. They are truly...
June 29th, 2009
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There is a mysticism behind cats’ ability to land feet first, it’s really a complicated and measurable feline process. When a cat jumps or falls from high-up, he quickly determines the direction he’s falling using his sight or the equilibrium device in his inner ear. He then faces his upper body downward. Some cats also flatten out their bodies to create almost a parachute to slow the fall.
Cats don’t always land on their feet and can get hurt even if they do, so never toss a cat to test flying skills. Also – distractions, such as a bird out an open window, can confuse them and make the fall dangerous. Luckily, cats seem to often know when it’s best just to “hang in there” until the fire department arrives. |
Scientific tests safely done on this subject discovered that cats (if falling feet upside down first) need at least six feet of falling distance to properly turn their bodies over to land feet first. And yes, kids don’t try this at home, your cats won’t appreciate it and you may get hurt in the long run!
Thanks so much for the information!
It seems that the longest fall a cat has survived is 34 stories – http://www.lemondrop.com/2008/12/29/aussie-cat-uses-one-of-nine-lives-survives-34-story-fall/. Crazy!
I have taken up the same subject, it is amazing. I have a vidoe link to show it in slow motion, at organic-cat.net, my 2 twin Bengals have given me inspiration to help the feline to be happy and healthy! Get blog here, got to love the supernatural kitty!
kirker@organic-cat.net
Sorry about the typos! Love your blog (new keyboard)
Kirker out
My human is no good at jumping, leaping, or falling. We don’t know what to do about her. We have tried to show her, but she doesn’t seem to catch on.
Kirker, Thanks. Cool site!
Little Doll, Most humans are rather clumsy compared to you cats.