Mags
25-03-2012, 11:54 AM
I found this article in the BBC News magazine very interesting, I often wondered why cats can fall from great heights and the majority appear practically unharmed...
Cats have relatively large surface areas in proportion to their weight, so fall at a slower rate over a great height than larger mammals
Their bodies have evolved to allow them to survive falls from trees, their natural homes
Given the time, they twist to land on their feet
Their legs are long, muscular and extend under the body rather than straight down, allowing them to absorb the shock.
But many cats who fall from heights are nevertheless severely injured and some die http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17492802
Cats have relatively large surface areas in proportion to their weight, so fall at a slower rate over a great height than larger mammals
Their bodies have evolved to allow them to survive falls from trees, their natural homes
Given the time, they twist to land on their feet
Their legs are long, muscular and extend under the body rather than straight down, allowing them to absorb the shock.
But many cats who fall from heights are nevertheless severely injured and some die http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17492802