Video: High-Speed Photography Shows How Cats Land on Their Feet
Posted on January 24, 2012
This high-speed photography of a falling cat shows how cats always land on their feet. The falling cat first rotates its head, then twists its spine and aligns its rear quarters. The cat also simultaneously arches its back to reduce the force of impact.
The National Geographic video also discusses High-Rise Syndrome. Curious cats can fall from high-rise apartments.
Even if they survive the fall and land on their feet, they can still be seriously injured. Cats tend to be more injured from short falls than from falls from higher altitudes, because they don't have enough time to adjust their posture.