The Remarkable Agility of Cats: Mastering the Art of Squeezing into Tiny Spaces

Whether hunting, hiding or simply resting, cats are masters in the art of slipping into narrow spaces. Their flexibility and agility are often compared to those of a liquid, capable of molding itself to its environment. This behavior is linked to a series of physical and behavioral characteristics that distinguish them from other animals.

Anatomical flexibility in cats: a key mechanism

Cats owe their incredible ability to squeeze through narrow spaces to a unique anatomical structure. Their shoulder girdle is particularly flexible, because unlike that of humans, it is not attached to the rest of the skeleton by bones, but only by muscles.

This difference allows their shoulders to move with great freedom, giving them the ability to fit their bodies into very small openings. In humans, the shoulder blades and collarbones provide rigid support for the muscles of the arm, but in cats, these bones are smaller and are not directly connected to the rib cage.

Studies conducted in 2014 relayed by Livescience, including those of physicist Marc-Antoine Fardin, even compared the flexibility of cats to that of a liquid. He won the Ig Nobel Prize for this humorous research, but it highlights an essential physical characteristic: the ability of cats to “mold” themselves into spaces according to their shape.

Other more recent research in 2024 showed that cats, when approaching narrow spaces, adjust their posture and speed depending on the size of the opening. This proves that they are able to mentally represent the size of their own body and estimate their ability to pass through holes that, at first glance, seem too small for them.

In addition, their spine, composed of extremely flexible intervertebral discs, allows them to contort themselves with impressive flexibility. This combination of a loose bone structure and powerful musculature makes cats capable of entering spaces where other animals of the same size would be unable to pass.

The importance of whiskers and sensory perception

Another key factor in cats' ability to judge small spaces is the use of their vibrissae, or whiskers. These hairs, which are thicker and deeper into the skin than the rest of their fur, play a crucial role in helping cats navigate tight spaces.

At the base of each whisker are nerve endings that allow cats to gather precise information about their immediate environment. Thanks to them, cats can assess the size of an opening without even having to stick their head through it.

Studies show that these whiskers are so sensitive that they allow cats to detect air movement, which is especially useful when navigating tight spaces. In fact, a cat can gently move its whiskers forward to feel the walls of a hole or passage before inserting the rest of its body. This sophisticated sensing system is an evolutionary adaptation that not only helps them assess their surroundings, but also evade predators and hunt small prey in cramped hiding places.

An evolving capacity for hunting and survival

Cats have evolved with the ability to squeeze into tight spaces, not only for their own protection, but also to maximize their chances of capturing prey.

In nature, small spaces serve as hiding places for many prey animals such as mice, and a cat's ability to enter these spaces gives it a distinct evolutionary advantage. By slipping into holes or cracks, the feline can easily surprise its prey while remaining safe from predators.

Furthermore, this ability to hide in small spaces also has an important function in terms of survival. In a stressful situation, a cat will feel safer in a small space where it can observe its surroundings while remaining invisible to others. This is why, even in a domestic environment, cats continue to look for hiding places in confined spaces such as boxes or drawers.

Finally, data shows that domestic cats spend nearly 70% of their time sleeping or resting, and they often prefer to do so in enclosed spaces. Providing them with these hiding places at home can greatly reduce their stress levels, which promotes their overall well-being.