Cat Survives After Falling 4 Stories In Greenwich Village

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A cat survived and was being treated Wednesday after plummeting from a fourth-story window in Greenwich Village.

The 2-year-old cat, named Sammy, suffered a broken right hind leg and broken toes on his right front paw in the fall Tuesday morning, according to BluePearl Veterinary Partners. He also split his hard palate and air leaked into his chest cavity, the hospital said.

But emergency veterinarian Dr. Rachel Carson said the injuries could easily have been far worst.

"Sammy's doing considerably better today," Carlson said in a news release. "He's a very lucky cat. Thankfully, his owner did everything right and sought emergency medical care right away."

Carlson said Sammy was in the care of a pet sitter while his owner was out of town. The owner returned to the apartment on Tuesday and noticed the windows were cracked open more than usual, the hospital said.

Something had apparently startled Sammy while he was sitting in the windowsill, and he fell out along with a screen, the hospital said.

Carlson stitched up Sammy's palate and put a splint on his right front paw, and also removed the air from his chest, the hospital said. Surgery will be needed for his broken hind leg, the hospital said.

"So far, since he's walked in the door, he's been nothing but the sweetest, gentlest cat," Carlson told WCBS 880's Marla Diamond.

Carlson said it is not unusual for cats to fall out of windows. The hospital said Sammy might actually have been at less risk for injury at an even greater height, since at more than seven stories, cats stop accelerating and relax – allowing tehm to absorb the impact more effectively.

The hospital advised that pet owners should use screen guards, never leave pets unattended on balconies, keep patio furniture away from balcony railings and high patios, make sure windows are closed before throwing toys to pets, and never allow pets on fire escapes.

If a pet does fall, owners should be cautious to approach, as animals in pain are likely to bite. An animal that has fallen should be securely wrapped in a towel and brought in for emergency medical care immediately, the hospital said.