Question

How does a cat not hurt itself on jumping or falling from a height?

• A. It has soft skin which prevents injury.
• B. It spreads its legs wide apart and increases air drag.
• C. It brings its legs close together such that its weight is evenly distributed when it lands.
• D. It uses its tail to save itself.

Answer 1

The correct option is B It spreads its legs wide apart and increases air drag.

Cats use air drag to save themselves from getting hurt on falling or jumping from a height. Increasing air drag effectively reduces the speed with which a falling object reaches the ground, thereby causing less damage. Cats increase air drag by spreading their legs wide apart such that the overall surface area increases.