Cats Can Squeeze Through Tiny Spaces Surprising Many
Cats are incredibly flexible and can perform astonishing feats, so much so that a study in 2014 humorously investigated whether cats could be classified as liquids.
Putting the joke aside, scientists assert that the anatomy of cats is truly remarkable, featuring adaptations that allow them to execute difficult movements.
The key to a cat’s ability to squeeze through holes smaller than its body lies in its shoulders.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the secret to a cat’s ability to “flow” like a liquid through seemingly small openings is its shoulder structure.
In humans, the shoulders consist of the scapula and clavicle bones, which are connected to form a rigid shoulder girdle, providing solid support for the arm muscles.
In contrast, a cat’s shoulders are only attached to the rest of its body by muscles, rather than bone. This is also true for a cat’s clavicles.
Moreover, a cat’s clavicles are significantly smaller compared to the rest of its body (relative to human proportions). These anatomical features enable cats to maneuver through tight spaces.
This is regarded as an evolutionary advantage for cats when hunting small prey like mice and is also crucial for them to hide and escape from potential predators.
Additionally, cats’ whiskers help them navigate through undefined spaces. This is because the base of each whisker is packed with numerous nerve endings, providing cats with a highly sensitive navigation system that relays a wealth of information about their surroundings.
But why do cats prefer to squeeze into and hide in small spaces, such as under beds, in cupboards, or in corners when they feel stressed or scared?
According to Nathalie Dowgray, head of the International Cat Care Association in the UK, this is because it makes cats feel safer and more secure.
“Cats will choose small spaces for privacy when they need time away from their surroundings,” Nathalie explains. “You should avoid disturbing cats when they are in small spaces, unless you are worried that they might be injured or unwell.”
