What precautions should be taken when keeping a cat in a high-rise building?
Many cat-owning families now live in high-rise apartments because their cats don't need to be taken out for walks, so for them, it doesn't matter whether their cats live in a high-rise or low-rise building. But do you know what the advantages and disadvantages of living in a high-rise apartment are for your cat?
There's a traditional Chinese belief that living in high-rise apartments makes it difficult to "connect with the earth" and can cause physical discomfort. However, the idea of "connecting with the earth" is more a phenomenon where an animal's living environment and behavior influence its psychological well-being. 
I. What are the benefits of living in a high-rise building for cats?
A study published by researchers suggests that cats living on higher floors not only have better health but also live longer.
An investigation found that cats living on the 8th floor or higher have a 22% lower chance of dying prematurely than cats living on lower floors. Specifically, they are 40% less likely to die from lung disease and 35% less likely to die from severe heart disease. The causes of death for cats living on lower floors are mostly related to lung and heart diseases.
Cats living in low-rise buildings may be more affected by air pollution and traffic noise, which is detrimental to their health and lifespan. High-rise buildings also compensate for the disadvantages of low-rise buildings, such as dampness and narrow views.
Floors above the seventh floor receive more sunlight; ventilation is better, air circulates faster, and cross breezes are more likely to form in the rooms; there are relatively fewer mosquitoes in summer; it is quiet, comfortable, and has less dust.
II. What are the disadvantages of living in a high-rise building for cats?
Cats that are frightened or in heat may jump from buildings. Never believe the myth that cats have nine lives; even if it were true, you shouldn't joke about a cat's life.
In the event of accidents such as fires or earthquakes, cats living in high-rise buildings have difficulty escaping, and rescuers also have difficulty rescuing them.
Cats living in high-rise buildings may have their activity range restricted.
This is definitely not good for cats with acrophobia!
III. Precautions for keeping cats in high-rise buildings
1. It is recommended to spay or neuter your cat. Cats in heat will meow incessantly at night, disturbing not only the neighbors but also their owners. More importantly, they may try to escape to find mates. If you live in a high-rise building, you can imagine the consequences if your cat jumps out.
2. Ensure someone is home every day. If no one is home, make sure doors, windows, gas appliances, and other dangerous items are properly closed and stored. You can install screens on the outside of doors and windows to maintain room ventilation and prevent your cat from escaping and getting hurt.
3. Since cats like soft and comfortable places, it is important to prepare a cat bed of the right size and with a soft texture for them. If they feel comfortable, they will not yearn for living outside.
4. Buy more toys that your cat likes to play with, so it can pass the time when it's bored and entertain itself.
5. Get your cat used to using a litter box to prevent it from trying to go outside because it's not used to relieving itself indoors. If your cat knows how to use a litter box or is already used to it, it's best to clean the litter box daily, as cats are very clean animals and don't like dirty living environments.
6. Do not let your cat go hungry for a long time. Keep its water supply available. Cats are very intelligent animals and will try their best to find food. Therefore, it is inevitable that cats will go out and get lost while looking for food. Feed your cat once in the morning and once in the evening.
