A study published in the journal The Anatomical Record <Link>suggests new insights into the so-called falling cat problem, particularly that cats have a very flexible segment of their spines that allows them to correct their orientation midair.
The researchers found that the feline spine was extremely flexible in the upper thoracic vertebrae, but stiffer and heavier in the lower lumbar vertebrae. The results suggest the cat quickly spins its flexible upper torso to face the ground, allowing it to see so that it can correctly twist the rest of its body to match.
Source: New York Times, March 11, 2026. Link. Modern research has split the falling cat problem into two competing models: a) legs in, legs out b) tuck and turn.
The thoracic spine of the cat can rotate like our neck.” – Yasuo Higurashi, PhD
Image: Link.
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