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The Independent
4 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Warning issued over pets falling out of windows during UK heatwave
Pet owners have been urged to keep balcony doors and windows closed to stop their pets from falling and injuring themselves during the heatwave. National pet charity Blue Cross said open windows pose a life-threatening risk to cats who are naturally curious. Every year the charity sees cats who narrowly survive devastating falls from heights often from open windows, as they do not always land on their feet. In one instance nine-month-old kitten Mia fell from a 10th-floor window. X-rays revealed multiple pelvic fractures and a severely damaged hind leg that could not be saved, resulting in amputation. In another incident, three-month-old kitten Apricot fell from a first-floor window and suffered a broken leg. Fortunately, her fracture was treatable - but not all pets are so lucky. 'If you own a cat, please don't assume a small gap is safe,' warns Anna Ewers Clark, head of veterinary services at Blue Cross. 'Cats don't always land on their feet. Falls from windows and balconies can cause horrific injuries — and all too often, they are fatal. 'Every summer we see shattered bones, internal trauma, and heartbreaking losses that could have been avoided.' She explained that cats are 'naturally curious' and if they are not neutered, they have an even stronger urge to roam. Ms Clark added: 'An open window can be an irresistible - and deadly - invitation.' To keep pets safe, Blue Cross urges owners to keep windows and balcony doors closed when their pets are unsupervised, or to install a pet-safe screen or netting to secure open windows. The charity also urges owners to get their cats neutered to reduce the urge to wander. Hot weather can be distressing for cats and dogs. Animals can suffer heatstroke within minutes and need fresh water and a cool space. Excessive panting, dribbling and collapsing are some signs your pet has heatstroke. The Blue Cross advises pet owners to move their pet to a cooler place and wet their coat immediately if they are suffering with these symptoms. The charity suggests using misting spray to keep pets cool, brushing them regularly to remove hair and take them to the groomer for a shorter, cooler haircut if needed.
The Independent
27-01-2025
- The Independent
10 best cat carriers for transporting your furry friend, reviewed by pet owners
Whether we're taking them to the vet or on a journey to a new home, a cat carrier is essential when it comes to travelling with our feline friends in tow. Of course, as many pet owners know, some cats just won't enjoy travelling the journey no matter what carrier they're put into, but some designs might make the journey less stressful (for you, and your passenger). 'Ideally, cat carriers should be easy to open at the top, easy to take apart and reassemble, easy to clean, have good ventilation but provide privacy and be the correct size for your cat,' says Blue Cross vet Anna Ewers Clark. 'Carriers are often listed with weight ranges, which can give you a rough idea what size is right, but they won't be accurate for every cat'. According to Clark, novelty carriers (such as spaceman backpacks) are best avoided. 'Soft carriers look and feel a bit more like an enclosed bed, so can be more comforting for your cat,' Clark explains, adding that this 'might also make it easier to encourage your cat to enter, especially if they recognise and dislike hard carriers from previous experience'. On the other hand, plastic carriers tend to be easier to clean and won't enable your cat to escape. 'But it's really important to have something non-slip and comfortable, to keep your cat feeling secure', Clark says, adding that carriers are often 'very easy to assemble and take apart, which can be helpful when trying to get your cat out at the vets, without causing stress'. How we tested For this guide, our reviewers teamed up with the felines in their lives, to test a series of cat carriers in a variety of styles and materials. Our reviews are based on factors such as convenience, ease of cleaning and comfort. Why you can trust us Lois Borny is a cat lover, who has lived with cats for most of her life. She is familiar with cats' needs and the considerations and challenges associated with travelling with them. Lois has also reviewed a cat toothbrush which featured on Dragons Den, and the best gifts to buy for cat lovers. Pete Wise is a product reviewer who has also written about cats. Both writers know what to look out for when it comes to carrying your feline passenger safely. The best cat carriers for 2025 are:
