New Study Details How Cats Almost Always Land on Their Feet
Scientists discover how cats twist mid-air to land safely using flexible spines and a stiff lower back
Yamaguchi University: Scientists in Japan have learned why cats almost always land on their feet when they fall from high places.
The researchers studied dead cats’ backs and watched living cats fall using high cameras. They found that cats have flexible backs in the front part and stiff backs in the lower part. This lets cats twist in the air without anything to push against.
When a cat starts falling, it first spins its head and front legs toward the ground. The flexible front part of its back helps it turn easily. Then the back half follows while the stiff lower back keeps everything steady. This happens so fast that the whole body turns before hitting the ground.
Scientists say this special spine setup lets cats do what looks like magic when falling. The team thinks this discovery might help make better robot designs and treat back injuries in animals and people. Now we know how cats can jump from tall places and still walk away safely most of the time.