The Strange Physics That Explains How Cats Always Land On Their Feet

The Physics of Angular Momentum

At the heart of a cat's ability to land on its feet is the principle of angular momentum. Angular momentum is a measure of the amount of rotation an object has, taking into account its mass, shape, and speed of rotation. When a cat falls, it instinctively twists its body to manipulate its angular momentum, allowing it to reorient itself mid-air. By extending its front legs and retracting its back legs, a cat can create a rotational motion that helps it turn right-side-up. This conservation of angular momentum ensures that the total momentum remains constant, allowing the cat to execute a swift and efficient rotation to land safely.