From what height will a cat break? - briefly
Cats can generally survive falls from heights up to 5-7 stories due to their righting reflex and ability to distribute impact, but injuries are still possible. Falls from greater heights may increase the risk of severe harm or fatality.
From what height will a cat break? - in detail
Cats possess a remarkable ability to survive falls from significant heights, a phenomenon often attributed to their unique physiology and instincts. When a cat falls, it instinctively reorients its body to land on its feet, a reflex known as the "righting reflex." This reflex is facilitated by their flexible spine, lack of a collarbone, and highly developed inner ear, which helps them detect changes in orientation. Additionally, cats spread their limbs to increase air resistance, effectively slowing their descent and reducing the impact force upon landing.
Research indicates that cats can survive falls from heights of up to five or six stories, with some even surviving falls from greater heights. However, the relationship between fall height and survival is not linear. Paradoxically, falls from moderate heights (around two to six stories) can be more dangerous than falls from greater heights. This is because, during shorter falls, cats may not have sufficient time to fully reorient their bodies and achieve a stable landing position. In contrast, falls from greater heights allow cats to reach terminal velocity, the maximum speed at which they can fall, and stabilize their bodies, distributing the impact more evenly.
Terminal velocity for a cat is relatively low compared to larger animals, typically around 60 miles per hour. This is due to their small size, light weight, and ability to spread their bodies like a parachute. When landing, cats bend their legs to absorb the impact, further minimizing the risk of injury. However, despite their remarkable survival skills, cats are not invincible. Falls from extreme heights can still result in severe injuries or fatalities, particularly if the landing surface is hard or uneven.
In summary, while cats can survive falls from considerable heights due to their physiological adaptations and instincts, the likelihood of injury depends on factors such as the height of the fall, the cat's ability to stabilize itself, and the nature of the landing surface. Falls from moderate heights can be more dangerous than those from greater heights, but even in the latter case, the risk of injury or death cannot be entirely eliminated.