Cats are often admired for their agility and their impressive ability to land on their feet when they fall. This reputation is so anchored in popular culture that it seems that it’s an indisputable myth. However, the reality of this is more nuanced. While cats have an incredible reflex to land on their feet, this does not protect them from all dangers. Understanding how it works will not only allow you to know more about their fascinating anatomy, but also adopt the right gestures to prevent accidents.
The cat righting reflex: an innate but complex ability
The “cat righting reflex” appears very early in kittens, generally around 3 weeks. This automatic reflex allows them to turn their body while falling to land on their feet.
This reflex depends on several essential abilities: vision, the internal ear that helps with balance, the flexibility of the spine and the ability to quickly adjust the position of their legs. When a cat falls, they turn their head in the right direction, then align the rest of their body. Lastly, they stretch their legs to absorb the impact on the ground.
However, this reflex is nothing magical. If the height is not high enough for them to have the time to reorient themselves, cats can not be able to land completely on their feet.
Why are cats so agile when falling?
The agility of a cat is closely linked to their morphology. Their spine is extremely flexible and their joints are very mobile, allowing them to pivot their body quickly. In addition, their low body weight, combined with a large chest volume, slightly slows their fall by increasing air resistance.
Cats also have highly developed muscles in their legs, enabling them to cushion their landing effectively. However, even with this agility, the impact of a hard surface or a poor landing can cause serious injury.
The paradox of heights: why falling from high areas is not always the most serious
It can seem surprising that some cats survive falls from several floors, sometimes with less injuries than cats that fall from shorter falls. This phenomenon, called the high-rise syndrome, can be explained by a cat’s ability to reach its terminal velocity, which is the maximum speed at which it can fall.
Once this speed is reached, cats are more relaxed, their body is better positioned, and the impact can be better distributed. However, this phenomenon does not mean that falls from great heights are safe. They regularly cause fractures, lung injuries, internal trauma, and can be fatal.
Do cats really always land on their feet?
No, not always. While the cat righting reflex is strong, it is not infallible. Many situations can prevent a cat from landing correctly:
- Falling from a height that is too short to trigger the reflex.
- Unstable, slippery, or particularly rigid floor
- A senior cat, an ill cat, or a cat suffering from neurological issues.
- A fall in an unexpected or obstructed position.
Even if they succeed in landing on their feet, cats can still suffer from serious injuries. Landing on their feet does not guarantee a landing without consequences.
Preventing falls: useful practices to protect your cat
Preventing falls remains essential, especially for cats that live in an apartment. Installing safety nets to the windows, verifying that the balcony is safe, and avoiding leaving tilt-and-turn windows (extremely dangerous for cats) open are important efforts.
In addition, giving your cat a stimulating and safe environment reduces risky behavior that is linked to boredom or excessive curiosity.
Key points
Cats have a reflex called a cat righting reflex that often allows them to land on their feet when falling. With that being said, this is not infallible.
Their exceptional agility is explained through their morphology: flexible spine, efficient inner ear, and strong muscles.
High falls are not necessarily less dangerous. However, they remain a major risk for trauma.
Landing on their feet does not mean that cats do not get hurt.
Preventing falls is essential, especially for indoor cats.