Have you ever watched your cat jump up to a windowsill, or scale a bookshelf effortlessly? Maybe you wondered why cats jump so much and how they do it so easily.

Cats don’t jump just because they like it or it’s their favorite pastime. Jumping is how we explore, stay safe and active. Your feline friend relies on powerful legs and sharp senses to help them navigate their environment and take them to new heights, literally. It’s also a big part of their natural hunting instincts, they kind of can’t help themselves.

Why Do Cats Jump?

A cat’s natural inclination to jump is one way they navigate their environments. They may be exploring or looking for more information about their surroundings. The main reasons a cat jumps include:

·         Gain High Vantage Points. Jumping to reach higher places comes from the cat’s predator-prey instincts. They want to be up high so they can watch for prey and keep an eye out for predators.

·         Hunting. For feline hunters, being able to pounce on their prey is part of the hunting process.

·         Playing. Jumping for toys like stuffed mice simulates hunting for a cat. It provides the mental stimulation and physical exercise they need.

How High Can a Cat Jump?

Cats can typically jump five to six times their body length in just one vertical leap. To get a good understanding of how high a cat can jump, it would be like a 6-foot human jumping 36 feet into the air! That’s about as high as a telephone pole! So a cat can jump about 8 to 9 feet.

How Does a Cat Jump so High?

Have you ever watched a cat spring effortlessly from the ground to a high perch? Maybe you’ve seen them stick a perfect landing! They are furry acrobats. How do they do that? Cats have a flexible spine, a strong sense of balance, and powerful hind-limb muscles that all help them nail the jump.

Before a cat jumps, you may see them in a crouched position. When they crouch down, they are loading their spring-like back legs with energy to make the leap. Once they launch, their flexible spine allows them to adjust in the middle of the air. Watch them closely, then you’ll see the cat move its tail as it lands. This tail movement provides a counterbalance that keeps them steady on their feet.

Can All Felines Jump High?

Like humans who have different athletic abilities, cats don’t all have the same jumping abilities. There are a few factors that impact on how high and how smoothly cats can jump.

·         Age. Older cats, 7 years or older, are likely to be less motivated to jump up to high vantage points. This may be due to age-related loss of muscle mass, discomfort or pain, or another health condition.

·         Health and body condition. As cats get older, they may develop physical conditions that prevent them from jumping as high or as quickly as they used to. Feline arthritis, obesity, or muscle weakness may reduce their mobility, which puts a limit on their jumping.

·         Breed. The physical attributes of cats are directly related to their breed. Smaller cats may have shorter legs which limit their vertical jump. Other breeds with longer bodies and legs will tend to have the ability for higher jumps.

Can I Help My Cat Jump Safely?

Cats sometimes jump into danger unknowingly. They may jump up onto a countertop where there is food that is harmful for them. A cat might jump onto a hot stove, or onto a shelf that isn’t able to hold their weight.

Making sure your cat has sturdy places to jump onto can help protect them. Cat climbing spaces help them fulfill their instincts without causing harm. A tall, well-built cat tree or securely mounted cat shelves offers safe, higher places for your feline friend to perch. These features help cats gain more confidence in jumping and climbing, and help them get their exercise in, too.

When cats use shelves or cat trees, they build muscles and skills over time. For some cats, jumping can be reduced by preventing boredom and giving them plenty of attention. Play with your cat several times every day and offer them interactive toys or puzzle feeders. Help your feline friend calm down by petting them if they like to be petted. Use the Pawer Cat SPA Glove to clean their fur and help them calm down as needed. These activities will keep your cat occupied and provide the mental enrichment they need.

Cat Jumping FAQs

What is the highest a cat can jump?

Most cats can jump up to 8 or 9 feet maximum.

How high should a fence be to keep a cat in?

Since most cats can jump 6 feet or more in one leap, a fence or pet gate should be at least 8 feet tall.

Can jumping hurt a cat?

Yes. When a cat jumps, they can become injured. Fractures, sprains, and soft tissue injuries can occur. Injuries are more likely if they jump from a great height, misjudge the distance, or land on a slippery surface.

Do cats always land on their feet?

No. It is a myth that a cat will always land on their feet. They do have a “righting reflex” that allows them to twist their bodies and land paws down. But they have to have enough time and space to flip over while in the air. This would require a fall of at least 3 feet.

About the Author: Fiona

Fiona is the current President and CEO of Pawer Lab. She makes sure everything is running purrfectly and oversees the day-to-day operations. When Fiona is not working, she enjoys chasing lasers, snacking on treats, or taking long naps in the sun.