Why is it that a cat can easily jump five feet high, allowing her to land on countertops and other surfaces you might assume would be out of reach?
It’s largely about her powerful hindquarters, which are comprised of strong leg and back muscles. Combine that with a feline’s flexible spine, and you’ve got just the right conditions for releasing powerful bursts of energy.
Watch your cat prepare for a jump. Notice that she’ll start in a crouched position, pushing back onto her hind legs one, two, three, or even more times. She’s not hesitating. She’s contracting and extending muscles, building up the kinetic energy she needs to launch the perfect high jump. It’s kind of like a coiled spring getting ready to release all its pent-up energy.
The fine back muscles and tail aid in balance when landing—a beautiful blend of feline form, function, and physics.
