Cats almost always land squarely on their feet due to an innate biological reaction called the righting reflex combined with an incredibly flexible skeletal structure.

A closer look

Cats almost always land squarely on their feet due to an innate biological reaction called the righting reflex combined with an incredibly flexible skeletal structure. Unlike humans, felines have a completely unattached collarbone and a remarkably elastic spine that allows them to instantly twist their front and back halves in entirely opposite directions mid-air. They rely on their highly sensitive inner ear to rapidly determine which way is down, visually lock onto a landing spot, and violently contort their furry bodies to ensure their paws hit the ground first. This impressive aerial gymnastics routine allows them to safely survive massive falls that would easily shatter the bones of any other household pet. The only major downside to this evolutionary superpower is the relentless arrogance it inspires in an animal that already believes it is fundamentally superior to you