There are those who would argue that cats actually qualify as "flying/gliding mammals" (they are included in this list on Wikipedia, for example). Between the jumping, the self-righting, and (at least in the fluffier breeds) the parachuting ability, I think that a dedicated breeding program could probably get us to at least flying-squirrel-class "flying cats" in a relatively short time (maybe less than 50 years). The big question then becomes whether anyone actually *wants* flying cats to exist . . .
I've always been surprised that there hasn't been much specialization in cat breeding. There isn't a breed of cat bred specifically for mousing, for example (at least to my knowledge). Your idea for a flying cat is an interesting one. I think one would need a large house with high ceilings and very tall scratching posts w/ platforms.
There are those who would argue that cats actually qualify as "flying/gliding mammals" (they are included in this list on Wikipedia, for example). Between the jumping, the self-righting, and (at least in the fluffier breeds) the parachuting ability, I think that a dedicated breeding program could probably get us to at least flying-squirrel-class "flying cats" in a relatively short time (maybe less than 50 years). The big question then becomes whether anyone actually *wants* flying cats to exist . . .
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic!!!
ReplyDeleteTim,
ReplyDeleteI've always been surprised that there hasn't been much specialization in cat breeding. There isn't a breed of cat bred specifically for mousing, for example (at least to my knowledge). Your idea for a flying cat is an interesting one. I think one would need a large house with high ceilings and very tall scratching posts w/ platforms.