Cats have an innate "righting reflex" that lets them orient feet-down during a fall. Specialized inner ears detect orientation, and a flexible spine allows the front and back halves to rotate independently.
The maneuver needs a minimum height to complete — very short falls can be more dangerous than longer ones because there isn't time to twist.
Despite the myth, cats do get hurt falling. High-rise syndrome (injuries from window falls) is a real veterinary emergency, especially in apartments.
Screen windows and deny access to unguarded ledges. The righting reflex is remarkable, but it is not a safety net.
