how far can a cat fall

The distance a cat can fall and survive is often referred to as the "righting reflex" or "terminal velocity." While there’s no specific height limit, the general consensus is that a healthy adult cat can survive a fall from around 2-5 stories (20-50 feet or 6-15 meters) with minimal injury.

However, the actual distance a cat can fall and survive depends on several factors, including:

1. Height: The higher the fall, the more time the cat has to right itself and spread its body to slow down the descent.
2. Body size and weight: Larger cats tend to have a lower terminal velocity, which means they can fall farther without getting hurt.
3. Age and health: Kittens, senior cats, and cats with health issues may be more vulnerable to injury from falls.
4. Landing surface: A soft landing surface, such as grass or a thick carpet, can reduce the impact of the fall.
5. Righting reflex: Cats have an incredible ability to rotate their bodies mid-air to land on their feet, which helps reduce the impact of the fall.

Here are some general guidelines on the distances cats can fall and survive:

• 1-2 stories (10-20 feet or 3-6 meters): Most cats can survive a fall from this height with minimal injury.
• 2-5 stories (20-50 feet or 6-15 meters): Cats may experience some injuries, such as bruises or broken bones, but can often survive with proper medical care.
• 5-10 stories (50-100 feet or 15-30 meters): The risk of serious injury or death increases significantly at this height.
• Above 10 stories (100 feet or 30 meters): The chances of survival are extremely low.

Keep in mind that these are general estimates, and the actual distance a cat can fall and survive will depend on the individual cat and the circumstances of the fall. If your cat has fallen from a significant height, it’s essential to seek veterinary care immediately, even if they appear to be fine.