They say cats have nine lives, and this story appears to confirm it. A cat that fell from a deck 11 stories up in Seattle miraculously survived, despite three broken legs.
Cat falls 11 stories and survives
Jessica Tonani is the cat’s owner. According to KIRO 7 News, her fur baby, Mr. Banks, fell off her deck sometime between 9 and 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Apparently, Tonani was on a conference call when the fall happened. She hung up the phone and prepared to leave the house, but she couldn’t find her cat. At 10 a.m., Tonani texted her neighbor to inform them that Mr. Banks was MIA. When Tonani went outside in search of the cat, calling the cat’s name, she heard her feline friend’s cries.
Tonani descended to the fifth floor, where she discovered her fur baby on an awning over the building’s entrance. The cat was seriously injured.
The building manager came to Tonani’s aid, fetching a ladder. Meanwhile, Tonani grabbed her keys, wallet, and cat carrier from her apartment. “He is really hurt,” the building manager told Tonani. Mr. Banks made it inside the carrier and Tonani rushed him to an animal hospital. The vet was shocked the cat was still alive.
Unfortunately, Mr. Banks suffered three broken legs. One leg had to be amputated and the two other injured legs required surgery.
What’s more, the cost of the surgeries added up to $20,000 and $26,000. Sadly, when Tonani heard the estimate for the veterinary care, she thought about euthanizing Mr. Banks.
Instead, Tonani set up a GoFundMe to raise money to get Mr. Banks back on his feet – literally. Tonani received an outpouring of financial support and Mr. Banks got his surgery. He is now recovering. Tonani reported that the fur baby was “purring away” at the hospital. It will be around four weeks until he’s back to his old self.
How to prevent feline falls
Mr. Banks was lucky (if you can call three broken legs “lucky”) to survive that fall. If you’re a cat owner who lives in a high-rise or if you allow your cat free range of high places, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to keep your feline friend safe. Firstly, secure windows and balconies by installing sturdy screens or grills. Also, consider using a high-quality netting system on balconies to prevent accidental slips. Additionally, limit your cat’s access to high-risk areas within your home. By identifying and restricting their entry to such areas, you can minimize the chances of falls. Taking these preventive steps will go a long way in safeguarding your cat’s well-being and providing them with a secure living space.
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