9 lives of cat: survival reflex

Cats are one of the most mysterious creatures on the planet. They are able to survive in situations that seem completely hopeless. Who hasn’t heard stories about how a cat fell out of a tenth-floor window, but not only survived, but also quickly recovered from stress? It was because of such cases that the myth that cats have nine lives was born. But where did the myth of 9 lives of cat: survival reflex actually save cats when they fall?

The legend of nine lives: where did it come from?

The idea that cats have multiple lives is present in many cultures. For example, in ancient Egypt, cats were considered sacred animals, associated with the goddess Bastet, who symbolized life, fertility, and protection. The Egyptians believed that cats had magical powers, including the ability to be reborn. In medieval Europe , cats were often associated with witchcraft. And people believed that they could escape death due to their cunning nature.

But why nine lives? This number has a deep symbolic meaning in many cultures. For example, in Chinese mythology, nine is a number that symbolizes completeness and perfection. In Christianity, nine is associated with angelic choirs. Perhaps that is why cats were “assigned” nine lives – as a symbol of their incredible vitality.

Scientific View: What Really Saves Cats When They Fall?

While cats are truly amazing at surviving, their “nine lives” aren’t magic. But the result of millions of years of evolution. Here are a few key factors that help cats survive a fall:

1. Righting reflex : This is one of the most amazing abilities of cats. When a cat falls, it instantly determines the position of its body in space thanks to its supersensitive vestibular apparatus. It then turns its head in the right direction, and its body follows it. This allows the cat to land on its feet, even if it falls upside down.
2. Spinal flexibility : A cat’s spine is so flexible that it can rotate almost 180 degrees. This allows the animal to quickly change body position when falling.
3. Body aerodynamics : Cats spread their paws to increase their body surface area. Which allows them to slow their fall. This is similar to how a parachute works.
4. Landing Cushioning : Cats’ paws act as natural shock absorbers. They flex their paws to absorb impact, which helps prevent serious injuries.

Do cats always survive falls?

Unfortunately, even cats have their limits. While they do have impressive abilities, falling from great heights can be dangerous. For example, falling from a very great height (over 7-8 stories) can lead to serious injuries because the cat reaches its maximum fall velocity and can no longer effectively slow itself down.

Interesting facts about cats and their abilities

• In 1987, a cat named Sabrina fell from the 32nd floor of a New York skyscraper and survived with only minor injuries.
• Cats can survive falls from up to 5 stories without serious injury, but falls from greater heights can be dangerous due to the speed they reach.
• On average, a cat lands on its feet 0.125 seconds after starting to fall.

How different peoples interpreted the cat’s ability to survive

Cats have always been a part of human culture, and their ability to survive in the most adverse conditions has inspired the creation of legends and myths. For example, in Japanese culture, cats are considered a symbol of good luck. The famous maneki-neko (the waving cat) is not only a symbol of prosperity. But also a hint that cats always find a way out of difficult situations.

In Chinese mythology, cats are often associated with mystery and magic. They are believed to be able to see spirits and protect their owners from evil forces. Perhaps this is why they are credited with “nine lives” – a symbol of their invincibility.

In European countries, especially in the Middle Ages, cats were associated with witchcraft. People believed that a black cat could transform into a witch or serve her. This gave rise to many controversial legends. But also highlighted the ability of cats to survive in seemingly impossible conditions.

Scientific research: what do scientists say?

In 1987, veterinarians from New York conducted a study called “high-floor syndrome.” They studied cases of cats that fell from great heights and discovered an interesting pattern. It turned out that cats that fell from a height of 5-9 stories suffered more injuries than those that fell from greater heights. This may seem paradoxical, but the explanation is quite simple. A cat that falls from great heights has more time to spread its paws and assume the optimal position for landing.

This study confirmed that cats do indeed possess unique physiological mechanisms that allow them to survive in extreme situations.

What to do if your cat falls?

Even though cats are masters of survival, falls can be dangerous. Here are some tips on what to do if your pet falls from a height:

1. Don’t panic : Cats are very sensitive to their owners’ emotions. Staying calm will help you help your pet more quickly.
2. Assess the cat’s condition : Check for visible injuries such as fractures or bleeding.
3. Provide peace : Move the cat to a quiet and safe place.
4. Consult a veterinarian : Even if the cat appears healthy, it is best to consult a specialist to rule out internal injuries.

Interesting stories about cats who survived

• Sabrina’s Story : As mentioned earlier, Sabrina the cat fell from the 32nd floor and survived. This is one of the most famous cases that proves the incredible survival ability of cats.
• Andy the Cat : In the 1970s, a cat named Andy fell from a 16th floor and not only survived, but also made a full recovery. This case was one of the first to be studied by scientists.
• The Cat from Paris : In 2019, a cat fell from a 7th floor balcony in Paris. He landed on a car, which helped him avoid serious injury.

Why do cats so often find themselves in dangerous situations?

Even with all their abilities, cats sometimes get into trouble. One reason is their natural curiosity. Cats love to explore new areas, which sometimes leads to falls. They also often underestimate heights, especially when playing or hunting.

Natural curiosity: explorers by nature

Cats are natural hunters and explorers. Their curiosity about the world around them knows no bounds. They love to explore new territories, climb tall trees, jump on roofs or balconies. This is their way of learning about the world and satisfying their instincts. However, this curiosity often becomes the cause of dangerous situations. For example:

• High surfaces : Cats love to sit on windowsills, balconies, or rooftops to observe the world around them. But sometimes they underestimate the height or lose their balance, leading to falls.
• New objects : If there is something new in the house—like an open window or an unfamiliar object—your cat will want to explore it. This can be dangerous, especially when it comes to heights or unstable surfaces.

Hunter’s instincts: game or hunting

Cats are predators, and even pets retain their natural instincts. When they see birds, insects, or even a moving shadow, their hunting instincts take over. This can lead to dangerous situations:

• Jumping after prey : Cats may jump after birds or butterflies, regardless of height or distance. For example, a cat may jump off a balcony in an attempt to catch a bird.
• Loss of concentration : While hunting, a cat can become so focused on its target that it forgets about the world around it. This can lead to falls or other dangers.

Underestimating height: optical illusions

Interestingly, cats often underestimate height. For example, when they are looking out from a balcony or window, their depth perception may be limited. They may not realize how high they are, which can lead to reckless jumps. Cats also sometimes believe they can land easily, even if they are at a great height. While their righting reflex is impressive, it does not always guarantee a safe landing.

Play and Energy: When Fun Becomes Dangerous

Cats, especially young ones, are very energetic. They love to play, run, jump, and explore. However, sometimes their energy can lead to dangerous situations:

• Unpredictable movements : During play, a cat may make sudden movements that lead to falls or injuries.
• Dangerous places : Cats may climb onto cabinets, shelves, or other high surfaces where they are in danger of falling.

How to protect your cat?

To avoid dangerous situations, follow these tips:

• Install special nets on windows and balconies.
• Do not leave your cat unattended in places where it could fall.
• Provide your pet with a safe environment for play and exploration.

Cats are true masters of survival, and their ability to get out of difficult situations is impressive. The myth of nine lives is not just a fairy tale, but a reflection of their incredible physiology and evolutionary advantages. But even with all their abilities, they need our care and protection. Remember that the best way to ensure a long and happy life for your pet is to create a safe environment for them.

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