High-rise syndrome

From Wikinfo

High rise syndrome is the act of domestic cats careening out of high rise apartments (through open windows) at prey. Acting on instincts, cats naturally pursue prey with speed and alacrity and do not take in consideration their place in high rise buildings. This condition regularly occurs only in large cities which have tall apartment buildings. Suprisingly, the cats that fall from greater heights are less injured than ones that fall from low or medium heights.

From heights, cats of all types, wild and domestic, have an uncanny ability to land on all fours. This is accomplished by common pattern. First, the cat turns his head to the ground. This is done by the eyes and the inner ear. Second, the spine rotates around. Third, the feet follow. And last, the back is arched in order to absorb the fall. The success of the cat in preventing injury is the relaxed state when it lands. Injuries occur when the cat does not have enough time to perform these functions.