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

The Importance of a Cat's Flexible Spine

A cat's spine is a marvel of evolutionary engineering, offering both flexibility and strength. This flexibility is key to a cat's ability to twist its body mid-air. Unlike humans, cats have more vertebrae in their spine, which allows for greater range of motion. This increased flexibility enables cats to bend and rotate their bodies with remarkable precision, facilitating the righting reflex. The spine acts like a spring, absorbing the impact of landing and reducing the risk of injury. This anatomical feature, combined with their lightweight structure, allows cats to execute complex aerial maneuvers with ease and elegance.