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Dippy fell

zoinks

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Tonight I took a break from kitten watching while I did some work and my boyfriend went to play with him.

I wasn't there when it happened but my boyfriend told me the following..

My boyfriend took him out on to the balcony, without a harness as the walls are pretty tall, but Dippy saw a dog through the tiny gap at the bottom and got excited and literally leapt like a kangaroo into the air over the wall. My boyfriend was scared and thought he would go all the way over the wall rather than onto it so went to grab him. Dippy got annoyed and twisted out of his grip and FELL off the balcony.

Guys he literally fell about 12 feet, I feel sick thinking about it..

He landed on the balcony below and my boyfriend ran as fast as he could to the front door

The noise is what gave me the fright of my life and I ran downstairs to see what happened.

I ran after him outside - in my underpants :Dizzy: (who cares, putting on pants was not on my list of priorities) and he jumped over and gave me dippy and we went back inside.

My boyfriend said that dippy landed on his side, and I can see the dust from where he landed.

He said that dippy lay still for a few seconds but by the time he jumped over to get him he had got up and started walking about.

Now the thing is...

I brought him in and examined him, poking all over seeing if anything hurt him.

Apart from being shocked and his heart beating fast he doesn't SEEM to have anything wrong with him. He is even purring like normal.

I am keeping a really close eye on him and stated he is NEVER going on the balcony again without his harness but I want to know if you guys think I should take him to the emergency vet?

I was planning on watching him tonight and if anything seems off I will take him to my regular vet tomorrow.

Seriously I feel so terrible about what happened, like we are the worst owners in the world :Cry: I would hate if anything happened to him as a result of the fall as he was doing so well and is so healthy.

I am worried he might have internal injuries or something that is not obvious.

What do you think?? :Sad:
 

Caloci

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Poor baby. Poor you. You must have almost died. I would do as you said and keep an eye on him. Then in the morning call the vet and see if they think he should be examined. Cats can survive an amazing amount of things with no major issues tho this is not always the case. Definitely keep an eye on him.

To help make your balcony safer if you are able you can add something to the top rail on a 45 degree angle about a foot deep. This will prevent Dippy from getting on or scaling the balcony. I think there is more info on Jackson Galaxy's website. Think about how the tips of the enclosures are at the zoo if you are not sure what I mean.

As for running outside in your underpants, who cares? Besides it will give people who have no life some entertainment. Best. Wishes and prayers for Dippy. Please don't blame your bf or feel too badly yourself.
 

zoinks

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Poor baby. Poor you. You must have almost died. I would do as you said and keep an eye on him. Then in the morning call the vet and see if they think he should be examined. Cats can survive an amazing amount of things with no major issues tho this is not always the case. Definitely keep an eye on him.

To help make your balcony safer if you are able you can add something to the top rail on a 45 degree angle about a foot deep. This will prevent Dippy from getting on or scaling the balcony. I think there is more info on Jackson Galaxy's website. Think about how the tips of the enclosures are at the zoo if you are not sure what I mean.

As for running outside in your underpants, who cares? Besides it will give people who have no life some entertainment. Best. Wishes and prayers for Dippy. Please don't blame your bf or feel too badly yourself.

This is really great advice. I will definitely check out cat proofing the balcony, that would be ideal as he still walks like a robot with his harness on.

You have made me feel a lot better - thanks so much, Caloci - I appreciate it
 

Caloci

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This is really great advice. I will definitely check out cat proofing the balcony, that would be ideal as he still walks like a robot with his harness on.

You have made me feel a lot better - thanks so much, Caloci - I appreciate it

You are welcome. Let us know how it goes.
 

Love4Sphynx

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Ugh, that is so scary :Sad:

I would worry about internal injuries too. I have a friend who lost a cat to a ruptured liver and I have forever after been so paranoid every time I accidentally clobber one of my cats or trip over them.. I would definitely take him in to the vet tomorrow for a check over even if he looks good tonight.

I have you both in my thoughts! <3
 

toasty

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Omg that would have scared the beejebbers out of you. I know it would me. Personally I'd take him to the vet right away. Just to out rule anything. For peace of mind if nothing else.
 

ZiggyStardust

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Yikes! I probably even would have run out naked! :Dizzy: Gizzy fell off our banister to the stairs below once. I didn't see how he landed, but it gave me a fright. Luckily he was okay but I worried about internal injuries too and now our banister has been altered for safety. I hope Dippy will be alright! Please let us know how he's doing!
 

Lickleone

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I think not much scares me in this world but that would have made my heart it in my throat, glad his ok phew!
 

2Knights

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I would take him anyway just incase of internal injuries, Chances are he will be fine as they are tougher than they look but oh my that must have scared 10 years off your life!!!!!!
 

1sphynxlover

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Being the person I am, I would take Dippy to the vet. Better to be safe than sorry. I can just imagine what you what you went through. My heart goes out to you. The balcony would be off limits til it was more secure. My 2 babies are so clumsy I worry when ever they go to jump.
 

angela1974

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Take him to the vet!!! He could have broken ribs or something. I heard that cats sometimes purr when they are in pain. Please take him to the vet!
 

zoinks

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Thanks for all the advice and best wishes.

Dippy slept all night (for once) and was back to his usual crazy self this morning.

I called the vet first thing and she said it was a good sign he was so active and is still eating and drinking like normal.

She gave me some things to look out for (loss of appetite, weakness, lethargic) and if I see any of those to take him in immediately as these may be signs there is bleeding/bruising to the liver or spleen.

I'll keep a very close eye on him, but things are looking good.

I am soooooooo happy things didn't turn out worse - imagine if he had ran off, or got badly injured. He narrowly missed the railing on the balcony below as well :Dizzy:

Here is a picture of the little trooper.
 

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1sphynxlover

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Your very lucky. Dippy is a very lucky kitty to have such a loving, caring mom. I would have went to pieces with worry also.
 

abbietron

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So sorry to hear about the accident you and your partner have had! Don't beat yourself up, accidents happen, the positive outcome is he's alive. I would definitely phone the vet tomorrow and see what they advise, you're worrying and monitoring him so don't ever feel like a bad pet owner, these things happen. It'll never happen again after the fright you have had. Keep us updated *hugs*
 

angela1974

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Thanks for all the advice and best wishes.

Dippy slept all night (for once) and was back to his usual crazy self this morning.

I called the vet first thing and she said it was a good sign he was so active and is still eating and drinking like normal.

She gave me some things to look out for (loss of appetite, weakness, lethargic) and if I see any of those to take him in immediately as these may be signs there is bleeding/bruising to the liver or spleen.

I'll keep a very close eye on him, but things are looking good.

I am soooooooo happy things didn't turn out worse - imagine if he had ran off, or got badly injured. He narrowly missed the railing on the balcony below as well :Dizzy:

Here is a picture of the little trooper.

Oh my goodness...I was so scared for you! Thanks goodness he's alright. Keep us posted!
 
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