The Veterinary33 debates Veterinary News

19 November 2025

Dr. Universe explores how cats climb with WSU anatomy expert

The latest installment of Washington State University’s Ask Dr. Universe series scales new heights — literally. In the newest column, WSU’s curious feline scientist investigates the mechanics of cat climbing with insights from Steve Lampa, who teaches small animal anatomy in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

According to Lampa, a cat’s ability to ascend trees and furniture comes down to powerful hind-leg muscles, flexible joints, and retractable claws that function like built-in grappling hooks. Domestic cats even have sharper claws than their wild cousins, helping them move silently and hunt alone.

The column also explores why descending is far trickier, revealing how cats rely on their flexible spines, long tails, and a remarkable “righting reflex” that allows them to twist midair and land on their feet.

Ask Dr. Universe publishes every week, connecting kids’ curiosity with WSU expertise. Read the full story, “How do cats climb?” and explore more science questions at the Ask Dr. Universe website.

Author: Melissa Mayer
Source: https://news.wsu.edu/

Like0

Dislike0

List
Add

Please enter a comment

Name *

Email address *

Comment *

* Required fields

Information on the processing of your personal data
We inform you that, in compliance with the provisions of current national and European regulations for the Protection of Personal Data and Services of the Information Society and Electronic Commerce, by sending us this form you are expressly giving your consent to Grupo Asís Biomedia , SL, (hereinafter, "ASIS GROUP") so that, as the person in charge, it may process your personal data in order to respond to your request for contact and information by electronic means.

Likewise, when you expressly consent, we will process your personal data to send you specialized information, newsletters, offers and exclusive promotions from GRUPO ASIS and related companies.

For the aforementioned purpose, GRUPO ASIS may transfer your data to other companies linked to GRUPO ASIS or to third party service providers for the management of electronic communications and other security services, even in cases where they are outside of the European Union, provided that they legally guarantee the adequate level of protection required by European regulations.

At any time you can withdraw the consent given and exercise the rights of access, rectification, deletion, portability of your data and limitation or opposition to its treatment by contacting GRUPO ASIS by sending an email to protecciondatos @ grupoasis.com, or by written communication to address at Centro Empresarial El Trovador, 8th floor, office I, Plaza Antonio Beltrán Martínez 1, 50002, Zaragoza (Spain), indicating in either case the Ref. Personal data and the right you exercise, as well as attaching a copy of your ID or replacement identification document.

I have read and accept the treatment of my data according to the informed purpose and according Legal notes and the Privacy Policy
I wish to receive commercial information from GRUPO ASIS and related companies

Dislike0

News of interest

AAFP and ISFM Feline-Friendly Nursing Care Guidelines

Drug dose and drug choice: Optimizing medical therapy for veterinary cancer

Innovations in animal health: artificial intelligence-enhanced hematocrit analysis for rapid anemia detection in small ruminants

NC State Student Creates Coloring Book to Help Children Picture Possibilities in Veterinary Medicine

EVENTS

Edrapublishing

About Us Authors Contact Us Legal Notes Privacy Search

Top

Dr. Universe explores how cats climb with WSU anatomy expert

Comments

List

Add

Tag

Related Articles

17 November 2025
Improving access to advanced veterinary care for rescued cats and dogs

Improving access to advanced veterinary care for rescued cats and dogs

12 November 2025
Dechra announces U.S. launch of Solovecin™ (cefovecin sodium), an in-clinic antibiotic solution for skin infections in dogs and cats

Dechra announces U.S. launch of Solovecin™ (cefovecin sodium), an in-clinic antibiotic solution for skin infections in dogs and cats

24 October 2025
Seroprevalence and Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii Infections in Rodents and Cats in Mbeya District, Tanzania.

Seroprevalence and Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii Infections in Rodents and Cats in Mbeya District, Tanzania.

10 October 2025
Prevalence of feline leukemia virus infection and serum antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus in unowned free-roaming cats

Prevalence of feline leukemia virus infection and serum antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus in unowned free-roaming cats

08 October 2025
Improving the feline veterinary consultation: the usefulness of Feliway spray in reducing cats’ stress

Improving the feline veterinary consultation: the usefulness of Feliway spray in reducing cats’ stress

More news

Dial A Vet Crowned Innovation Champion at Finder Awards 2025, Also a Finalist for Tech Innovation

Comparative Ophthalmology - scientific discovery and innovation create synergies for veterinary and human medicine

Relation of Clinical Signs to Pathological Changes in 19 Cases of Canine Distemper Encephalomyelitis

Survey of complications and antimicrobial use in equine patients at veterinary teaching hospitals that underwent surgery because of colic

Clinical and translational research gets boost from Ryley Fund

Newsletter