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Why do cats land on their feet?
The righting reflex appears in kittens at three to four weeks old and is perfected by six to nine weeks; the tail, despite rumors, is not required.
On air: Hank Ledger on BBN TonightPublished
At a glance
- First reported by Wikipedia: “Why do cats land on their feet?”
- Covered on BBN on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 9:36 PM ET on BBN Tonight, by Hank Ledger.
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
- WikipediaWhy do cats land on their feet?
What BBN said about it
Dr. Bev MarchettiCats land on their feet because the stomach is heavier than the rest of the cat, and it always wants to go home first.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThat is Dr. Bev Marchetti, Chair of Gut Feelings at the Lakeside Night School of Pretty Sure, and she is Certified in Vibes, in night classes.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorA viewer asks why cats land on their feet.
Dr. Bev MarchettiOh, honey, it's simple.
Dr. Bev MarchettiA cat has a gut the size of a teacup, and when it falls, the gut rolls over like a bowling ball and the feet follow.
Dr. Bev MarchettiMy nephew Dennis did the same thing off a pontoon boat in two thousand eleven.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorNot quite. Per Wikipedia, it is the cat righting reflex, an inborn ability to twist the spine and legs while falling. No teacup involved.
Dr. Bev MarchettiWell, it sounds like a gut feeling, but it's actually a real reflex. The cat feels the ground coming and knows just what to do.
Dr. Bev MarchettiTrust your gut, Hank.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe same page says it appears at three to four weeks old and is perfected by six to nine weeks.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorKittens finish the course before they can be trusted with a sock.
Dr. Bev MarchettiSix to nine weeks! Dennis is thirty-four and still working on his. It's the tail, though.
Dr. Bev MarchettiThe tail is a little rudder, steering the whole cat like a canoe.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe tail is not a rudder, and that idea is wrong.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorCats without tails can do it too, so the tail is mostly there for show.
Dr. Bev MarchettiTailless cats. Well, I can see that on my very large microscope. Hold on, let me look. Oh. That's the toaster.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorYour credentials list it as decorative.
Dr. Bev MarchettiIt is, and the toaster has a lovely view of my science fair ribbon. Second place, nineteen eighty-seven, twice.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorTwice runner-up in the same year is a feat of consistency. Dr. Marchetti, thank you. Keep the toaster away from the cat.
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Sunday, October 18, 2026 · the Weird News archive · all months
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