Are Your Windows & Balconies Safe? Protecting Pets from the Rising High-Rise Risks in Singapore

Last updated: November 07, 2025

Since 1 September 2024, there has been a growing concern with Singapore pawrents. Singapore’s pet-safety landscape has changed — and not just a little. With more Singaporeans living in HDB flats and condos, our furkids often share our breathtaking city views… but they also share the risks that come with them.

Every pawrent wants their pet to roam freely, sunbathe by the window, or enjoy a little fresh air on the balcony. Yet, what seems like harmless freedom could turn into a tragic fall in a matter of seconds. In this blog, we will dive into the “how” of prevention and let’s look at what the current news of high-rise cases here in Singapore!

Image from: NParks

According to a media briefing by the National Parks Board (NParks) on 15 October 2025, there have been 61 reported cases of cats and dogs allegedly falling from height since the implementation of the new Animals and Birds (Licensing and Control of Cats and Dogs) Rules 2024 (which came into effect on 1 September 2024).

Of these 61 cases:

• 55 involved cats, and 6 involved dogs.
• Investigations later confirmed 21 of the cases (19 cats + 2 dogs) where enforcement action was taken against the pet owners.
• For the remainder: some involved community animals (not formally owned or licensed), others lacked sufficient evidence to attribute ownership or confirm a fall-from-height scenario.
  

NParks noted that the enforcement actions so far have included letters of advisory, letters of warning, or composition offers — but no court prosecutions have occurred yet among those 21 confirmed cases.

These figures underscore a critical point: this is a real, local risk for pet owners in HDB flats, condos and other high-rise homes in Singapore. The fact that these incidents trace back to something as familiar as an unmeshed window or an open balcony door should serve as a wake-up call.

NParks also highlighted that falls from height are not unique to cats: while cats are the majority, dogs too can be at risk when kept in premises lacking proper safety and supervision. For example, a dog on the 35th floor service balcony in Toa Payoh was seized due to unsafe housing conditions.

In short: the risk is here. It’s quantifiable. And it’s preventable. As our furkids share our elevated city-view homes, we share the responsibility to make those homes safe!


Learn more here: https://mothership.sg/2025/10/61-cats-dogs-fall-from-height-cases/

Every cat and dog parent knows how curious our furkids can be — especially in Singapore’s high-rise living environments where windows, balconies, and service ledges often open up to tempting sights and sounds. Unfortunately, that same curiosity is often what puts them in danger.

Here’s a deeper look into why pets fall from heights, and how easily these accidents can happen:

• Natural curiosity — A fluttering bird, a buzzing insect, or even leaves blowing past a window can instantly trigger your cat's chase instinct. Dogs, especially smaller or more active breeds, might jump up to look outside or bark at noises below.
  
• Sudden noises — Singapore’s dense urban environment means pets constantly face unexpected loud noises. When startled, pets may leap without looking, or dash toward an open balcony door as an escape route.
  
• Poorly secured spaces — One of the leading causes of falls is inadequate barriers. Many older HDB flats and condos still use windows or balcony railings that are too wide, too low, or without proper mesh. Even if your pet doesn’t “seem like the jumping type,” accidents happen when they lose balance, misjudge a step, or land on a slippery surface.
• Lack of Supervision During Routine Activities — Sometimes, it happens during everyday moments like when you’re hanging laundry on the service balcony, your cat squeezes past your leg, or you open the window for ventilation and forgetting your dog likes to peek out. Even brief lapses in supervision can be costly.
  
  

“High-Rise Syndrome” describes the severe, often life-threatening injuries pets—especially cats—sustain after falling from elevated homes like HDB flats, condo balconies, or service yards. Despite the saying “cats always land on their feet,” the truth is: even a fall from the 2nd or 3rd floor can cause devastating injuries.

Common injuries from high-rise falls include:

• Fractured or broken limbs and spine
• Internal bleeding and organ trauma
• Collapsed lungs or respiratory distress
• Head or jaw fractures
• Shock or fatal impact injuries
  

These aren’t rare accidents—they’re preventable tragedies caused by unsecured spaces and a moment’s distraction!

Our furkids can’t tell us when they feel unsafe — but their body language speaks volumes. In high-rise homes, cats and dogs often show subtle signs of stress or insecurity when they sense danger near windows, balconies, or open ledges. Recognizing these cues early can help prevent risky behaviour or accidents.

Here are a few warning signs to watch for:

• Restlessness or pacing near open windows or balcony doors — your pet may be curious but also anxious about the open space.
  
• Scratching or pawing at mesh grilles or balcony doors — this could indicate curiosity, boredom, or a desire to escape.
  
• Hiding during loud noises such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or renovations — sudden sounds can trigger fear, leading them to bolt toward unsafe zones.
  
• Over-alertness or staring outside for long periods — prolonged fixation can precede sudden leaps or attempts to chase moving objects.
  
• Changes in appetite or sleep — pets that feel uneasy in their environment may eat less, sleep more lightly, or become clingier.
  

Useful Tip: Creating a secure, calm environment goes a long way. Give your pets a safe viewing spot — like a cat tree by a securely meshed window or a cosy corner away from balcony doors. When pets feel safe, they stay happy — and that’s the first step toward true pet-friendly living in Singapore’s high-rise homes.

Creating a pet-friendly and safe home in Singapore’s high-rise apartments doesn’t need to be complicated or costly. It’s about prevention, awareness, and a few smart tweaks to your living space.


A. Windows: Secure the Curiosity Zone

Windows are a pet’s favourite spot — the sunlight, the breeze, the view — but also the most common danger zone.

• Install pet-safe mesh screens or grilles made of rust-resistant material and ensure they’re tightly anchored. Choose designs that don’t allow paws or heads to squeeze through.
• Use window limiters or locks to control how far the window can open. Even a small gap can be enough for a cat to slip through.
• Move furniture, shelves, or cat trees away from open windows so pets can’t climb or jump toward ledges.
• Clean and inspect grilles regularly to prevent rust, loose screws, or weakened joints.
  

Useful Tip: Many of our customers pair SMARTPAW Pet Camera Eyepet3 with window areas — you can monitor your cat’s favourite perch in real time, even when you’re away.

B. Balconies: Build a Safe Outdoor Haven

Balconies give pets space to stretch and enjoy the breeze, but they need strong, invisible safety measures.

• Add transparent acrylic panels or safety netting to prevent pets from squeezing through railings or climbing ledges.
• Avoid placing furniture or boxes near balcony edges — these can act as unintended “launch pads.”
• Lay non-slip mats so pets don’t lose balance when they run or play.
• Never leave pets unsupervised outdoors, even for a few minutes. A startled jump or gust of wind is all it takes for an accident.
  

Useful Tip: Transparent safety panels preserve your view while keeping your pet fully protected — a perfect solution for modern Singapore homes.

C. Doors, Gates & Service Yards: Hidden Danger Zones

Most Singapore homes have narrow service yards or kitchen areas with laundry racks — common fall zones.

• Install child safety locks on sliding doors so pets can’t nudge them open.
• Add foldable drying racks instead of overhead poles to reduce climbing temptations.
• Block service yard edges with foldable pet gates or transparent panels — lightweight and renter-friendly.
• Always close bathroom and utility doors when not in use; pets can slip and get trapped on ledges.
  

Useful Tip: Enhance your home’s safety with smart monitoring like the Enabot Rola Mini Smart Pet Monitor and Enabot Ebo Air 2 Smart Pet Camera. Both offer real-time motion alerts and remote viewing, allowing you to check if your pet enters restricted zones such as the service yard or balcony door — so you can respond instantly before accidents happen.

Even with the best precautions, accidents can still occur — and when they do, your calm, quick response can save your pet’s life. Falls from height are medical emergencies, and the first few minutes are critical.

Here’s what every Singapore pawrent should do:

• Stay calm — don’t panic.
  Your pet will pick up on your energy. Move slowly and speak softly to avoid causing further stress or pain.
  
• Do not move your pet unnecessarily.
  Falls can cause spinal, internal, or head injuries that aren’t always visible. Moving them roughly can worsen the damage. If you must move your pet, gently slide them onto a firm surface (like a towel or tray) while keeping their body straight.
  
• Call or head to an emergency vet immediately.
  Seek help from a 24-hour animal clinic. Check out 5 Best 24-hour Vet Clinics in Singapore. If possible, call ahead so the vet can prepare for your arrival.
  
• Look for hidden symptoms.
  Even if your pet seems alert, they could have internal bleeding or organ injury. Watch for difficulty breathing, weakness or trembling, bleeding from the mouth or nose, inability to stand or move limbs
• Document and report.
  If the fall occurred due to a structural issue (like a broken grille or open gap), report it to NParks/AVS for investigation — they’ve handled multiple fall-from-height cases since 2024.
• Reassess your home after the incident.
  Once your pet is safe, review your surroundings. Install safety grilles, fix loose latches, and secure furniture near windows. Prevention is the best long-term cure.
  

High-rise living is part of Singapore’s charm — but for our pets, it comes with hidden dangers. Every open window, balcony gap, or unguarded service yard could lead to tragedy. The good news? It’s entirely preventable.

Let’s build a safer, more caring pet community together. Share this guide, remind your neighbours, and make your home is safe for your furry friends!

Share this with your fellow pet owners and spread awareness! Leave a comment down below if you have any additional advice regarding high-rise incidents in pets, we would also love to read them!

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