Flexible spines in cats explain the “falling cat” phenomenon

Scientists have long studied why falling cats consistently land on their feet, with debates dating back to the 1700s. A recent study in The Anatomical Record focuses on the flexibility of feline spines, building on previous theories. Four main hypotheses have emerged: the “tuck and turn,” “falling figure skater,” “bend and twist,” and “propeller tail” models, each explaining the complex mechanics behind a cat’s ability to right itself during a fall.

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