Kassavõimekus

Kassavõimekus refers to the ability of cats to land on their feet when falling. This remarkable reflex, also known as the "righting reflex," allows cats to orient themselves mid-air and twist their bodies to land safely on their paws. The reflex is primarily mediated by the cat's inner ear, which acts as a balance organ, and their flexible spine and muscular structure.

The righting reflex typically kicks in when a cat falls from a height of at least one foot. As the cat falls, the inner ear detects the change in orientation. The brain then sends signals to the muscles, initiating a complex sequence of movements. First, the cat's head turns to orient itself in the correct direction. This is followed by the rotation of the forelegs, then the hindlegs, as the cat twists its body to align its spine. Crucially, cats do not rotate their bodies faster than is physically possible, allowing for a controlled landing.

While the righting reflex is highly effective, it is not infallible. Very short falls may not allow enough time for the reflex to fully engage. Additionally, very young kittens, whose reflex is still developing, and elderly or injured cats may have a diminished ability to right themselves. Despite these limitations, the kassavõimekus is a testament to the evolutionary adaptations that make cats such agile and resilient creatures.