Cat Superpower: Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?
If you’ve ever seen a cat jump from an impossibly high surface and somehow land on their feet, you probably know about their ninja-like tendencies. Sometimes these tiny creatures seem to have actual superpowers. After a while, this commonplace behavior might lose some of its excitement for a cat owner because it happens so often, but it is still an amazing stunt. Do cats always land on their feet? The answer is almost always. We look at how they do it and why there are a few exceptions.
Righting Reflex
One of the most important factors that let cats land on their feet is the “righting reflex.” Feline reflexes are so fast that they can correct their body positioning while still in the air to ensure a smooth landing. They can do this because their spine is flexible enough so that the upper and lower body can move in different directions simultaneously. Once the rest of the body is aligned in the correct position, a cat can also ensure the paws are correctly placed before coming into contact with the ground. A cat enters the air, the righting reflex is activated, and voila! They land on their feet and continue on their way.
Bodies Built for Movement
Did you know that cats lack a collarbone? Without this extra bone, they have greater mobility through the shoulders. This is another biological factor that helps them get into the correct landing position while they’re still in the air. They also have a low body-to-weight ratio. These biological features give cats a body ready to hunt in the wild. For those domesticated kitties, it helps them jump safely from high surfaces in your home.
Superior Balance
Another biological advantage that helps cats land on their feet is superior balance, which stems from the vestibular system. Located in the inner ears, this balance enables cats to get a better gauge of where they are and where they need to be as they’re falling. Basically, they know where they need to be, and their bodies get them there. This is why they leap from the tallest surfaces without even batting an eye.
Tricky Jumps
Do cats always land on their feet? There are exceptions. Cats tend to have the most difficulty with short falls, which surprises some cat owners. The decreased falling time means they don’t have enough time to activate the righting reflex. This gives them a greater chance of experiencing injury from a fall. Health factors like being overweight, uncoordinated or arthritic may prevent them from executing the righting reflex correctly. Disorientation can also affect a cat’s ability to land on its feet. If your once-athletic cat has trouble with jumps, it might be time for a vet appointment to ensure everything is okay.
At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, we make getting tips on pet ownership easy. From information on why cats cat to pet safety tips, we have the resources you need for every occasion. To learn more or to schedule an appointment for our specialty or emergency veterinary services, please call (248) 334-6877.
