Why is a cat landing on its feet? - briefly
A cat lands on its feet due to its innate righting reflex, which allows it to quickly orient its body mid-air by twisting its flexible spine and using its tail for balance.
Why is a cat landing on its feet? - in detail
Cats possess an extraordinary ability to land on their feet when falling, a phenomenon rooted in their unique anatomy and reflexes. This ability, often referred to as the "righting reflex," is a combination of instinct, flexibility, and physics. When a cat falls, it begins by orienting its head to align with the ground, using its highly sensitive vestibular system in the inner ear to detect spatial orientation. The cat then rotates its front legs and shoulders first, followed by the hind legs and spine, creating a twisting motion. This rotation is facilitated by the cat’s highly flexible backbone, which lacks a rigid collarbone, allowing for greater maneuverability. The tail also aids in balance and angular momentum, acting as a counterbalance during the rotation. Additionally, cats have a low body density and a large surface area relative to their weight, which slows their descent and provides more time to adjust their position. This combination of physical traits and rapid reflexes ensures that cats can reorient themselves mid-air and land on their feet, minimizing the risk of injury during a fall.