Terminal Velocity of a Cat (4 kg)
A 4 kg cat with legs spread reaches terminal velocity near 27 m/s, which aligns with observed survival data from falls.
How to use this tool
- Enter mass, gravitational acceleration, drag coefficient cd, fluid density ρ and cross-sectional area a in the fields above.
- Results update instantly as you type — or click Calculate.
- Read your terminal velocity and the full breakdown beneath it.
Cats instinctively spread their limbs when falling, increasing their cross-section and lowering terminal velocity enough to survive many falls.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a typical skydiver terminal velocity?
- In a spread-eagle position (Cd≈1.0, A≈0.7 m²) around 55–60 m/s (200 km/h). Head-down (Cd≈0.7, A≈0.3 m²) can reach ~80 m/s (290 km/h).
- What drag coefficient should I use?
- Sphere: 0.47, cube: 1.05, flat disk: 1.17, skydiver prone: ~1.0, streamlined body: 0.04–0.1.