Why do cats always land on their feet when they jump, instead of tumbling over? That’s because when a cat falls from a great height, it extends all four legs sideways as if it is gliding. This exposes a greater surface area to the air below, almost like a tiny parachute. In fact, the reason why cats do not tumble is because of an exceptional sensory system. It immediately tells the cat’s nervous system that it is upside down and falling. Thanks to this, the agile cat twists its body at once for a safer landing.