What is Cat Righting Reflex?
15th December 2023
Cats have a remarkable ability to consistently land on their feet when they fall, a behavior known as the "righting reflex" or the "cat righting reflex." This ability is a combination of several factors:
1. Flexible Spine
Cats have an extremely flexible spine with 30 vertibrae and no functional clavicle (collarbone) that allows them to twist their bodies in mid-air. They can bend in the middle and rotate their front half independanly to their back half, helping them reorient themselves.
2. Inner Ear Vestibular System
Cats have a highly developed vestibular system in their inner ear, which helps them maintain balance and spatial orientation. This system provides them with a sense of their body position in relation to gravity, aiding in their ability to right themselves.
3. Vision
Cats have binocular vision, which means they can see with both eyes simultaneously, providing depth perception. This helps them judge the distance to the ground and make precise adjustments while falling.
4. Tail Control
A cat's tail is a crucial part of its balance and coordination. Cats use their tails as a counterbalance, adjusting the position of their bodies during a fall to ensure a feet-first landing.
5. Instinctive Reflexes
Cats are equipped with reflexes that are triggered when they sense a fall. The righting reflex is an automatic response that allows them to quickly adjust their body position to land on their feet.
It's important to note that while cats are generally skilled at landing on their feet, it doesn't mean they are immune to injuries from falls. Cats can still get hurt if they fall from a great height, and not all falls are guaranteed to end with a cat landing on its feet. Additionally, as responsible pet owners, it's crucial to ensure that our homes are safe environments for our feline friends, with secure windows and balconies to prevent accidental falls.