A physics demonstration in Taiwan took a disturbing turn when a teacher, identified as Mr. Lee Feng, decided to illustrate the principle of the “conservation of angular momentum” using his own cat as a prop. The incident has sparked outrage and prompted discussions on animal welfare and ethical teaching practices.
Mr. Lee’s attempt to showcase the physics concept involved holding his cat, named Laifu, over his head and then abruptly dropping it onto a hard floor in front of his students. While he likely intended to highlight the remarkable ability of cats to land on their feet, the demonstration quickly drew criticism for its potential harm to the animal.
The conservation of angular momentum principle states that an object not initially spinning should not be able to rotate suddenly without external influence. In theory, this means that a cat shouldn’t be able to land on its feet without pushing off against a surface. However, cats possess a natural balancing system known as the “righting reflex,” which enables them to quickly reorient themselves and land safely. Additionally, their flexible spines allow for rapid rotation of the upper and lower body, further aiding in their ability to self-right.
While videos circulating online often show cats successfully landing on their feet after being dropped, these incidents typically involve soft landing surfaces, such as bean bags or sofa cushions. Mr. Lee’s decision to drop his cat onto a hard floor, not once but twice, drew immediate backlash from viewers who condemned his actions as reckless and cruel.
In a video captured by one of his students and posted online, Laifu can be heard hissing as it falls, indicating distress and discomfort. Despite Mr. Lee’s assertion that the experiment was harmless, many criticized his disregard for his cat’s well-being and questioned his judgment as an educator.
Comments on Mr. Lee’s social media platforms expressed outrage at his actions, with some calling for consequences and labeling his behavior as animal abuse. Others highlighted the importance of teaching compassion and respect for all living beings, especially in educational settings.
Following the backlash, Mr. Lee issued a public apology, acknowledging the harm caused to Laifu and expressing regret for his actions. He emphasized that he had taken the cat for a veterinary check-up and made a donation to an animal rescue association as a gesture of remorse. Additionally, Mr. Lee reassured concerned individuals that Laifu sleeps on his bed every night and vowed to provide the best care for the cat moving forward.
While cats have a reputation for landing on their feet, it’s essential to recognize that falls can still pose serious risks to their health and well-being. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and ethical conduct, particularly when animals are involved in educational demonstrations.
