Hungarian scientists from Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest have discovered how cats understand which openings they can fit through. The research was published in the scientific journal magazine iScience.
Experts conducted a series of experiments inviting cats to pass through holes of different widths and heights. They found that the animals were confident in passing through high and narrow passages, but had some difficulties if the passage was too short.
Scientists concluded that cats approach narrow, short openings differently because it makes it harder for them to match their body size to the available space. At the same time, the four-legged pets can squeeze into a gap that’s narrower than their chest.
The researchers noted that the extraordinary “fluidity” of the cat’s body structure is due to the structure of the shoulder girdle. In cats, the shoulder blades are connected to the rest of the body only by muscles, not bones. In addition, a cat’s collarbone is much smaller relative to the rest of the body than in humans and other mammals.
Cats’ whiskers (whiskers) also provide them with information about their environment by helping them pass through small gaps.
Researchers added that domestic cats like to hide in tight spaces to get away from the environment, so you shouldn’t take your pet out unless they’re sick or injured.
Earlier scientists I learnedWhy do some cats have kleptomania?
What are you thinking?
Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.