* The "righting reflex" has limits: Cats have a natural reflex to twist their bodies in mid-air, aiming to land on their feet. This works best at lower heights. As the fall gets higher, the time to execute this maneuver is shorter, and the impact force becomes much greater.
* Size matters: Smaller cats have a higher chance of surviving falls than larger ones. Their smaller body size means less impact force.
* Surface matters: Landing on soft surfaces like grass or bushes can cushion the impact and increase survival chances. Landing on concrete or hard surfaces can cause severe injuries.
* Height is a major factor: While stories exist of cats surviving falls from high floors, these are exceptions, not the rule. The higher the fall, the higher the risk of severe injury or even death.
Even if a cat seems unharmed after a fall, it's crucial to seek veterinary attention. Internal injuries can be present even without visible signs.
In short: It's never safe to assume a cat can survive a fall from any height. Keeping cats indoors or using secure cat enclosures is the best way to protect them from the dangers of falling.