2007-01-27 11:19:31 · 14 answers · asked by Kaye 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
They just have an exceptionally good sense of balance and a very flexible spine; these combine so the cat knows which way to orient itself when falling and can quickly twist its back hips to whip itself into the correct position.
2007-01-27 11:25:03 · answer #1 · answered by astazangasta 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They don't always land on their feet and even when they do, they can sustain serious injury.
A felines ability to right itself and land on it's feet is stunningly complex action and is governed by a very delicate aspect of their inner ear. This amazing aerobatic feat is achieved in stages:
-First the organ in the inner ear alerts the cat's brain to its position to the ground.
-Next the head is adjusted to level and upright to allow the cranium the most protection in the fall.
-The upper portion of the body is righted followed very quickly by the rear of the body.
-During this time the tail is acting as a counterbalance for any over corrections of the upper and lower body, as well as a rudder to keep the direction of the cat consistent.
-Lastly, the cat extends its paws out and arches its back to achieve maximum weight distribution and cushioning for the landing.
This happens in about two seconds. Cats have been know to survive falls of 60 feet. This is not a game though and "testing" the righting motion of a cat is actually a mean thing to do...so don't!!!
2007-01-27 20:27:20 · answer #2 · answered by Andy 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They don't ALWAYS land on their feet, but they do USUALLY land on their feet. Cats are very flexible and have an excellent sense of balance, and can usually spin themselves in midair to make a good landing. Their tails help a lot with balance, too.
2007-01-27 19:43:20 · answer #3 · answered by lizzy 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Tails. They use their tails to help rotate their bodies while falling. But they have to fall from high enough to have enough time to right themselves. I read somewhere a cat has a better chance of surviving a 4-story fall than a 2-story. Note: do not try this at home!
2007-01-27 19:53:09 · answer #4 · answered by Deedoe 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is simply a survival technique.
Just like why do bees sting. Or why do humans flinch/duck when something is coming at them. They are born with the instinct to land on their feet.
2007-01-27 19:30:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
fyi:they don't always land on their feet.
2007-01-27 19:22:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your not dropping them from a high enough building. All kidding aside, it's natural instinct to survive.
2007-01-27 19:23:56 · answer #7 · answered by SLY ONE 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This site should answer your question and more!
http://www.petplace.com/cats/why-cats-land-on-their-feet/page1.aspx
2007-01-27 19:26:17 · answer #8 · answered by Somanyquestions,solittletime 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A flexible back & spine and equalibirm
2007-01-27 19:28:14 · answer #9 · answered by Rocklyn80 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
better then landing on their head!
2007-01-27 19:23:04 · answer #10 · answered by tradesman408 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋