The Secret of Cats Falling on All Fours
The fact that cats always land on all fours is a subject that has occupied the scientific world for many years. According to scientists, this ability stems from a mechanism called the ‘Cat Righting Reflex’. This reflex is not a genetic feature, but an acquired skill. In kittens, it starts at 3-4 weeks of age and is perfect at 6-9 weeks of age. Cats without collarbones perform this reflex using their flexible spine.
The Role of Vision and the Sense of Balance
Studies have shown that closing kittens’ eyes negatively affects the development of this reflex. This revealed that cats develop the reflex by calculating the falling distance, and that the reflex cannot fully develop in cats with their eyes closed or vision impaired. However, it has also been stated that the biggest factor of this reflex is balance.
Cats Defy the Laws of Physics
Cats’ ability to turn themselves during a fall has attracted the attention of physicists. Cats have the ability to spin in the air without external influence, defying the law of conservation of angular momentum. This phenomenon, which could not be fully explained until 1969, was clarified through studies. When the body structures of cats are examined, it has been determined that they can gain momentum by moving their upper and lower bodies in opposite directions.
Behavior of Cats When Falling from Height
Experiments have shown that cats prepare themselves to land on all fours if they fall from a height, especially falls from more than 1 meter. This reflex has allowed cats to survive falls from high-rise buildings. Research conducted in the 1980s revealed that cats’ chances of survival increased as the height of the fall increased.
Cat Survival Secrets
Cats can adjust their speed by bringing their front paws closer to their bodies and extending their hind legs while falling. This move allows them to land on all fours. A study conducted by veterinarians observed that most cats that fell from high floors survived. This shows how strong cats’ survival instincts are.
These special abilities of cats make them mysterious and fascinating creatures of nature. This behavior, which defies the laws of physics, is a unique feature of cats that inspires scientists. (News Center)
2023-12-22 09:57:00
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