Slow Motion Flipping Cat Physics | Smarter Every Day 58

Why HN readers recommended it

HN recommends it as a good visual explanation of how cats land on their feet.

This is a summary from the source dataset, not an endorsement by Hacker News or the video creator.

Video & recommendation details

Creator / channel

SmarterEveryDay

Topic

cat righting reflex

Format

explainer

Level

general

HN recommenders in dataset

3

HN mentions in dataset

3

Recommendation years in dataset

2012–2023

These counts and years describe the included Hacker News records; they are not YouTube views or the video’s publication date.

From the original HN conversations

Excerpts from the recorded comments. Follow each source for the full comment and surrounding discussion.

• I think it's cos they don't want to get hurt landing on their back. Now how they do it is a different question all together. Ps, awesome video [VIDEO] , article is pretty useless.

• You'd just see some blinding white light for a few seconds and then maybe nothing else for the rest of your life. Our human eyes and brains limit us from perceiving even everyday things with the majesty they deserve. Even popping water balloons looks amazing …

• > the exact mechanics of the animal’s righting reflex are still not completely understood. I don't think this is true anymore. They move their head and tail to rotate themselves upright, and due to their low weight their terminal velocity is not fatal. This video …