The cat’s body is able to stretch so freely because it has more bones than a human’s. Cats have 13 thoracic vertebrae, one more than humans, 13 ribs connected to the thoracic vertebrae, also one more than humans, and seven lumbar vertebrae, two more than humans. In addition, as cats are completely carnivorous, their intestines are relatively shorter and their spine is not as demanding as internal support, so they are more supple. Cats are therefore able to achieve an arched body, as if their bodies can contract freely.
