13/07/2024
That cats are amazing animals, we already know.
But did you know they can do this? And that they can glide when falling from certain heights?
Here are some key aspects that allow this feat:
✔️Righting Reflex: From as young as three weeks old, kittens develop the righting reflex. When a cat falls, it instinctively reorients its body to land on its feet. This involves a complex series of movements where the cat rotates its head, spine, and back legs in a coordinated manner.
✔️Flexible Spine: A cat’s spine is highly flexible, with more vertebrae than humans. This flexibility allows them to twist their bodies quickly and effectively during a fall.
✔️Lack of Fixed Clavicle: Cats have floating clavicles, which means their shoulders are not directly attached to the skeleton. This allows for a greater range of motion in their front legs, aiding in the twisting motion needed to right themselves.
✔️Low Terminal Velocity: Cats reach a lower terminal velocity when falling due to their small size and light weight. This slower speed reduces the impact force when they land.
✔️Parachute Position: During a fall, cats spread their bodies to increase air resistance, similar to a parachute. This helps slow their descent and allows for a more controlled landing.
✔️Muscle Memory and Conditioning: Cats’ muscles and joints are conditioned to absorb the shock of landing. Their strong legs and paws can cushion the impact, further protecting them from injury.
While these abilities are impressive, cats can still get hurt from falls, especially from heights that are not high enough for them to fully right themselves or when landing on hard or uneven surfaces. Therefore, we must be careful when allowing our cats on balconies, especially in apartments, that do not have protective screens.
I hope you enjoyed today’s fun fact and share this information so that more cat parents know about it ❤️🥰