Cats are known for their impressive ability to land on their feet at all times, even from surprising heights. This ability, which often astounds cat owners and onlookers alike, is a clear example of the agility and dexterity of these animals. But how do they do it? In this blog, we explore the science behind this phenomenon and how cats have evolved to be the masters of ‘aerial balancing’.
The mystery of the straightening reflex
The phenomenon whereby cats always land on their feet is due to a reflex known as the ‘righting reflex’. This reflex allows a cat to turn its body in the air to orient itself and land on its hind legs. This process is activated so quickly that most of the time it doesn’t even seem as if the cat has lost its balance. Here we explain how this reflex works:
Quick reactions: When a cat starts to fall, its nervous system detects the fall and, within fractions of a second, activates its righting reflex. This process is so fast that it is estimated that cats can turn their bodies in the air in less than a second.
The flexible spine: The key to this amazing twist lies in the flexibility of the cat’s spine. Cats’ spines are extremely flexible, allowing them to separate the front and back of their bodies and rotate them independently. This helps them adjust their orientation in the air and land successfully on their paws.
The role of the paws: Cats’ paws also play an important role in this phenomenon. Their body is light and their paws are strong, allowing them to absorb the impact of landing. This also gives them the ability to adjust their posture as they fall.
When does this reflex begin?
The righting reflex is not present at birth. Newborn kittens do not have the ability to fall upright. However, as they grow and their muscles and nervous system develop, they begin to develop this reflex. Generally, at around 3 to 4 weeks of age, kittens begin to test and perfect their ability to land on their feet. By 7 weeks, this reflex is fully developed and cats can jump and fall with confidence.
Why don’t cats always hurt themselves when they fall?
The fact that cats can fall on their feet, and in many cases without serious injury, is due to a combination of factors:
The ‘parachute effect’: Cats have the ability to adjust their posture in the air to maximise their body surface area and slow the fall, similar to the way a skydiver opens his parachute. In this way, the landing speed is reduced.
Flexible paws: Cats’ paws are designed to absorb impact, thanks to their flexible joints and muscles. This ability to ‘cushion’ the landing is an evolutionary advantage that allows them to survive falls from significant heights.
Lightweight body: Cats are relatively small and light animals. This gives them an advantage when it comes to falls, as a lighter body means less impact when landing. In addition, a cat’s low relative weight makes it easier for its paws to accommodate effectively during landing.
Are there limits to the fall?
Although cats have a remarkable ability to land on their feet, they are not invincible. Falls from extremely high heights can cause serious injury, especially if they land on hard surfaces. For example, falls from more than 10 storeys can result in internal damage or broken bones, as the cat does not have enough time to fully decelerate its fall.
The Legend of the ‘7-storey reflection’.
It is common to hear that cats have a ‘7-storey reflex’, implying that they can survive falls from a great height without injury. While there is some truth to this myth, science shows that higher falls do not always result in a greater chance of survival. In fact, falls at intermediate heights are often more dangerous for cats, as they do not have enough time to correct their posture or slow the speed of the fall. As the height increases, the cat has more time to orient itself correctly and reduce the risk of serious injury.
How to protect your cat from dangerous falls?
Although cats have an incredible ability to land on their feet, that doesn’t mean you should allow them near windows or balconies without protection. Here are some tips to keep your cat safe:
Install nets or fences on windows and balconies: If you have accessible windows or balconies, install nets or fences to prevent your cat from accidentally falling out.
Supervision in high places: If your cat has access to high places in your home, be sure to supervise it to avoid unexpected falls.
Take care of your cat’s health: Older cats or those with health problems may be more vulnerable to injury if they fall, so it is important to take extra precautions.
Conclusion
The fascinating phenomenon of cats always landing on their feet is the result of an adaptive evolution that has allowed these animals to remain agile and healthy. Through an incredibly fast righting reflex, a flexible spine and shock-absorbing paws, cats can land safely in most falls. However, as responsible owners, it is important to take steps to protect our cats from dangerous falls, ensuring their well-being and health.
