Moscow officials have urged the city's cat-lovers to better protect their pets in a bid to stop them falling from windows in the city's high rise apartment blocks.
Moscow’s Committee of Veterinarians warned cat owners to be careful when opening windows to let in fresh spring air.
It said that the number of injured cats was already on the rise, and advised pet owners to invest in screens for their windows
“It's normal for domestic cats to try and walk along window frames,” the committee said in a statement. “But this recent thaw has already seen a rise in the number of 'flying’ cats.”
While cats usually survive falls from high buildings thanks to their instinctive self-righting reflex, many animals still sustain injuries from their fall.
Broken bones and teeth are common injuries for cats who have taken a plunge from a high windowsill - usually after being distracted by potential prey or falling asleep.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
