12/19/12

Abstract

By: Lee Thomas Penn

-Son of-

Thomas Lee Penn

Abstract

            Biologists and physicists routinely emphasize the importance of throwing cats; however, few empirical studies have investigated the trajectory arcs of feline flight. In the present study, we observed the performance of 75 cats as they were propelled from the Calibrated Ballistic Cat Launcher engineered at the University of Minnesota. Phenomena examined include flight path, air resistance, and amount of midair turns. Two variables – feline vocal level and length of claws – were also revealed to be important elements of the model. The results of this study have implications for practices of pet owners and zookeepers. Overall, findings provide support for further exploration of the growing field of cat physics.