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A Woodlands resident was making her way home for lunch on Aug. 3 when she came across an injured cat at a void deck.
The cat appeared to be bleeding from the mouth, and there were blood spatters on the ground next to it.
The resident, one Lee Lai Fun, said that although she has lived in the area for 23 years, she has never seen this cat before.
Warning: Graphic image containing blood below
Photo from Lee Lai Fun / FB
Lee observed that the cat was panting heavily and appeared to be "on the verge of death". It also seemed unable to move.
She guessed that the cat was suffering from internal injuries which caused it to vomit blood, and speculated that it had either been abused or had fallen from a height.
SPCA picked cat up
Lee proceeded to call SPCA for help, and in the meantime, decided to forego lunch and stayed by the cat's side.
Lee said that while she waiting, she was hoping that its owner would turn up as well.
SPCA staff eventually arrived in 30 minutes to pick the cat up.
Photo from Lee Lai Fun / FB
In her post, Lee was hoping that the cat would survive, adding that cats had nine lives after all.
However, if the cat was beyond rescue, she would rather SPCA euthanise it to put it out of its misery.
Photo from Lee Lai Fun / FB
Cat has been claimed by owner
In response to Mothership's queries, SPCA's executive director Jaipal Singh Gill shared that the cat was brought back to SPCA for veterinary treatment and care.
The cat was found to have injuries possibly from a fall from height, Jaipal said.
Since the accident, the cat's owner has made a lost pet report, and has come forward to claim the animal from SPCA.
In the statement, Jaipal wished the cat a speedy recovery, and also thanked Lee for acting quickly to call SPCA.
Five cases of "Feline High Rise Syndrome" per week
SPCA sees around five cases of "Feline High Rise Syndrome" a week. This syndrome occurs when a cat suffers injuries due to having fallen from height after slipping or losing their footing from a window or ledge.
Falling from a high place can cause severe injuries and trauma, or even death.
Jaipal added that the actual number of such incidents each week is likely higher, as not all cases are reported.
SPCA strongly urges all cat guardians to ensure their doors, windows and balconies are secured to prevent their beloved pets from suffering serious injury or death.
This can be done so by installing appropriate grilles or using a mesh type material.
Members of the public who spot a sick, injured, abandoned, abused or lost animal, or animal in distress, can call SPCA's 24/7 hotline at 6287 5355 Ext.9.
If possible, they can bring the animal to the SPCA shelter located at 50 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 699012.
Top photo from Lee Lai Fun / FB