How do cats land on their feet?

1. 1

   Lue says

   When a cat slips off a shelf, its sharp eyes and ears work out which way is up. First it twists its head round the right way. Then its heavier back end swings round too. Its bendy back helps it steady itself, so its paws are ready underneath when it lands.

   For ages 4–7
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   Checked against How do cats land on their feet? (Ask Dr. Universe, Washington State University)

2. 2

   Why can a cat with no tail still land on its feet?

   A cat's backbone is very bendy. A cat also has no collarbone, the bone across the top of your chest. So a cat can twist and arch its body in mid-air all by itself. Its tail just helps it stay steady as it lands, so cats with no tail can do it too.

   For ages 6–10
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   Checked against How do cats land on their feet? (Ask Dr. Universe, Washington State University)

In Lil' Phil, reaching the bottom of this wonder earns a sticker for Lue's collection.

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