Charity Blue Cross is urging cat owners to avoid leaving windows open after treating a number of pets injured after falling from heights.

The charity's hospital, in Victoria, has treated three cats for serious injuries after incidents involving falls from windows in just one week.

One-year-old Domino fractured his femure so badly his back leg had to be amputated after he fell from a second-floor window.

A second cat also had a back leg amputated after falling four storeys, while a third suffered lung and ligament injuries after falling from a fifth-floor window.

Blue Cross Senior veterinary surgeon Alison Thomas said: “Domino is really lucky to have survived a fall from such a height, but his leg was really badly damaged so the best option for him was to amputate.

"Cats do adapt well to life on three legs, so hopefully Domino will go on to lead a happy and long life."

Blue Cross hospitals treat around a hundred cats every year following falls from windows, most of which occur during the summer months.

Alison added: “Sadly, this is quite common as owners leave windows open when the weather starts to warm up.

"Cats get curious about the sounds and smells outside and may lose their footing and fall.

"After treating three cats in just one week following falls, we hope more owners will take heed and make their windows safe for their pets."

To keep your cats safe and still enjoy a cooling breeze during the summer months, Blue Cross advises either installing tip-and-tilt windows - which allow air into the room without offering access outside to curious cats - or using netting or a screen across windows when they are open to prevent the cats getting out.

For more advice on keeping your pets safe and happy during the summer, visit www.bluecross.org.uk .