What does a cat do when it falls? - briefly
When a cat falls, it instinctively twists its body mid-air to land on its feet, utilizing its flexible spine and inner ear balance system for a safe landing.
What does a cat do when it falls? - in detail
When a cat falls, it instinctively activates a remarkable set of reflexes known as the "righting reflex," which allows it to reorient its body mid-air and land safely on its feet. This process begins almost immediately after the cat senses it is falling. First, the cat uses its highly flexible spine to twist its upper body toward the ground, followed by a counter-twist of the lower body to align itself. Its inner ear, which contains the vestibular apparatus, plays a crucial role in detecting the orientation of the head relative to gravity, enabling the cat to determine which way is down. Simultaneously, the cat extends its legs and spreads its body to increase air resistance, slowing its descent. This posture also helps distribute the impact force upon landing. The tail acts as a counterbalance, aiding in stabilization during the fall. Upon nearing the ground, the cat arches its back and bends its legs to absorb the shock, minimizing the risk of injury. This entire sequence occurs in a fraction of a second and is a testament to the cat's evolutionary adaptation for survival in environments where falls are common. However, it is important to note that while cats are highly adept at landing safely, falls from extreme heights can still result in injury due to the increased force of impact.