Cat Falls from 2nd Floor: Is It Serious?
As the old saying goes, "a cat has nine lives," but is this really the case? Many people hold a mistaken belief that cats are so resilient they can't be hurt, even though they are living creatures like us, capable of injury and bleeding. The height of a second floor might seem like no big deal, but the reality is that a fall from such a height can indeed harm a cat. This article delves into this topic to provide a clearer understanding.
Why Do We Say Cats Have Nine Lives?
The notion that cats have nine lives is an exaggeration, not a literal claim that they can be resurrected with another life after death. However, it's true that cats are incredibly hardy creatures. With their robust physique, agile movements, and swift reactions, they possess excellent balance. This allows them to land from a height with less likelihood of injury. But if the drop is too great, they can still be hurt. Cats' ancestors lived in trees, where they would track prey and evade predators from above.
Over time, cats have evolved their lifestyle. For instance, their bodies have become highly coordinated, enabling them to quickly adjust their body posture in midair and twist their bodies to land safely from a fall. Cats have an automatic response mechanism that flips them over during descent, and their internal balance organs, such as the eyes and ears, react in a series of coordinated movements. For example, the cat's spinal nerves allow the body's lower half to flip rapidly, while the tail acts as a balancing tool to prevent excessive flipping. Additionally, cats can arch their backs to absorb the impact upon landing, reducing the risk of injury.
What Happens When a Cat Falls from the Second Floor?
Contrary to the belief that cats are so flexible they can't be harmed when jumping from a secondstory window, they can still sustain injuries. Cats are capable of landing safely from a height due to their instinctive righting reflex, which allows them to twist their supple spines and adjust their posture to a fourlegged downward stance during the fall. Their tails help maintain balance, and the pads on their paws act as shock absorbers. However, if the height is beyond their capacity to react, these advantages are diminished. Moreover, even if a cat can usually handle a certain height, an accidental fall without time to react can lead to fractures or internal injuries.
Why Do Cats Enjoy Jumping from High Places?
Compared to dogs, cats retain more of their primitive nature, being adventurous and fond of running around. Cats naturally have a penchant for leaping from high places and possess good balance. Their ancestors could fall from trees without much trouble, making them less sensitive to heights. However, cats are not very good at judging heights, especially with modern skyscrapers towering over trees. Coupled with their curiosity, cats may take risks and jump down, leading to accidents.
Therefore, to prevent injuries to cats, it's crucial for owners to keep windows and doors closed, especially during the estrous period when cats may be more prone to such risks.
