There is a 90% survival rate for cats that are high rise victims if they receive immediate and appropriate medical attention. Cat owners should also make sure they keep their cats indoors to protect them from additional dangers such as cars, other animals, disease or getting lost. People that want to give their cats outdoor stimulation can look into full screen enclosures for backyards and terraces.
If Your Cat Should Fall...
• Never assume that your cat has been killed, even if you look down and see him/her lying lifeless.
• Do not give up looking should your cat disappear after a fall. It is not uncommon for cats to hide in bushes or creep into buildings if the fall has upset or frightened them.
• Call your veterinarian immediately.
Prior to my understanding of HRS I had maintained an open balcony policy and permitted my three cats free liberty. Had I been aware of High Rise Syndrome they would have remained strictly indoors unless I was on the balcony with them. I would have hung planters to prevent any high wire feline acrobatics such as my cats running across the long balcony ledges. I would also have removed all balcony furniture unless I was outside with them. Thomas, my most adventurous wanderer would have been trained to use a cat harness. He never would have discovered the tiny ledge on the outside of my balcony with the spectacular private view which lay before him at free will.
For those residing with enclosed glass screened balconies your feline is offered the best of both worlds. Your home not only provides additional space, but your cat is given the luxury of fresh air without the dangers outside cats are subjected to on a daily basis. Many condominiums offer completely enclosed balconies that provide felines with a wonderfully fulfilling life. However even those dwelling in apartments are able to extend a limited amount of fresh air to their cats as well. It’s not the enclosed outside spaces that are important but rather the love a cat receives and the treasured space they occupy within their owner’s heart that truly matters.
~~Time spent with cats is never wasted.~~ May Sarton
Condominium Living
Whether you are renting or have the opportunity to purchase a condo you will be presented with unique and varied challenges. Condo rentals can sometimes be obtained from professionals earning higher incomes who often purchase quality units as yearly tax write-offs. Some professionals will consider their investment as simply a short-term holding property. Others will view their purchase as a longer term retirement investment opportunity. Should you locate the perfect condo consider the age of the professional in determining their true intentions. If you wish a longer term rental it is best to ascertain the owner’s commitment of holding the condo as a short or long-term investment. Professionals owning condos are usually concerned with acquiring a responsible tenant to provide income to satisfy annual property taxes and monthly condo fees. Physicians are more inclined to handle their own condo rentals to avoid incurring fees. Conversely, legal professionals desiring their privacy will pay to utilize a rental management company to handle all contact with their tenants.
If you are renting directly from the owner you will have the benefit of additional information prior to committing to a rental agreement. A physician handling their own tenancy requirements will be consumed with maintaining a growing medical practice. They work long hours with their practices requiring time for both business and travel. Many physicians prefer to protect their income and become an incorporated company holding diversified interests. Their condominium concerns will simply be in acquiring a responsible tenant who will care for the property during their many absenses. Once a physician is satisfied they have found a good tenant you may then expect limited contact with the owner. Unless you initiate the contact you may only expect to receive the standard annual rental increases by mail.
Should you be dealing with a rental management company you may have limited information regarding the owner of your suite. If you indicate your preference for a long-term tenancy it is best to not rely on the accuracy of the information provided. The rental management company is only aware of details as provided by their client or the investment company listed as the registered owner of the suite.
The option of renting a condo may be a possibility depending on your area. The deciding factor will be determined by your personal preference and desired length of tenancy. Should the owner wish a yearly lease you may only have the option to rent the suite for that limited period of time. Do not rely on a verbal commitment from an owner despite any confirmation stating they intend to hold the property as a longer term investment. Once the condo has been sold, you will be requested to vacate as more often than not the new owners intend to live in the suite themselves.
Condos may be more costly to rent but will provide a superior living environment. Balconies are often enclosed offering greater privacy and safety for your feline. Sound proofing is usually superior and generally the suites are more spacious. Many condos are provided with personal laundry facilities further eliminating the need to leave the privacy of your suite. Condos are basically self contained units and you will not necessarily experience the same interaction with a Manager or Superintendent as you would in an apartment building. However an appointed Building Committee of condo owners will be present for any problems occurring within the common areas of the building. As you do not own your rental suite you may be spared excessive contact with the Building Committee and will not be required to attend meetings for voting purposes.
Elite and prosperous condominiums may have 24 hour security patrols throughout the building. It is best to be aware that security will be passing your door on a regular basis both night and day. Therefore careful attention should be taken when selecting your Feline by Design as you are seeking the Perfect Condo Kitty for quiet companionship. Please refer to page 56 for our Perfect Condo Kitty Guide.
~~The ideal of calm exists in a sitting cat.~~ Jules Reynard
Townhouses
There are many cat lovers who own their own condo or townhouse but are denied the pleasure of owning a cat. If you are living in a townhouse and can easily enter and exit through your own garage, it becomes easier to keep your feline’s presence from the Complex Committee. Also your home is not usually subject to inspection unless there is a major structural problem.
Townhouses are often individually purchased although some complexes are owned by corporations and remain available for rent. If a townhouse is a consideration, your feline may be permitted enclosed balcony access. Townhouses usually consist of two levels and provide adequate space for a feline to explore. Should your townhouse contain an enclosed patio, prior to permitting your cat outside access, consider all safety issues including your cat’s visiblity from other suites. When living in a townhouse your cat will have ample space to explore and depending on their activity level should receive adequate exercise. Always supply a scratching pole with sleeping ledges to provide your cat with a private space for rest and observation. You will be encouraging your cat to remain active and such felines seldom scratch furniture when introduced to a quality pole as kittens. Townhouses with two floors totally delight cats as they are drawn to stairs for playful exercise encounters.
If you own your townhouse and your cat is discovered you may be subject to considerable financial fines and penalties. However there is a rarely known clause in many townhouse bylaws that will permit a cat to live within an owner’s suite.
One couple interviewed for this publication provided a letter from the wife’s physician stating that she had to own a cat due to her emotional instability. With medical documentation the Committee quickly approved the request and permitted the wife to adopt a single cat. The