window ledge or tall piece of furniture, land on the floor below, and then walk away. Even though it's common for a cat to make tall jumps without any difficulty, there can be times when an injury occurs. For example, a cat may occasionally misjudge the distance between its position and the floor or ground, and sustain an injury upon landing. It's possible that you won't see this incident occur, so it's useful to be aware of any indicators that your cat may have injured itself during a jump. If you notice one of the following signs, make sure to contact your local veterinary clinic for assistance.
Foot Or Leg Issues
A cat that lands awkwardly after a tall jump can often suffer damage to one or more of their feet and legs. Typically, the injury will be on one of the cat's front feet or legs, given that the front of the animal hits the floor or ground first. You may notice all sorts of different issues. For example, one of the cat's toes could be bent at an unnatural angle, which could indicate that it's broken or dislocated. The cat may also be limping in a noticeable manner, which could indicate a fracture to either of the front legs.
Tooth Or Jaw Damage
When a cat misjudges the distance to the floor or ground and makes a jump, the impact can often cause the animal's face to hit the floor or ground. At the point of impact, the cat's front legs will be unable to support the animal's weight, causing them to topple forward. The collision with the ground can cause all sorts of tooth or jaw injuries. You might notice that one of the cat's teeth is broken off or missing, for example. Or, the pet's jaw may be positioned at an unnatural angle, suggesting that it's dislocated.
Avoidance
A cat that hurts themself after a jump may start avoiding the elevated surface that it was on prior to the injury. For example, if your cat often enjoys climbing to the top of a tall bookshelf in your home, you may notice that it has stopped doing so and is perhaps even staying away from the bookshelf entirely. If you're aware of this unusual situation, it's a good idea to assess your cat to see if an injury appears to be present. In some cases, you may not see an injury but notice that the cat is behaving in an unusual manner. This can often be a sign of an injury. If you suspect that your cat has hurt themselves jumping, contact your local veterinarian.
Did you know that in order to become a veterinarian, a person needs to earn a four-year degree, and then spend an additional four years in veterinary school? By the time they are finished with all of this education, they are well prepared to offer your animals the best care. You can count on vets to treat your pets with kindness and compassion. They'll provide preventative care like vaccines, make recommendations for food and other products to keep your pet in good health, and offer treatment when your pet becomes ill. We are thankful for the work of vets, and we discuss that work in more depth throughout this blog.