What Happens If You Throw a Cat? A Grim Exploration
Throwing a cat is extremely dangerous and cruel. It can cause severe injuries, psychological trauma, and even death. What happens if you throw a cat? You subject it to immense suffering and violate fundamental principles of animal welfare.
The Cat’s Natural (Limited) Abilities
Cats are renowned for their agility and “righting reflex,” the innate ability to orient themselves during a fall. However, this doesn’t make them invincible. Understanding a cat’s physical capabilities is crucial to grasp the dangers of throwing one.
- Righting Reflex: This remarkable ability allows cats to twist in mid-air and land on their feet. It develops fully around 7 weeks of age.
- Terminal Velocity: A cat’s small size and relatively large surface area-to-weight ratio mean they reach a lower terminal velocity than humans, potentially reducing impact force during a natural fall. This, however, is drastically different from a forceful throw.
- Musculoskeletal System: While flexible, a cat’s bones and joints are still susceptible to fractures, dislocations, and sprains, especially when subjected to unnatural forces.
The Horrors of a Forced Trajectory
The key difference between a natural fall and being thrown lies in the force and control. A thrown cat experiences significant trauma beyond what its natural reflexes can mitigate.
- Impact Injuries: Landing from a throw, regardless of the height, can result in broken bones (legs, ribs, spine), internal organ damage (lungs, liver, spleen), and head trauma.
- Unnatural Positioning: Unlike a natural fall where a cat has time to orient itself, a throw often results in awkward landing positions, increasing the risk of severe injury.
- Psychological Trauma: The experience of being violently thrown is incredibly frightening and stressful for a cat, leading to anxiety, fear aggression, and lasting psychological damage.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
Beyond the immediate physical harm, throwing a cat carries significant ethical and legal implications.
- Animal Cruelty: Throwing a cat constitutes animal cruelty and is illegal in most jurisdictions. Penalties can include fines, imprisonment, and the confiscation of the animal.
- Moral Responsibility: We have a moral obligation to protect animals from harm. Throwing a cat is a blatant violation of this responsibility.
- Societal Impact: Cruelty to animals is often linked to other forms of violence. Acts like throwing a cat contribute to a culture of disregard for living beings.
Understanding the “High-Rise Syndrome” Fallacy
It’s a dangerous misconception that cats always survive falls unscathed. The so-called “high-rise syndrome” refers to cats that have survived falls from considerable heights. However, even these cats often sustain injuries, and survival is not guaranteed. Throwing a cat deliberately removes the element of natural adjustment and dramatically increases the risk of severe injury or death.
Why Throwing a Cat is Never Acceptable
No circumstance justifies throwing a cat. There are always alternative solutions to address any behavioral issues or concerns.
- Behavioral Issues: Consult with a veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist to address any unwanted behaviors.
- Unwanted Pet: Contact a local animal shelter or rescue organization to rehome the cat responsibly.
- Frustration or Anger: Seek professional help to manage anger and find healthy coping mechanisms.
Seeking Help and Reporting Cruelty
If you witness someone throwing a cat or suspect animal cruelty, it’s crucial to take action.
- Report the Incident: Contact your local animal control agency or law enforcement.
- Document Evidence: If possible, safely document the incident with photos or videos.
- Seek Veterinary Care: If you find an injured cat, immediately take it to a veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if you throw a cat?
Throwing a cat can result in severe injuries, including broken bones, internal organ damage, and head trauma. It also causes significant psychological distress and constitutes animal cruelty. Never throw a cat.
Is it true that cats always land on their feet?
While cats possess a remarkable righting reflex that helps them orient themselves during a fall, it’s not a guarantee they will always land on their feet. Furthermore, even when they do, the impact can still cause injuries. Throwing a cat dramatically reduces its ability to utilize this reflex effectively.
Can a cat survive a fall from a high building?
Some cats have survived falls from high buildings, but this is not typical. The severity of injuries depends on various factors, including the height of the fall, the cat’s weight, and the landing surface. Throwing a cat will most likely cause severe injuries or death.
What is “high-rise syndrome” in cats?
“High-rise syndrome” refers to the injuries sustained by cats that have fallen from significant heights. It doesn’t mean they are immune to injury, but rather a recognition of the pattern of injuries seen in such cases. It is never a justification for throwing a cat.
Is throwing a cat considered animal cruelty?
Yes, throwing a cat is absolutely considered animal cruelty in most jurisdictions. It’s a deliberate act that causes unnecessary pain and suffering and is often punishable by law.
What are the potential consequences of throwing a cat?
The consequences for throwing a cat can include fines, imprisonment, and the loss of the right to own animals. The cat itself can suffer severe injuries, permanent disabilities, or even death.
What should I do if I see someone throwing a cat?
If you witness someone throwing a cat, immediately report the incident to your local animal control agency or law enforcement. If safe, document the incident with photos or videos.
Can a cat’s righting reflex prevent injuries from being thrown?
The righting reflex is less effective when a cat is thrown. The unnatural force and trajectory disrupt the cat’s ability to orient itself properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Is it okay to drop a cat from a small height, like a few feet?
Even dropping a cat from a small height can cause injury, especially if the cat lands awkwardly. It’s never okay to intentionally drop a cat, regardless of the height.
What are the psychological effects on a cat that has been thrown?
A cat that has been thrown can experience severe psychological trauma, including anxiety, fear aggression, and post-traumatic stress. These effects can be long-lasting and significantly impact the cat’s quality of life.
Are there any circumstances in which it’s acceptable to throw a cat?
There are absolutely no circumstances in which it’s acceptable to throw a cat. It’s always cruel, inhumane, and potentially deadly.
What alternatives are there to throwing a cat if you’re frustrated with its behavior?
Instead of throwing a cat, seek professional help from a veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist. They can help identify the cause of the behavior and develop a safe and effective training plan. If you cannot care for the cat, contact a local animal shelter or rescue organization for assistance.