Glossary

Righting reflex

The reflex that lets a falling cat twist its body in mid-air so it lands on its feet.

Also called: cat righting reflex, landing on feet, air-righting

The righting reflex is the automatic movement that turns a cat the right way up when it falls. Inner-ear balance organs and the eyes sense which way is down, then the head turns first and the spine twists so the front and back of the body rotate in sequence. A very flexible backbone and the lack of a rigid collarbone help. The cat finishes with its legs extended to cushion the landing.

Kittens begin to show the reflex at around three to four weeks old, and it is usually well developed by about seven weeks, though it takes practice. It needs some distance to work, so a very short fall may not give the cat time to turn.

Landing on the feet does not mean a cat lands unhurt. Falls from windows and balconies cause broken legs, jaw fractures, chest injuries and worse, a pattern vets sometimes call high-rise syndrome. Fit secure screens on windows and balcony netting. A cat that has fallen should see a vet the same day, even if it walks away and seems fine, because some injuries are hidden.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

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Related terms

Kitten A cat in its first months of life, from birth until about six months to a year old, a time of rapid growth, learning and vaccinations. Polydactyl A cat born with extra toes on one or more paws, caused by a common dominant inherited trait that is usually harmless. Retractable claws Cat claws that rest sheathed inside the toe tips and extend only for climbing, gripping and hunting, which keeps them sharp. Tail language What the position and movement of a cat's tail reveal about its mood, from a friendly upright tail to a lashing one.

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