the cat righting reflex is a cat's natural ability to turn itself around as it falls so it will land on its feet. this righting reflex starts to happen at 3–4 weeks of age. the cat has entirely learned how to do this by 6–7 weeks. cats are able to do this because they have a flexible backbone and a clavicle that does not move. the minimum height needed for this to happen safely in most cats is about 12 inches.