Member-only story
Scientifically Speaking, Cats Are a Form of Liquid
The mystery behind “liquid cats” is solved
If you follow me on Twitter, you’ve already seen images of my newest fur-nephew. A bright-eyed and mischievous creamsicle-colored kitten named Felix. My brother and sister-in-law decided to get their other tabby, Pilot, a little brother once they returned from their honeymoon a couple of weeks ago, and just as they thought, Pilot loves his new little brother.
Like all cats, Pilot and Felix turn into liquid sometimes. Or at least, that’s what it seems like — the phenomenon is even known as “liquid cats.” If you haven’t witnessed it, check out this Buzzfeed article with over 22 hilarious examples. It’s as if their bones dissolve and practically melt through our arms when holding them.
This same ability allows them to fit into tiny spaces or contort themselves into seemingly impossible positions that don’t look at all comfortable. I often stare at them in awe and wonder, how do they do this? So, I thought I’d find out.
Anatomy of a Cat
While researching this article, I found the answer to the liquid cat mystery is more involved than I expected. Part of it has to do with a cat’s anatomy, but it also involves a fair amount of physics.
