Cat Narrowly Avoids Epic Fall & Everyone Has Advice For Her Human Mom
Cats are often pretty adventurous creatures thanks to their natural hunting instincts and curious dispositions. No wonder our feline friends like to climb, and it can be especially fun for cat parents to watch them thrive in high-up places. That is, unless these elevated exploits go awry, like in an incredibly popular TikTok with over 10 million views. Luckily, the climbing cat in question narrowly avoids an epic fall, but not without a struggle!
@mightyearball Replying to @dreathacrybabyy Mabel struggles the most. @Lindsay is trying to help lol. #catsoftiktok
This is a pretty action-packed 30 seconds, and it's hard to look away. Immediately, black and white cat Mabel is seen hanging from a small ledge at the top of a pretty tall living room wall just inches from the ceiling. Her human scoots a chair underneath the ledge. Then, she reaches out for Mabel, anticipating a possible fall. But this girl is far too determined. After a harrowing struggle from ledge to ledge, Mabel finally reaches a larger ledge where she can safely rest.
Thank goodness Mabel's okay. But, according to the comment section of over 10,000 concerned viewers, this all could have been avoided. "The problem is the poor kitty is a bit overweight," said one person. Another agreed, adding that not only is the cat "a little large," but the steps are way too narrow. In fact, a viewer joked that Mabel's mounted shelves are basically "a death trap" until her cat mom makes some more accessible updates. Let's hope she does!
How are cats so good at climbing?
Poor Mabel seemed pretty terrified, as several viewers pointed out. Yet, she was still able to find her footing. So, how are cats so good at balancing? Do they really always land on their feet? Well, there's actually a term for cats' amazing balancing skill: righting reflex. It's a balancing system that develops in the inner ears of kittens as early as 3 weeks old. Plus, their tails, uniquely flexible spine, and build help, too.
Now, just because cats often land on their feet, that doesn't mean felines never fall. In fact, high-rise syndrome references the traumatic injuries cats get from falling from two stories or higher. Cat parents should be cautious around unscreened windows, unsupervised balconies, and fire escapes to avoid accidents, especially while cats sleep, as they are less alert.
Also important to note is that righting reflexes are less effective with overweight cats, which helps explain Mabel's difficult time. Additionally, it helps to consider a feline's size when purchasing wall-mounted cat furniture, as smaller ledges can be dangerous for bigger cats. This is a great way to enrich your cat's environment and also keep it safe. Let's make sure no cat has to struggle like Mabel again!