In previous articles, we discussed that cats do not intentionally jump out of windows — it is always an accident caused by hunting instincts, high-rise syndrome, fear, or loss of balance. However, many still say: "My cat isn't foolish enough to jump out of a window."

 1. No one doubts the intelligence of cats.

Without a doubt, cats are very intelligent, curious, sociable, and quick-witted creatures. However, scientific research shows that compared to human intelligence, the average cat’s IQ is equivalent to that of a 2- to 3-year-old child. Do you expect conscious behavior from a 3-year-old, or do you protect them?

Yes, cats are more independent. They can find food, seek shelter, defend themselves, and guard their territory. However, by nature, they are extremely curious and unafraid of heights. At any given moment, the hunting instinct can override all other senses.

2. Cats are unable to assess the full danger of something they aren’t afraid of.

During the hunt for birds or flies, cats assess the distance to their prey (as explained in the previous article). Then they leap, driven by instinct, and inevitably fall.

If your cat survived a fall:

• It doesn’t mean that "she learned from her mistake," and it won’t happen again.

• It will happen again — the fact that it has already happened shows that your cat is highly susceptible to such accidents.

• There’s no guarantee that the second or third fall won’t be fatal.

You’ve literally been given a chance to correct the situation and secure your windows.

3. You cannot train a cat not to jump out of windows.

Recently, we overheard a conversation where a woman said she didn’t need protective screens because she trained her cats not to jump. When asked how she managed that, she replied, "I just sit them on the window ledge, give them a gentle push, and explain they shouldn't jump." Let’s leave that without further comment.

People genuinely believe they can change a cat’s nature, instincts, and reflexes through such methods, but for some reason, they can’t seem to install anti-cat screens on their windows.

Let’s recap: Cats do not jump out of windows intentionally. It is always an accident.

The main reasons cats fall from windows:

Instincts

• High-rise syndrome: Cats are genetically unafraid of heights, so they feel relaxed, even on the 35th floor by an open window.

• Hunting instinct: This instinct can overpower the survival instinct when the cat is focused on nearby prey.

Loss of balance and carelessness

• A strong gust of wind while the cat is walking along the balcony railing;

• A slippery windowsill during rain;

• A window slamming shut from a draft;

• A neighbor shaking out a rug from above;

• Sleeping on the windowsill;

• Playing or fighting with another cat near an open window;

• Startling from a sudden loud sound outside (helicopter, car alarm, fireworks, thunder, a drill, nearby construction noise, etc.).

Other reasons

• Guests opened a window or balcony door and forgot to close it. This could be anyone: a relative, child, nanny, cleaner, repair technician, etc.;

• The screen was removed to clean the window;

• The owner forgot to close the window due to distraction (human error).

The cat’s "intelligence" has nothing to do with it. Cats fall because the home has unprotected windows and owners who aren’t prepared.

Conclusion: An open window should be safe — which means having an pet screen installed.