Do cats always land on their feet? Reality or myth?

Cats have a remarkable ability to orient themselves when they fall, a trait known as the righting reflex. This natural ability often leads to the myth that cats ALWAYS land on their feet, but the truth is more complex and involves a mixture of anatomy, physics and luck.

Understanding the righting reflex

The righting reflex begins to appear in kittens at 3 weeks of age and is fully developed by week 7. This reflex allows a falling cat to turn its body in the air so that its feet point downward without using its sense of balance. The flexibility of a cat's spine and lack of a functioning collarbone allow it to turn its front and rear ends in opposite directions simultaneously.

When cats do not land safely

Despite their agility, cats do NOT always land on their feet. Falls from high altitudes can be particularly dangerous. Veterinary studies have documented cases of cats suffering serious injuries from falls, a phenomenon known as "high-rise syndrome." While cats often survive falls from higher elevations better than from lower heights due to their ability to spread out and slow their descent, injuries such as broken bones or internal damage can still occur.

Reduce risks for cats

It is important for pet owners to understand that cats may not always land safely on their feet. It is important that windows, especially in high-rise buildings, are securely screened. In addition, creating a safe and stimulating environment in the home can help reduce a cat's desire to venture onto dangerous ledges.