Falling Cat - Rotation with zero net angular momentum.

In summary, cats have the ability to initiate rotation and turn around during free fall without violating the conservation of angular momentum. This was demonstrated in an animation and real footage of cats in free fall. A talk at MIT also discussed the falling cat phenomenon and there are additional videos available for further exploration.
  • #1
A.T.
Science Advisor
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I made an animation to explain how cats can initiate rotation and turn around during free fall, without violating the conservation of angular momentum:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGusK69XVlk

Some footage of real cats:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua4Gh_4XdwQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHhXbOhK_hs

A talk at MIT dealing with the falling cat at time 20:30:
http://techtv.mit.edu/collections/l...cle-smarts-stability-translation-and-rotation
 
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  • #2
Well done. Somebody add some text and make this a FAQ so that we clink to it in the future.
 
  • #3
Thanks. Here some more videos on this:

This one in zero-g starts a bit mean but at 0:12 you can see the cat spin up very fast and make several full turns within a few seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUIokQ36rbA

Probably the first attempt to show how a cat does it. But the frame rate is much to low to see anything.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wA3If87UhA
 

1. How does a falling cat rotate with zero net angular momentum?

A falling cat is able to rotate with zero net angular momentum due to a phenomenon known as the "cat righting reflex." This reflex is a combination of the cat's flexible spine, powerful leg muscles, and keen sense of balance. As the cat falls, it is able to twist its body and extend its legs in order to change its angular momentum and land on its feet.

2. Can other animals rotate with zero net angular momentum like cats?

While cats are well-known for their ability to rotate with zero net angular momentum, other animals such as rats, rabbits, and squirrels also have this capability. However, the extent to which they are able to do so may vary depending on their size and physical adaptations.

3. Is the cat righting reflex a learned behavior or an instinct?

The cat righting reflex is an instinctual behavior that is present in all cats, including domestic and wild species. Kittens as young as 3-4 weeks old have been observed exhibiting this reflex, indicating that it is not a learned behavior.

4. What happens if a cat falls from a great height?

Cats are known for their ability to survive falls from great heights, often referred to as the "high-rise syndrome." This is due to their flexible bodies and the fact that they are able to spread out their weight over a larger surface area as they fall. However, falls from extreme heights can still result in serious injuries or even death for cats.

5. Is there any way to prevent a cat from rotating with zero net angular momentum?

No, the cat righting reflex is an innate ability that cannot be prevented. However, there are measures that can be taken to prevent cats from falling in the first place, such as keeping them indoors and providing them with safe and secure environments to play in.

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