Cats have a righting reflex so she can turn herself around in midair during a fall to land on her feet. She uses this reflex in conjunction with sophisticated balance provided by her inner ear and a flexible spine. However, landing on her feet does not ensure safety during a fall. If the fall is too short, your cat may not have time to right herself and she could crash to the ground. If the fall is too high, your cat could injure her feet and legs, which act like shock absorbers. If her belly hits the ground as she bottoms out could cause internal injuries. She could also bang her chin or head on the ground to disastrous effect. Thus the best course of action is to prevent falls to begin with. Secure windows and screens and don’t allow your cat on a high balcony. Contact your Pikeville, KY vet to learn more.