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While cats have the unique ability to land on their feet during most falls, it doesn’t happen every time. Called the “righting reflex”, most kittens develop this by seven weeks old. This is due to the vestibular apparatus in cat’s ears, which is used for balance and orientation. Plus, their unique skeletal structure and flexible spine means they can rotate themselves very easily during a drop.
However, the key factor in determining the chances of a cat landing on their feet is the height of the fall. Studies show that the higher it is, the more time a cat has to correct its positioning to ensure a perfect landing. Amazingly, a veterinary record showed that after falling 32 stories, a pet was returned to its owner only two days later with only a chipped tooth and punctured lung. However, note that overweight cats are much less likely to be able to right themselves during a fall.
Since cats are always climbing and jumping onto things, their arched legs are designed to act as shock absorbers. When they expand them during a fall to spread out their body, this allows them to turn into mini parachutes. While cats don’t always land on their feet, their ability to do so in most cases makes them pretty special!
Despite this, always make sure your pet is protected from heights, especially if you live in a high-rise apartment. If your cat takes a serious fall, take them to see a VCA veterinarian immediately.
Does your cat prefer lounging to climbing? Read our exercise tips to get them moving! >>
*Covered services vary by plan. Unlimited exams exclude specialty and telemedicine exams. Plan includes (i) one Specialty Care consult at a participating VCA Specialty Hospital and (ii) one waived fee (up to $300) for an emergency or specialty consult at a participating BluePearl Pet Hospital, per year. Fees will apply for other services or products provided, including emergency stabilization, treatment, diagnostic tests, medications, and hospitalization. Plan pricing requires 12-month commitment.
CareClub Memberships are preventive pet health care plans and not pet insurance.
CareClub Membership covers only the selected health care services and products which are specifically identified in the applicable CareClub Membership agreement.
VCA Animal Hospitals, BluePearl Pet Hospitals, and Banfield Pet Hospitals are affiliates of Mars Inc.
**Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
Free First Exam only for new clients (including those not seen in 3+ years) and eligible existing clients adding a new pet. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. The exam includes a status check on weight, nutrition and general health, parasite discussion, dental check and vaccination overview only. Not valid toward any other services including: any specialty, emergency, telemedicine and/or urgent care veterinary services; boarding or grooming services; any diagnostics or treatments; or any vaccines, medications or retail items. Not to be combined with any other offer. Redeemable only at the VCA Animal Hospitals location listed. For pet owners who are aged 18 and older. No cash value.
Florida Residents: THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.
NJ Residents: First Exam Regular Price Range: $75 to $150. NJ Licensee: Anthony Loomis, DVM.
Free First Dose offer valid for new patients receiving a qualifying initial exam at participating VCA Animal Hospitals. Offer applies only where an eligible parasite prevention product included in the program is prescribed and dispensed during the visit, as determined by the attending veterinarian. Eligible products only; not valid toward other products or services. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. Not combinable with other offers. Must be 18 years or older. No cash value.
