Can cats survive falls from high places?
Cats are known for being agile climbers and jumpers, often finding their way into high places around the home. But what happens when they fall from these heights? It’s a common question for cat owners, especially those living in multi-story homes. Falls from upper floor windows or balconies can be dangerous for cats, but their anatomy gives them a better chance of surviving high falls compared to humans and other household pets.
Cats’ ability to right themselves in the air, spread their bodies to increase drag, and absorb impact forces with their legs and body, all help minimize injury when falling from heights. While prevention is ideal, understanding the factors that influence survival can help cat owners assess the risks and properly care for their cats after a fall.
Anatomy
Cats have a flexible skeletal structure that helps them survive falls from heights. Their spine is very flexible and able to absorb impact force, reducing the risk of spinal injury. Cats have loose skin that allows them to stretch and maneuver in the air, almost like a parachute. Their limbs, especially the hind legs, have powerful muscles and are able to absorb shock as they make contact with the ground. Cats also have an inner ear structure that helps them orient themselves and land on their feet (“How Cats Survive When They Fall From Heights,” Medium).
Terminal Velocity
Terminal velocity is the maximum speed an object reaches while falling through the air when the downward force of gravity is equal to the upward force of drag. At terminal velocity, the object is no longer accelerating downward.
Cats have a much lower terminal velocity than humans. Cats reach terminal velocity after falling about 5 stories or 60 feet, while humans don’t reach terminal velocity until falling about 12 stories or 120 feet (Source). This is due to differences in surface area and weight. Cats have a larger surface area relative to their weight, allowing air resistance to counteract gravity’s acceleration more quickly.
The terminal velocity of a falling cat is about 60 mph or 97 km/h. In contrast, the terminal velocity of a skydiver in a belly-to-earth freefall position is about 120 mph or 190 km/h (Source). The lower terminal velocity of cats gives them more time to orient themselves to land on their feet and better absorb impact.
Injuries
Some of the most common injuries cats can sustain from short falls of 1-2 stories include:
One study on high-rise syndrome in cats found that the overall injury rate for cats falling from heights below 5 stories was about 90%, with severe injuries occurring in over 50% of cases. Fatality rates were low (under 5%) for falls below 5 stories. (Source)
So while a short fall of 1-2 stories does not usually kill cats, they often sustain significant injuries from the impact and require veterinary treatment.
Landing
Cats are able to survive falls from great heights due to their ability to orient themselves while falling and their techniques for landing. As cats fall, they are able to right themselves within the first 1-2 stories of a fall so their feet are facing the ground (Source). This allows them to prepare for impact. Cats also spread out their body to increase drag and slow the fall. Just before impact, cats relax their bodies and splay their legs outward to increase their surface area and reduce the force of impact on any single point (Source). They are able to absorb some of the impact through their foot pads and loose skin. These techniques allow cats to often land uninjured, even from heights over 10 stories.
Height
The height from which a cat falls plays a major role in determining injury risk and survival chances. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, cats that fell from an average height of 5.5 stories and higher had a 90% rate of survival.[1] This study analyzed 132 cats brought into a New York animal clinic after falling from high-rise buildings. The vast majority survived despite the great heights, with most injuries being relatively minor like broken limbs or bruising.
Cats reach their terminal velocity after falling about 5 stories. This means their rate of acceleration stops increasing after that point, and they fall at a consistent speed.[2] So while longer falls may result in more severe injuries, the overall chance of survival does not necessarily decrease after 5 stories. There are many documented cases of cats surviving falls from 10+ story buildings with only minor injuries thanks to their natural instinct to spread out and release tension on impact.
Falls from lower heights of 2-3 stories are less likely to be fatal but can still cause severe injuries like head trauma or damaged organs. Falls below 2 stories rarely result in life-threatening injuries. Overall, while cats can sustain severe injuries from great heights, they have anatomical and instinctual advantages that give them a good chance of survival in most high-rise falls.
Treatment
If your cat has fallen and is injured, the first priority is to stabilize them and provide first aid care at home if the injuries appear minor. According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, for minor wounds you can clean with warm water and dry with a clean towel or soft paper towels. Apply direct pressure to any bleeding wounds with a clean cloth. Do not use peroxide or alcohol, as this can damage tissue. Seek veterinary care immediately for any deep injuries, bleeding that won’t stop, obvious broken bones, unconsciousness, seizures, or trouble breathing. Cover injured cats with a blanket to prevent shock.
According to VCA Hospitals, monitor your cat closely for several days after a fall even if they appear normal and alert. Internal injuries may not be obvious right away. Look for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, pain, swelling, or changes in behavior. Seek emergency veterinary care if any of these symptoms develop or get worse. Only a veterinarian can fully diagnose and properly treat injuries after a fall. They may need to do imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, or ultrasound to check for internal trauma or fractured bones. Treatment may involve pain medication, intravenous fluids, surgery, casting, or cage rest. Early veterinary care is crucial for the best chance of recovery.
Prevention
There are several tips to prevent cats from falling out of windows:
- Install secure, sturdy screens on all windows. Products like heavy-duty pet screening can prevent cats from pushing through screens.
- Consider cat-proof window guards that block access to dangerous areas. Brands like KidCo make mesh guards that mount to windowsills.
- Apply double-sided tape to windowsills and frames as a deterrent. Cats dislike the sticky feeling on their paws.
- Keep windows shut when not supervised, especially upstairs windows.
- Install stoppers or limits that prevent windows from opening more than 4-6 inches.
- Place furniture away from windows to eliminate climbing and perching spots.
- Consider installing netting or barrier fencing outside vulnerable windows.
Taking preventative measures by securing windows and restricting access are the best ways to avoid potential window falls.
Cats vs Humans
Cats have a remarkable ability to survive falls from heights that would almost certainly be fatal to humans. According to one study referenced on the BBC, cats have a 90% chance of surviving falls from up to 7 stories, and an astonishing 50% chance of surviving falls from over 26 stories. By comparison, humans have just a 50% chance of surviving a fall over 4 stories.
There are a few key reasons cats are able to withstand the impact of falls so much better than humans:
- Their light body weight means they reach a lower terminal velocity.
- They have loose, flexible skin that helps absorb impact.
- They have a sophisticated sense of balance and coordination that allows them to right themselves mid-air.
- They spread out to increase drag and slow the fall.
- They relax their bodies to reduce injury.
The remarkable survival rates of cats falling from heights is a testament to their evolution and adaptation. Their anatomy and instincts give them an advantage over humans when it comes to surviving falls. So while cats should still be kept away from dangerous heights, they are much better equipped to handle those accidental tumbles than we are.
Conclusion
Cats have a remarkable ability to survive falls from heights that would be fatal for most other animals. Their specialized anatomy including loose skin, a flexible spine, and reflexes to orient themselves while falling enables them to absorb the impact and reduce injury.
The key factors that influence a cat’s chance of surviving a fall include height fallen, landing surface, body positioning, age/health of the cat, and immediate medical care post-fall. Falls from 6-8 stories or higher leave cats less likely to survive than short falls below 2 stories. Landing on soft surfaces improves outcomes.
Interestingly, falls from 2-7 stories are more dangerous than very high falls for cats, due to having less time to orient themselves properly. However, cats falling from any height above 1 story can sustain severe injuries, so prevention is key. With proper care, most cats can fully recover after a fall.