Vets warn of risk of high-rise syndrome trauma in cats as mini heatwave hits the UK

With temperatures expected to climb above 30°C across parts of the UK in the coming weeks, veterinary experts are urging cat owners living in flats and high-rise homes to take extra care when opening windows and balconies during warmer weather.

The warning comes as high-rise living continues to grow across the UK. In London alone, one in nine homes1 is now in a building of six storeys or more, with the capital having more than four times the national average of high-rise homes.

More recent veterinary research continues to highlight the risks. A 2025 study found that environmental factors such as warmer weather and open windows significantly increase the likelihood of cats falling from height2.

With this in mind, Jimmy Bratley, Veterinary Advisor for Feliway, explains the precautionary measures that owners can take to keep their pets safe from a balcony fall.

“Cats are experts at jumping and climbing, but just because they frequently climb up high trees or even onto the roof of a house, it doesn’t mean they are safe on balconies. When climbing up or down from natural structures, like trees, their extendable claws allow them to grip onto the surface, but when on a balcony, there’s nothing between them and the ground below.

“Although cats have an amazing righting reflex to land on their feet, if they fall or jump from a height, they often sustain serious ‘high-rise syndrome’ injuries. Outdoor sights, smells, and sounds can be very tempting for a cat, so if their curiosity gets the better of them, and they fall from a balcony, it could be dangerous”.

5 Tips to Keep Your Cat Safe if You Have a Balcony

Minimise the temptation
There are lots of ways to give your cat the stimulation they need to minimise their temptation to explore a balcony.

If your cat is not going to have any access to the outdoors, make sure that their indoor space has lots of high-up perches with ‘stepping stone’ routes to access them to allow them plenty of different viewing spots.

Scratching posts will help them stretch and keep their claws in good condition, and don’t forget to build lots of playtime into their daily routine. If your cat has enough environmental enrichment, they may be quite content to stay indoors.

Secure the balcony
If you can ‘cat-proof’ your balcony and make it safe, your cat can still have an ‘outdoor’ experience. Installing a ‘catio’ to enclose the whole of the balcony will give your cat additional space to roam, especially in good weather. Make sure that there are no escape routes – remember, cats are flexible, and they may be tempted to squeeze through a small space if they spot a bird or insect they want to chase.

From netting to wire mesh, there are plenty of options to cat-proof your balcony safely. If DIY is your thing, make sure the material you use is durable, weatherproof, and has no sharp points once you are done. Check regularly for any areas of damage.

Provide a large cat pen
You may not be able to construct a catio on your balcony – for example, there may be building regulations that prevent this.

Although free access for your cat would be limited, placing a large cat pen on the balcony could also give your cat a taste of the outdoors. A double-height pen with comfy perching spots will also allow your cat to climb and perhaps rest and sleep in the warm sunshine. Cats often like the security of a cat pen, seeing it as a sanctuary, or safe place.

Protect them from the weather
Whether you choose a catio or a cat pen, make sure they are protected from the heat and strong sun of a heatwave. Ensure your cat has enough access to shaded spots and water, and make sure they can come back indoors when they want to. If you are using a smaller play pen to give them some outdoor time, make sure you don’t leave them unattended for too long, as the sun can shift quickly, and cats can experience heatstroke just like dogs.

Make it a home away from home
A balcony with a catio or cat pen can be an extension of their home comforts, so remember to have additional resources available – like litter trays, water bowls and toys. Cats prefer to have their food in the same quiet place every time, but you can always provide a few treats (from their daily allowance) while they are in the catio.

If your catio is a permanent construction, make it more appealing to your cat by constructing perching spots for them, and even some strategically placed cat-friendly plants like cat grass or Boston fern, that your cat can enjoy.

Be aware of any items that you have on your balcony that may be dangerous for cats, like lilies, insect repellants or plant fertiliser – cats are curious creatures and may ingest these when they try to investigate them.