Cat owners often worry about the dangers of their feline friends falling from heights around the home, especially if they live in tall apartment buildings. While some falls are indeed dangerous for cats, these acrobatic pets are well-equipped to survive falls that would seriously injure other animals. This article provides an overview of the unique physical attributes that allow cats to fall much farther than other pets, examining maximum heights a cat can fall and still walk away uninjured. We review studies on cat falling injuries and survival rates to understand why high-rise falls are less dangerous for cats. By explaining cat capabilities, calming common worries, and giving prevention tips, this article aims to inform cat owners and reassure them about their cat’s ability to survive falls.
Anatomy
Cats have several unique anatomical features that allow them to right themselves and land on their feet when falling from heights. One key factor is their lightweight, flexible bodies. The average house cat weighs between 8-10 pounds. Their small size combined with a flexible spine and loose, elastic skin allows them to contort their bodies mid-air into the proper landing position (Falling cat problem).
Cats also possess an innate righting reflex that engages when they are in free fall. This instinctive ability to twist their bodies is controlled by their inner ear canals, which sense the position they are falling in. Their powerful vestibular system quickly signals to their brain, which then activates their leg and neck muscles to rotate their torso in line with their backbone and face downwards (Why Do Cats Land on Their Feet? Physics Explains). This righting reflex allows cats to land on their feet from falls at almost any orientation.
Terminal Velocity
Cats reach a terminal velocity of about 60 mph when falling, according to research. This is significantly lower than the terminal velocity of humans, which is around 120 mph. The terminal velocity is the maximum speed an object achieves while falling through the air while being slowed by wind resistance. At 60 mph, the velocity of a falling cat is not fast enough alone to cause fatal injury upon impact.
Cats’ lower terminal velocity compared to humans can be attributed to their smaller size and increased surface area relative to their mass. Their spread-out body posture while falling also adds drag and slows their descent. While 60 mph impact speeds can still cause severe injuries, it is low enough that cats can survive falls from great heights under ideal landing conditions.
Injuries
Cats that fall from heights face serious risk of internal injuries and broken bones, according to veterinary experts from VCA Animal Hospitals. The two main risks are lung injuries and broken bones.
Lung injuries can occur if the cat lands on its back or side from a fall. This can cause the lungs to bruise or puncture, leading to breathing difficulties. Chest x-rays are often needed to fully assess lung trauma after a fall.
In addition to lung injuries, cats often sustain fractures to their legs, jaws or pelvis when falling from heights above 10-20 feet. The sudden impact puts extreme force on bones that often results in breaks. According to WebMD, fractures of the jaw and teeth are common facial injuries.
While minor falls may only cause bruising or sprains, experts warn to always monitor a cat closely after any fall since internal injuries are not always immediately apparent. Seeking prompt veterinary care can help detect and treat any lung or bone trauma before complications arise.
Fatal Height
Though no exact lethal height is known, cats generally do not survive falls from over 7 stories high. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association that examined 132 cats brought into New York City veterinary clinics after falling out of high-rise windows, injuries became more severe at 7 stories and higher. [1] Beyond 7 stories, the study found injuries were more likely to be life threatening and require euthanasia. This correlates to a height of approximately 60-70 feet or more.
While a small percentage of cats may survive above this range, the injuries sustained from such great heights are typically severe and often fatal. These can include traumatic brain injuries, collapsed lungs, ruptured organs, and shattered bones. High-rise falls at or above 7 stories result in severe force and impact that most cats cannot withstand.
Landing
Cats have an excellent ability to land on their feet thanks to their flexible backbone and a balancing organ in their inner ear called the vestibular apparatus. This gives cats the ability to right themselves and land feet-first when falling, which can greatly reduce injuries from high falls.
Landing feet-first, especially on a soft or thick surface, allows the impact to be absorbed by the legs and body rather than the head or vital organs. According to the Wired article, landing feet-first on thick brush or deep snow can cushion falls from even great heights.
Case Studies
There are many real-world examples of cats surviving surprisingly long falls. According to a 2017 article in Wired, cats have been known to survive falls from as high as 26 floors with little or no injury. In one example, a cat named Sugar survived a fall from the seventh floor of an apartment building with no broken bones or internal injuries. She landed on soil which likely cushioned her fall. In another case, a cat fell 32 stories onto concrete and survived with minor injuries. According to veterinarians, cats can tolerate falls from heights of seven or more stories as long as they land feet first to absorb the impact.
Myths
There are several myths about cats falling from heights. One common myth is that cats reach terminal velocity or “pancake”, splattering on the ground after falling from a certain height. However, studies show this is false. Cats do not pancake, even at terminal velocity. Their bodies are designed to reach terminal velocity around 60 mph during a fall, which allows them to survive falls from virtually any height.[1]
Another myth is that cats always land on their feet no matter how far they fall. While cats have an impressive ability to right themselves mid-air and land feet-first up to 90% of the time, this reflex can fail at extreme heights. Severe injuries like crushed ribs or punctured lungs can prevent cats from righting themselves. So while they often land upright, it’s not guaranteed, especially from large heights.[2]
Additionally, some believe cats can survive falls from any height uninjured. In reality, they do get injured falling from heights over 2-3 stories. Fatalities increase over 7 stories. While their bodies allow better survival than humans from heights, cats can still break bones, injure organs, or die from large falls.[3]
Prevention
The best way to prevent high-rise syndrome in cats is to keep them safely indoors. Cats should be kept away from open windows, doors, balconies and fire escapes where they could potentially fall from a high place.
Screens on windows are not enough to protect cats. Secure window screens should be installed and windows should remain closed to prevent cats from pushing them open and falling out (Source: https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/cat-high-rise-syndrome).
Using a cat harness and leash can allow cats to experience the outdoors safely under supervision. Proper training is required to walk a cat on a leash and owners should stay alert (Source: https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/high-rise-syndrome-in-cats/).
Cat owners who live in high-rise buildings should take precautions to cat-proof their homes. This includes keeping cats away from risky areas and not leaving windows or doors open where cats could potentially fall from (Source: https://www.wired.com/story/how-can-a-cat-survive-a-high-rise-fall-physics/). With proper precautions, cat owners can keep their feline friends safe.
Conclusion
In summary, house cats are remarkably resilient animals that possess physical and behavioral adaptations to survive falls from great heights. Cats can often walk away from falls as high as 10 stories with minor injuries like bruised lungs or broken bones. Their lightweight bodies, loose skin, cartilaginous chest, and instinctual maneuvers enable them to land on their feet and distribute the impact. However, falls from 20+ stories almost always result in severe trauma or death.
While cats may frequently survive high falls, owners should still take precautions to prevent potentially dangerous falls. Securing window screens, avoiding balconies and railings, and keeping cats indoors are some steps owners can take. Falls are still a leading cause of feline trauma, so vigilance is key. With awareness and safety measures, owners can help ensure their cats lead long, healthy lives.