• Question: Is it true cats are more likely to survive falling from a larger height than a smaller one?

    Asked by rubberducketc to Kevin on 12 Jun 2012. This question was also asked by charlyjoy.
    • Photo: Kevin Mahon

      Kevin Mahon answered on 12 Jun 2012:


      That is, rather strangely, true! A famous study looking at cats showed they had on average a 90% survival rate when falling from a height (around 5 stories). But the strange thing was that when they looked furhter into the data, they found that the cats falling from 7 stories of higher actually suffered fewer injuries/deaths than those who fell below the 5 stories!

      The authors explained this seemingly miraculous result by saying that after falling five stories or so the cats reached a terminal velocity — that is, maximum downward speed — of 60 miles per hour. Thereafter, they hypothesized, the cats relaxed and spread themselves out like flying squirrels, minimizing injuries.

      Importantly though, this is only one case study so there may be evidence to suggest otherwise waiting!

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